VehicleVerdict

2017 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,445 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median Tucson year — the 2017 model ranks #2 of 22 Tucson years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (603 of 1,445), far ahead of transmission at 288. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,445

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

38

Fires reported

24

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine60342%
Transmission28820%
Other1369%
Speed Control876%
Electrical System866%
Fuel System765%
Brakes483%
Body & Structure423%
Lighting151%
Latches & Locks151%
Airbags101%
Visibility & Wipers81%
Driver Assistance81%
Tires & Wheels81%
Seats50%
Steering50%
Seat Belts30%
Suspension20%

Does the 2017 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V727000EngineSeptember 17, 2021 · 95,515 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V543000BrakesSeptember 4, 2020 · 652,024 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

16V842000Trailer HitchNovember 21, 2016 · 6,172 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ENGINE FIRE. PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY THE CAR WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF OUR GARAGE. SMOKE WAS ISSUING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. OPENING THE HOOD REVEALED A FIRE FROM UNDER THE ENGINE TOP COWLING AND ON THE FELT HOOD LINER. A FIRE EXTINGUISHER (A,B,C) IN THE GARAGE WAS USED TO QUICKLY EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 23, 2017 · fire

“The transmission slipped when I try to change lines from the right to the left to turn left into a parking lot. I slow down to look if no one was coming, and whennI try to accelerate the transmission slipped the car behind me speed up to pass me thats when I lost power and my vehicle stop and they…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 20, 2021 · crash

“Was driving to work when I stopped at a light in traffic and my engine turned off. The battery and oil pressure light turned on. Started to see smoke under the hood and 5 minutes later the entire front end of the car was on fire.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 19, 2022 · fire

“AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. AFTER WHICH TIME THE CAR ACCELERATED THROUGH MY GARAGE AND HIT ME, PINNING ME AGAINST THE WALL OF MY GARAGE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. THE ACCELERATION THEN SUBSIDED AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 9, 2018 · crash

“My truck was stolen so most likely they messed up my ignition. Before this my lights keep going out every time I replace one a different one goes out. Wheel always going out of air and my truck always jerking when driving or breaking. I am a victim of the “Kia and Hyundai” boys in Baltimore…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 6, 2023 · crash

2017 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,445 complaints put the 2017 model at #2 of 22 Tucson years. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (603 complaints), transmission (288 complaints), other (136 complaints).

Does the 2017 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.