Hyundai Tucson Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Avoid the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 Hyundai Tucson, which have the highest complaint indexes (75-100) and multiple recall campaigns. The 2006-2009 models score as Good, while most middle years fall into Caution due to Do Not Drive/Park Outside recalls or elevated complaint counts.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2016Avoid 2017Avoid 2018Avoid 2019Avoid 2022Avoid 2025
- Model years
- 21
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 6,207
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Crashes reported
- 232
- Fires reported
- 142
- Top problem area
- Engine
Tucson Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Tucson problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 30 | 185 | 12 | 3 | 8 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2006 | Good | 25 | 135 | 15 | 3 | 5 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2007 | Good | 10 | 65 | 7 | 2 | 5 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2008 | Good | 5 | 43 | 5 | 5 | 1 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2009 | Good | 0 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 21 | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 15 | 59 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24.5 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 20 | 124 | 5 | 3 | 5 | Engine | 23.5 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 50 | 255 | 12 | 13 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 55 | 266 | 16 | 18 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 35 | 201 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Engine | 22.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 45 | 227 | 7 | 8 | 1 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 95 | 1,619 | 14 | 25 | 5 | Transmission & Powertrain | 27 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 85 | 1,086 | 13 | 26 | 3 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 75 | 396 | 13 | 9 | 1 | Engine | 24.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 80 | 379 | 15 | 11 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 60 | 177 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 40 | 79 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 90 | 381 | 25 | 4 | 3 | Fuel System | 29 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 70 | 133 | 12 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 65 | 96 | 12 | 0 | 4 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 28 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 283 | 32 | 1 | 6 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 28 | 5★ |
Tucson years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Hyundai Tucson Index 100 · 283 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2025 Tucson has the highest complaint index of any year, 100, driven by Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints at 53% of the total with a median failure mileage of just 4,500. Owners described forward collision systems braking suddenly at low speeds with no obstacle present, and one reported a steering wheel detaching from the dashboard after a rear collision. Six recall campaigns apply, including software fixes for the instrument panel display and front camera, plus improperly installed side curtain airbags.
2025 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2025 electrical system problems →2025 brakes problems →
2016 Hyundai Tucson Index 95 · 1,619 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2016 Tucson has a complaint index of 95, the second-worst of any year, with 1,619 total complaints. Transmission & Powertrain problems make up 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 7,498 miles, and owners reported transmission overheat warnings with smoke, sometimes recurring multiple times. Engine issues, including sudden unintended acceleration, account for 31% of complaints. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for this year, including a transmission control module software update and a trailer hitch wiring harness replacement.
2016 transmission & powertrain problems →2016 engine problems →2016 structure & body problems →
2022 Hyundai Tucson Index 90 · 381 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2022 Tucson has a complaint index of 90 with 381 complaints and the highest crash and injury counts among Tucson years covered here: 25 crashes and 54 injuries. Fuel System complaints lead at 36%, with a median failure mileage of 34,219, alongside Engine complaints at 33%. Owners reported engine fires after collisions with animals, stuck accelerator pedals leading to crashes, and airbags failing to deploy in side impacts. Three recall campaigns apply, covering a tow hitch wiring harness, roof moldings, and headlight software.
2022 fuel system problems →2022 engine problems →2022 transmission & powertrain problems →
2017 Hyundai Tucson Index 85 · 1,086 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2017 Tucson carries a complaint index of 85. Engine problems dominate at 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 48,000, including reports of engine fires and connecting rod bearing wear that led to a recall for engine inspection or replacement. Transmission & Powertrain complaints occurred much earlier, at a median of 8,000 miles. Owners also reported sudden acceleration events and fuel odor followed by fire. Three recall campaigns apply to this year, including the HECU fuse brake recall shared with other model years.
2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2019 Hyundai Tucson Index 80 · 379 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 Tucson has a complaint index of 80. Engine complaints are 54% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 40,790, including reports of fires shortly after purchase and loss of acceleration at highway speed. Brakes complaints (32% of the total) had a much lower median mileage of 19,250, including a report of inoperative service brakes and a failed anti-collision braking system. This year shares the HECU fuse brake recall with 2016-2021 models.
2019 engine problems →2019 brakes problems →2019 electrical system problems →
2018 Hyundai Tucson Index 75 · 396 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2018 Tucson has a complaint index of 75. Engine complaints make up 65% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 60,000, and owners described engines stalling, smoking, and catching fire, plus sluggish performance after repairs. Transmission & Powertrain complaints surfaced earlier, at a median of 15,800 miles. One recall covers a brake HECU fuse replacement affecting the anti-lock braking system.
2018 engine problems →2018 transmission & powertrain problems →2018 brakes problems →
Most common Hyundai Tucson problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine2,679 (43%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1,209 (19%)
- Other822 (13%)
- Electrical System813 (13%)
- Brakes760 (12%)
- Structure & Body606 (10%)
- Fuel System411 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras298 (5%)
- Airbags187 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires140 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Tucson should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 Tucson. These years have complaint indexes between 75 and 100, the highest among all 21 model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Tucson?
- No Tucson year earns a Best verdict. The 2006 through 2009 models are the highest-rated, at Good, though their verdicts are capped because complaint records for those years are less complete.
- Does the Hyundai Tucson have a transmission recall?
- Yes. The 2016 Tucson had a recall for the 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission control module software, tied to driving conditions that could cause transmission overheating.
- Is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- The 2022 Tucson has a complaint index of 90, one of the highest among Tucson years, with 381 complaints and the highest crash and injury totals in the dataset. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Tucson model years.
- What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Tucson?
- Across all model years, Engine complaints are the most common, accounting for 43% of the 6,207 total complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 19%.
- Does the Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
- NHTSA has 2,679 engine complaints for the Hyundai Tucson across model years 2005–2025, 43% of all 6,207 complaints. The 2017 model year has the most (662).