2017 Hyundai Tucson: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

Known problems on the 2017 Hyundai Tucson

No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.

2017 Hyundai Tucson recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

• BrakesPark outsideFire risk

  An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

  Details 20V543000

  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.

  Fix: 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.

• Engine & coolingFire risk

  A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 21V727000

  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.

  Fix: 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.

• Electrical

  If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 16V842000

  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."

  Fix: 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.

2017 Hyundai Tucson safety investigations and free repairs

No open safety investigations.

Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):

• Paint: Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
• Engine: Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions.
• Warranty extension: Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
• Screen and audio: Certain 2018 – 2019 model year Accent and certain 2016 – 2017 model year Tucson vehicles may display various Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate.
• Airbags: Certain 2018-2020MY Accent (HC) and 2016-2018MY Tucson (TL) vehicles may experience inoperable Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and have Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the ECM.

1 more in the full VIN report.

A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2017 Hyundai Tucson safety and fuel

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

1,086 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

Other Hyundai Tucson years

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024