The 2017 Hyundai Tucson has plenty to offer, thanks to its advanced safety features. However, the compact SUV has some reliability problems, including a flawed transmission with stuttering, early motor wear that prompted recalls, and an open investigation due to engine fire.
Key Points
- The 2017 Hyundai Tucson, part of its third generation, has three recalls, over 500 owner complaints, and one open investigation registered with the NHTSA covering engine fire.
- Recalls cover premature engine wear that could cause stalls, trailer brakes that may stay illuminated, and ABS units at risk of sparking an engine fire.
- The most widespread defect with the 2017 Tucson is its faulty dual-clutch transmission, which can cause unresponsive acceleration, slipping gears, and jerking.
- Common Tucson engine problems include excessive oil consumption.
- Although Tucson is a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, its reliability issues can create dangerous situations.
Infamous Dual-clutch Transmission on 2017 Tucson Can Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions
Several Hyundai models, like the Sonata, Veloster, and the Tucson, suffer from dual-clutch transmission (DCT) problems.
Hyundai’s defective DCT can cause unresponsiveness, delayed acceleration, shaking, failure to engage gears, and/or loss of power.
Hyundai’s dual-clutch transmission has a history of problems that, in many cases, is caused by defects in the transmission control module.
The most common failure occurs when the transmission control module misinterprets data from the vehicle’s sensors, resulting in a miscalculation of the correct gear and shift timing leading to the issues mentioned above.
Most of the 202 powertrain-related complaints registered by the NHTSA point to transmission problems, with some concerning owner testimonies.
“The vehicle’s transmission sputters and takes 2-4 seconds to accelerate. This consistently happens both from a dead stop and at low speeds. This transmission/dual-clutch lag has almost caused at least 3 accidents…” states one owner in their registered NHTSA complaint.
Engine Issues are the Second Leading Cause of 2017 Tucson Owner Complaints
With 184 owner complaints registered with the NHTSA and several Hyundai forums detailing problems such as stalling and excessive oil consumption, the engine has been a recurring source of trouble for 2017 Tucson drivers.
According to Car Complaints, hesitation to accelerate is one of the things that Tucson drivers have reported the most. Symptoms often include sputter and jerky movements while depressing the accelerator or failing to accelerate.
Unfortunately, many drivers also highlight that some Hyundai dealerships couldn’t replicate the problem or refused to honor the recall and/or warranty in several cases.
Still, since these engine problems pose a fire risk, they have prompted a recall and one open investigation at the NHTSA. The investigation covers fire incidents that appear to have originated in the engine compartment under various non-crash-related circumstances.
Excessive Oil Consumption is Another Common Engine Problem in the Tucson
Several of the most common Tucson engine problems have to do with excessive oil consumption. Some symptoms of excessive oil consumption in the third-generation Tucson include low oil levels and low pressure, blue smoke, a distinct burnt smell, and, in more severe cases, the car seizing.
In a Reddit thread, one owner details how his Tucson is constantly burning oil, consuming up to one liter of oil every 600 miles. But, again, the Hyundai dealership did not acknowledge the problem.
In the case of oil leaks, these can originate in the oil pan due to a loose plug that can fall out or between the engine and transmission due to a defective crankshaft oil seal.
Despite Several Reliability and Safety Concerns, the Tucson Remains a Popular Used Compact SUV
When the 2017 Hyundai Tucson debuted, drivers were happy with its comfortable ride, better-than-average fuel economy, and a peppy engine lineup, especially the 175 horsepower turbocharged 1.6L. As a result, Tucson quickly became a sought-after vehicle in the used car market.
Still, despite scoring a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, the 2017 Tucson is a vehicle that some drivers consider unsafe to drive today. The Tucson earned such a reputation among owners due to reliability concerns and the unwillingness of some Hyundai dealers to address these problems.
So, if you’re considering a 2017 Tucson, be diligent and do your research before buying one. You must ensure all the recalls have been addressed and be mindful of the vehicle’s maintenance records. Otherwise, you’ll end up frustrated and disappointed, like many owners have after owning Tucson.
Photos: Hyundai