NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear too quickly, potentially causing engine damage.
This page covers 4 recalls, 1063 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson.
23–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and powertrain complaints dominate what owners report for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, making up the bulk of the more than a thousand complaints filed. The most commonly described engine symptoms include stalling at stops and at highway speeds, rough idling, shaking or hesitation during acceleration, and difficulty starting. Multiple owners report the engine shutting off unexpectedly at red lights or while merging onto highways. Powertrain complaints frequently describe transmission hesitation, shuddering, and sluggish engagement, sometimes accompanied by the engine struggling to hold RPMs. A smaller but recurring set of complaints under vehicle speed control involves the engine cutting out or losing power during highway driving. Several owners also report sudden and dramatic engine failures, loud noises followed by smoke and mechanical damage, though these appear to represent a more severe end of the complaint spectrum rather than the most common experience. A number of reports mention multiple warning lights illuminating alongside the stalling events.
1,063
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
26
Fire-Related
12
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Hyundai Tucson has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire and stall risks: a brake control unit that can corrode internally and short-circuit, and an engine that can fail due to premature bearing wear.
The anti-lock brake system's hydraulic electronic control unit can develop internal corrosion that causes an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment with no warning to the driver. The engine concern, which affects vehicles with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine, involves connecting rod bearings inside the engine wearing down faster than they should. As the bearings degrade, the engine may produce an abnormal knocking noise and the oil pressure warning light may come on. If the vehicle continues to be driven, the engine can seize or fail entirely, cutting power while moving and raising the risk of a crash. Oil escaping from a failing engine onto hot engine components can also start a fire. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and the recall population was later expanded to include additional model years. On a less critical note, certain vehicles equipped with a factory trailer hitch have a wiring issue that can cause the trailer's brake lights to stay lit continuously, which may confuse drivers following behind.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear too quickly, potentially causing engine damage.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine, replace it if bearing damage is found, and install a software update with a new knock sensor detection system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings in the 2.0L Nu GDI engine wear prematurely, causing engine knocking noise or oil pressure warning light. Continued driving risks engine failure, sudden power loss, and inability to restart. A damaged rod may puncture the engine block and leak oil.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine for bearing damage and replace the engine if needed. The engine control module software will also be updated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can corrode internally, causing an electrical short that may start an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse and update ESC software on 2019-2021 models at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tow hitch module may malfunction, causing trailer brake lights to stay on constantly instead of operating normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
