Hyundai Tucson years to avoid and best years
Newer Hyundai Tucson years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 150 (1,619 complaints). 2016 through 2017 are in that same range. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 5 (from 227 complaints), 2014 at 6 (from 201 complaints), and 2013 at 6 (from 266 complaints). The Hyundai Tucson 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 318 of 1,619 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2015
2014
2013
2025–26
Hyundai Tucson reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Hyundai Tucson. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 5 | — | 32.6 |
| 2025 → Too early | 142 | 283 | 6 | Forward collision avoidance | 32.4 |
| 2024 → | 32 | 96 | 4 | Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance | 32.6 |
| 2023 → | 33 | 133 | 2 | Electrical system | 32.6 |
| 2022 → | 71 | 381 | 3 | Fuel and propulsion system | 33 |
| 2021 → | 9 | 79 | 1 | Engine | 24 |
| 2020 → | 24 | 177 | 1 | Engine | 24 |
| 2019 → | 52 | 379 | 1 | Engine | 24.3 |
| 2018 → | 21 | 395 | 1 | Engine | 24.5 |
| 2017 → | 84 | 1,086 | 3 | Engine | 29.4 |
| 2016 → Most | 150 | 1,619 | 5 | Powertrain | 29.4 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 5 | 227 | 1 | Engine | 28.4 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 6 | 201 | 2 | Engine | 23 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 6 | 266 | 3 | Engine | 23.2 |
| 2012 → | 9 | 255 | 3 | Engine | 23.2 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.0L and 1.6L turbo per manual) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/60R17 to 245/45R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for mid-generation years (especially 2016) concentrate on the power train and engine. Safety recall 20V-543 covers certain 2016-2021 Tucson vehicles: the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) can corrode internally and short, with a possible engine-compartment fire; dealers replace the HECU fuse, and for 2019-2021 also update ESC software, while owners are advised to park outside until remedied. Safety recall 16V-628 covers certain 2016 Tucsons with the 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission that may fail to move after repeated accelerator tip-in in heat; dealers update TCM software. Safety recall 16V-348 covers certain 2016 Tucsons whose secondary hood latch may not hold if the primary latch is released, so the hood can open while driving; dealers replace that latch.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L and 1.6L turbo hybrid/PHEV where equipped)
- Tire size
- 235/60R18 to 245/45R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 21V-938 covers certain 2022 Tucson vehicles whose Integrated Central Control Unit software could leave headlights or taillights inoperative; dealers updated that ICU software. Safety recall 23V-038 covers certain 2022 Tucson (and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz) vehicles whose roof moldings may detach and become a road hazard; dealers inspect and replace or secure the moldings. Safety recall 23V-526 covers certain 2023-2024 Tucson vehicles among other Hyundai models: the Idle Stop & Go electric oil-pump controller may overheat and raise fire risk; owners should park outside until dealers inspect and replace the controller as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Tucson years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 5 (from 227 complaints), 2014 at 6 (from 201 complaints), and 2013 at 6 (from 266 complaints).
Which Hyundai Tucson year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 150 (1,619 complaints). 2016 through 2017 are in that same range. On the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 318 of 1,619 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Hyundai Tucson owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Hyundai Tucson years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Hyundai Tucson years are too early to compare?
The Hyundai Tucson 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Tucson take?
5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.0L and 1.6L turbo per manual)
What does NHTSA recall 20V-543 cover on the Hyundai Tucson?
Safety recall 20V-543 covers certain 2016-2021 Tucson vehicles: the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) can corrode internally and short, with a possible engine-compartment fire; dealers replace the HECU fuse, and for 2019-2021 also update ESC software,…
What generation is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
3rd generation (TL) (2012-2020).