The Hyundai Tucson is a reliable family vehicle, but the compact SUV reportedly has persistent problems with its engines in 2014 models and slipping transmissions on 2016 editions. Recalls over the past decade address bad brakes, leaking oil pans, and malfunctioning circuitry.
Key Points
- The Hyundai Tucson rarely generated more than one or two recalls for each of its production years running from 2005 to 2022.
- Minor recalls over the past decade include a corroding anti-lock brake control unit, bad connecting rod bearings in the Hybrid engine, and leaking oil pans that lead to fires.
- A slipping transmission on the 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Tucson demanded a recall and service campaign to reprogram the control module.
- The 2.0L and 2.4L GDI Theta II engines included on the 2014 to 2019 models are subject to seizing and were the focus of a successful class-action lawsuit against Hyundai.
- Overall, the Hyundai Tucson is known as a reliable SUV with minimal problems despite some high-profile issues.
Recalls for the Hyundai Tucson SUV Range from Corroding ABS Controls, Bad Bearings in the Hybrid, Loose Airbags, and a Leaking Oil Pan
In general, the compact Hyundai Tucson generates very few recalls, but the ones that exist can be alarming. The most recent recall applies to the 2016 to 2020 model years for a corroding antilock brake control unit that can cause a fire. Owners will have the failing part replaced and the software updated.
Engine fires associated with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid generated a recall for bad connecting rod bearings. The bearings damage the engine which may lead to a stall or fire. Hyundai replaces the worn engines free of charge if they notice wear and tear.
Loose airbag assemblies in the 2011 to 2014 model years recalled vehicles to the service center. Technicians tightened the steering wheel bolts to ensure proper function.
The 2011 to 2013 Hyundai Tucson features a recall for leaking oil pans that could lead to an engine fire. The dealer replaced the faulty oil pan. They also installed a new oil pressure switch to prevent a recurrence of the dangerous situation.
Also, the 2006 to 2011 Hyundai Tucson is part of a huge recall affecting 1.7 million vehicles for a bad stop lamp switch. The brake lights didn’t always illuminate when the pedal is pressed.
At other times, the push-button start would not work. Sometimes the malfunctioning switch allowed the gear shift to move out of park without the brakes engaged. Replacing the switch restored proper function to the light, transmission, and ignition system.
Drivers Complain that the Transmission in the 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Tucson Slips Resulting in a Recall and Service Campaign to Reprogram the TCU
Perhaps the most alarming complaint that resulted in a recall pertains to the dual-clutch transmission on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson ECO. This year garnered over 1,000 complaints and nearly half of them refer to the slipping transmission.
Considering that the campaign applies to 41,000 of the 89,000 SUVs produced that year, the high percentage of owners filing a report indicates the severity of the issue.
Drivers reported that the SUV failed to accelerate from a full stop. It might lose power at low speeds, or have every warning light on the dash illuminate. Some had high-temperature readings in the transmission. Others felt a violent thunk as the transmission missed a shift.
Hyundai issued the recall in August of 2016. It covered vehicles built between May 2015 and May 2016 with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A transmission control module update provided a fast and effective fix.
Even if it sounds like Hyundai addressed the situation, drivers are still logging new reports at the NHTSA. Including owners of the 2017, which is not part of the recall. A separate service bulletin addresses slipping transmission problems for other years not included in the original recall.
Aging Theta II Engines in 2014 to 2019 Hyundai Tucson can Reportedly Seize, and 2016 and Newer Models May have Electrical Hiccups
More owners of older Tucson SUVs are reporting problems with their engines. Starting in 2015, two-thirds of the reported complaints at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration refer to a bad engine. Drivers report that the engine will seize, fail to start, or see oil coming out the tailpipe.
Mechanics find metal shavings in the combustion chamber from failed pistons. Owners pay up to $7,000 to have the engine rebuilt or replaced. The failures start as early as 40,000 miles.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against Hyundai over 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 Hyundai Tucson models equipped with a 2.0L or 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. Owners and drivers that filed a claim received warranty extensions, reimbursements for repairs, rebates on new vehicles, and other compensation.
The suit did not take these cars off the road. So, if you are looking at a Hyundai Tucson in those model years, thoroughly inspect its repair history and engine.
A minor but persistent problem found starting with the 2016 year is electrical issues. While there is no single system that is shorting out, more than 10% of complaints reference electrical systems. Issues include frozen door locks, melting wires, warning lights with no clear cause, and faulty tire pressure monitoring.
Avoid the Theta II Engine and the Slipping Transmission and Enjoy a Dependable Compact SUV
When you review the entire history of the Hyundai Tucson back to 2005, it is a model with relatively few recalls and problems. Better yet, issues found in one year or generation rarely appear in later versions. The big-ticket items that you want to avoid when shopping for this mid-size SUV include the problematic Theta II GDI engine from 2014 to 2019 and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for 2016 and 2017. Otherwise, most recalls are minor and should be addressed at the dealership before you buy.
Photos: Hyundai