2017 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 837 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 837
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 9
- Fires
- 23
- Injuries
- 6
- Median mileage
- 63,099 mi at time of problem
Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 560 of 837 complaints (67%).
- Transmission & Drivetrain (133) and electrical system (68) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 63,099 mi.
- Owners reported 9 crashes, 23 fires and 6 injuries.
- The 2017 Hyundai Tucson has 3 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
- It ranks 2nd of 22 Hyundai Tucson model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 21% fewer complaints than the 2016 model year (1,060).
2017 Hyundai Tucson problems by category
- Engine · 2 crashes560 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 2 crashes133 complaints
- Other / Unknown114 complaints
- Electrical System · 2 crashes68 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash54 complaints
- 46 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash42 complaints
- Brakes · 1 crash39 complaints
- Wheels & Tires · 1 crash7 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech7 complaints
- Steering7 complaints
- Airbags · 2 crashes6 complaints
- Lighting6 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts6 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers3 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 545 |
| Power train | 130 |
| Unknown or other | 113 |
| Electrical system | 66 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 44 |
| Vehicle speed control | 39 |
| Structure:body | 39 |
| Service brakes | 20 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2017 Hyundai Tucson recalls (3)
- 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · TRAILER HITCHES
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."
Risk: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
NHTSA defect investigations
- DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine …
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2017 Hyundai Tucson complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 7, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
While going down the highway at around 72 mph , my car went into limp mode. I was unable to accelerate, the brake and wheel locked. And then the engine light began flashing. The limp mode , non acceleration, and flashing engine light have happened twice before this instance. The first two times the pulled the P1326 knock sensor code and replaced it. Did the update, and sent me on my way saying it was fine. Now this most recent time (the 3rd time), the engine has failed. A…
NHTSA complaint #11769530 · source - Filed Sep 30, 2026MDEngine
Failed Component: Engine assembly / internal powertrain (specifically, a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2 causing severe engine knocking and risk of mechanical seizure). The vehicle is available for inspection, the complete vehicle and affected engine assembly are intact and available for inspection upon request at CMA's Hyundai of Lexington Park: [XXX] Safety Risk: A rod bearing failure causes violent engine knocking, severe loss of engine power, and eventual…
NHTSA complaint #11768090 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2026NMEngine
Vehicle was operating normally and when arriving at a gas station to refuel the vehicle would not start after turning off. Vehicle was towed to the dealership (Larry Miller Hyundai Albuquerque, and a seized motor was described as the discrepancy. No further maintenance has been performed.
NHTSA complaint #11767720 · source - Filed Sep 21, 2026MNEngine
I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving my daughter's 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX], with approximately 77,940 miles. The vehicle experienced an engine failure beginning with the illumination of the oil-pressure warning light and Check Engine Light, followed by a pronounced engine knocking noise. The vehicle subsequently could not continue running. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed an engine failure. I am aware of Hyundai Safety…
NHTSA complaint #11765992 · source - Filed Sep 18, 2026NYSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement due to a separate issue; however, during the service, the dealer discovered that the front axle was leaking and noted that the steering was becoming stiff. The contact had not experienced any issues prior to the vehicle being taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had damaged the vehicle during the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the…
NHTSA complaint #11765392 · source - Filed Sep 7, 2026INEngineOther / Unknown
Vehicle is losing a lot of oil. But there is no oil leaking on the ground. Upon looking at the safety recall, it says it might be fire hazardous. I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Vehicle run rough and also hear sounds.
NHTSA complaint #11762626 · source - Filed Aug 24, 2026MAEngine
I have a 2017 Hyundai Tucson with a 1.6 turbo engine, and I have been experiencing massive oil consumption. Oil is coming out of the tail pipe with occasional big puff of smoke out of the tailpipe. Skipping and hesitation during acceleration, rough cold start, I have previously had the check engine light on with a multiple misfire code. I changed the plugs and the coils, and it did not resolve the problems. I then took it to the mechanic, and he told me that the car has to…
NHTSA complaint #11759212 · source - Filed Aug 24, 2026MDEngine
Franchise dealer Preson Hyundai is actively obstructing a court-ordered settlement tracking test for an engine burning 2.0 qts internally, forcing a young driver with child to operate an oil starving vehicle at risk of highway engine seizure and fire.
NHTSA complaint #11759112 · source
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Other 2017 Hyundai models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology