Tucson (TL)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Hyundai Tucson Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GDI Theta II
2.4L 4-cyl / 181 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.6-I4-Gas
1.6L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 175 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 164 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
DOHC THETA ii
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Tucson regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 3,591 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Tucson engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,591 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 3,591 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 — 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 Engine, Transmission, 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.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Tucson?
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.2% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,591 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.