Hyundai

Tucson (TL)

2016-2021 · Compact SUV ยท 3 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.7)
6,112 NHTSA Complaints
6 Recalls
118 Fire Reports
86 Crash Reports
Includes data from: TUCSONTUCSON FUEL CELL
View all 4 generations of the Hyundai Tucson → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

GDI Theta II

2.4L 4-cyl / 181 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
230 complaints 57.0 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
84
engine
75
electrical
29
safety systems
25
other
19

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (84 complaints)
Engine Issues (75 complaints)
Typical onset: 32,416โ€“95,799 mi
Electrical System Issues (29 complaints)

GDI Nu

2.0L 4-cyl / 164 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
168 complaints 42.0 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
100
brakes
30
transmission
21
other
15
electrical
15

Known Issues

Engine Issues (100 complaints)
Typical onset: 47,000โ€“82,000 mi
Brakes Issues (30 complaints)
Transmission Issues (21 complaints)

T-GDI GAMMA

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 175 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
1,637 complaints 545.7 per year Gasoline
15 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
696
engine
556
body
208
other
176
electrical
152

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (696 complaints)
Typical onset: 5,000โ€“40,000 mi Est. repair: $300โ€“$2,000 (16 reports)
Engine Issues (556 complaints)
Typical onset: 35,636โ€“95,750 mi Est. repair: $288โ€“$5,000 (44 reports)
Body/Trim Issues (208 complaints)
Typical onset: 49,510โ€“94,000 mi Est. repair: $850โ€“$1,525 (8 reports)

2 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Hyundai Tucson regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (742 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (731 complaints)
engine critical
Body/Trim Issues (208 complaints)
body moderate
Electrical System Issues (196 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (114 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (6)

21V727000Sep 16, 2021serious
Engine

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

20V543000Apr 8, 2020serious
Service Brakes

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

16V628000Aug 29, 2016serious
Powertrain

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.

16V348000May 23, 2016serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, if the primary hood latch has been released, and the vehicle is driven, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.

16V842000Nov 20, 2016serious
Electrical System

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

16V147000Oct 2, 2016serious
Exterior Lighting

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle's engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson problems?

The 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson has accumulated 6,112 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Hyundai Tucson engine is most reliable?

The 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson a good used car?

The 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 6,112 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson have?

The 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson has 6,112 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson?

There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Tucson?

Before buying a used Hyundai Tucson, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Tucson have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 6,112 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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