2017 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2017 Hyundai Tucson ranks 4th worst of 21 model years with a complaint index of 85 and 1,086 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 61% of complaints, with median failure mileage around 48,000 miles, plus three recalls covering engine, brakes, and wiring.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 85/100
- #4 of 21 Tucson years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,086
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 26
- Injuries
- 14
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 25 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 14 / 1
Top 2017 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine662 (61%)
- Transmission & Powertrain290 (27%)
- Other139 (13%)
- Electrical System93 (9%)
- Fuel System77 (7%)
- Structure & Body61 (6%)
- Brakes50 (5%)
- Airbags10 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (1%)
- Visibility & Wipers8 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported while parked or driving, including smoke and flames from under the hood at highway speed.
- Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, sometimes followed by smoke or fire from the engine.
- Unintended acceleration or vehicle lurching in driveways or parking lots, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Electrical system failures causing loss of power that owners link to collisions.
- Fuel odor and warning lights preceding a vehicle fire while driving at highway speed.
- Airbags failing to deploy during a frontal crash.
2017 Hyundai Tucson recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V727000Sep 17, 2021Engine95,515 vehicles
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.
- NHTSA 20V543000Sep 4, 2020Brakes652,024 vehiclesPark Outside
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.
- NHTSA 16V842000Nov 21, 2016Structure & Body6,172 vehicles
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.
2017 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- Compared to other Tucson model years, 2017 ranks poorly. It has a complaint index of 85, the 4th worst of 21 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 61% of all complaints (662 of 1,086), with a median failure mileage of 48,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 Hyundai Tucson have an engine recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 21V727000 covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely and cause engine damage in the 2017 Tucson.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Tucson have?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2017 Tucson, covering the engine, brakes (ABS module fuse), and trailer hitch wiring harness.
- Are there other Tucson years worse than 2017?
- Yes. The 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 model years also carry Avoid verdicts, with 2025 having the highest complaint index at 100.