Hyundai Tucson Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2025 Hyundai Tucson years, which post complaint index scores of 93, 80, 87, and 100 respectively out of the model's 16 model years. Best years are 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2021, all with low complaint indexes and no fires linked to major failures.
Avoid 2016Avoid 2017Avoid 2022Avoid 2025Best 2010Best 2011Best 2014Best 2021
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,761
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Crashes reported
- 190
- Fires reported
- 129
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Best | 0 | 59 | 3 | 2 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24.5 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 7 | 124 | 5 | 3 | 5 | Engine | 23.5 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 40 | 255 | 12 | 13 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Good | 47 | 266 | 16 | 18 | 3 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Best | 20 | 201 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Engine | 22.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Good | 27 | 227 | 7 | 8 | 1 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 93 | 1,619 | 14 | 25 | 5 | Transmission & Powertrain | 27 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 80 | 1,086 | 13 | 26 | 3 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 67 | 396 | 13 | 9 | 1 | Engine | 24.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 73 | 379 | 15 | 11 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 33 | 177 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 13 | 79 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 24 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 87 | 381 | 25 | 4 | 3 | Fuel System | 29 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 53 | 133 | 12 | 1 | 2 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 60 | 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 worst complaint index in the lineup at 100, with 283 complaints, 32 crashes, and 19 injuries despite being the newest model year. Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints lead at 53% share, median failure mileage just 4,500 miles, with owners describing forward collision systems braking suddenly at low speed or failing to warn before a crash. Electrical System complaints follow at 26% share. NHTSA lists six recalls, including software fixes for the instrument panel display and front camera forward collision software, plus an airbag installation recall.
2025 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2025 electrical system problems →2025 brakes problems →
2016 Hyundai Tucson Index 93 · 1,619 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2016 Tucson has the second-worst complaint index at 93, driven by 1,619 total complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems make up 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 7,498 miles, and owners describe overheating warning lights and smoke while driving. Engine complaints account for 31% at a median 32,000 miles. NHTSA lists five recalls, including a 2016V628000 transmission control module software update for the 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission and a brake HECU fuse recall. Structure and body complaints, often tied to trailer hitch wiring, add another 24% share.
2016 transmission & powertrain problems →2016 engine problems →2016 structure & body problems →
2022 Hyundai Tucson Index 87 · 381 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2022 Tucson carries a complaint index of 87 from 381 complaints, with 25 crashes and 54 injuries, the highest injury count of any year. Fuel system complaints lead at 36% share with a median failure mileage of 34,219 miles; owners describe fuel odors and fires. Engine issues follow at 33% share. NHTSA recalls include 21V938000 for ICU software that could disable headlights, 23V038000 for detaching roof moldings, and a later tow hitch wiring harness recall allowing water intrusion.
2022 fuel system problems →2022 engine problems →2022 transmission & powertrain problems →
2017 Hyundai Tucson Index 80 · 1,086 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2017 Tucson ranks fourth-worst with a complaint index of 80 across 1,086 complaints and one reported death. Engine problems dominate at 61% share with a median failure mileage of 48,000 miles, including reports of engine fires and sudden unintended acceleration. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 27% share, failing at a much lower median of 8,000 miles. NHTSA recalls include 21V727000 for premature connecting rod bearing wear that can damage the engine, plus the shared brake HECU fuse and trailer hitch wiring recalls.
2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →2017 electrical system problems →
Most common Hyundai Tucson problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine2,577 (45%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1,177 (20%)
- Other784 (14%)
- Electrical System733 (13%)
- Brakes692 (12%)
- Structure & Body550 (10%)
- Fuel System387 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras297 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers103 (2%)
- Airbags96 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Tucson should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2025 Hyundai Tucson. These years have complaint index scores of 93, 80, 87, and 100, the highest among all 16 model years covered.
- What are the best Hyundai Tucson years?
- The 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2021 Tucson have the lowest complaint indexes, at 0, 7, 20, and 13 respectively, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- The 2016 Tucson has a complaint index of 93, the second highest of any Tucson year, with 1,619 total complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems failed at a median of just 7,498 miles.
- Does the Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
- Engine issues are the top problem area across all Tucson years, accounting for 2,577 complaints, or 45% of the 5,761 total complaints tracked by NHTSA.
- Is the 2025 Hyundai Tucson having issues?
- Yes. The 2025 Tucson has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, mostly from Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints (53% share), with a median failure mileage of only 4,500 miles.