YearToAvoid

2017 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 662 engine complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, 61% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 48,000. A related recall (21V727000) covers premature connecting rod bearing wear that can damage the engine.

Engine complaints
662
61% of 1,086
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
21
Injuries reported
8
Median mileage
48,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving at highway speed, followed by smoke from under the hood.
  • Engine compartment fires developing after a stall, sometimes with visible flames while the vehicle is still moving or shortly after stopping.
  • Screeching noise from the front of the vehicle preceding smoke and fire under the hood.
  • Vehicle stalling at low speed (20-25 mph) while merging, accompanied by white smoke turning gray or black.
  • White smoke emitting from the engine at a complete stop when the accelerator is pressed, followed by stalling and warning lights illuminating.

When 2017 Hyundai Tucson engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 11, 2016, latest Sep 21, 2026.

2017 Hyundai Tucson engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter412016 Q42018 Q12019 Q22020 Q32021 Q42023 Q12024 Q22025 Q3
662 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q4 (41).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson

  1. 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.

Engine complaints by Tucson model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201010 (17%)
  2. 201147 (38%)
  3. 2012172 (67%)
  4. 2013160 (60%)
  5. 2014114 (57%)
  6. 2015126 (56%)
  7. 2016504 (31%)
  8. 2017662 (61%)
  9. 2018256 (65%)
  10. 2019204 (54%)
  11. 202075 (42%)
  12. 202143 (54%)
  13. 2022124 (33%)
  14. 202333 (25%)
  15. 202423 (24%)
  16. 202524 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA lists 662 engine complaints for the 2017 Tucson, which is 61% of the 1,086 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes. Recall 21V727000 covers connecting rod bearings inside the engine that may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found.
At what mileage do 2017 Tucson engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 48,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Tucson.
Did the 2017 Tucson engine problems cause fires or crashes?
NHTSA records 21 fires, 6 crashes, and 8 injuries linked to complaints in this engine problem area for the 2017 Tucson.
Is the 2017 Tucson's engine complaint rate higher than other years?
The 61% share for 2017 is close to 2018's 65% and 2012's 67%, but higher than the 2016 Tucson's 31% and the 2025 Tucson's 8%, based on NHTSA data by model year.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.