Tucson (TL)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 164 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.6-I4-Gas
1.6L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 175 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GDI Theta II
2.4L 4-cyl / 181 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hyundai Tucson Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
DOHC THETA ii
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Tucson, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson
On a used 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (1,606), the transmission and drivetrain (964) and the body and structure (460). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,606 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 964 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 460 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson about the body and structure.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 414 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 314 owner complaints on the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson about the brakes.
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 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 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.
Show 1 older recall
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."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson complaints?
Owners have filed 3,741 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the body and trim.
Is the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 3,741 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA has 3,741 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Tucson?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 3,741 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.