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2017 Hyundai Tucson: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Updated 2026-10-22. Based on NHTSA and EPA records. Published by Humblebee.

The 2017 Tucson has 1,092 owner complaints with NHTSA, the second-most of any Tucson year[1][2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a delay or jerk when pulling away from a stop, often on nearly new cars[3][4]. It earns a 5-star overall crash rating, but check that the engine bearing and ABS fire recalls are done before you buy[5][6][7].

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,092 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Tucson[1]. Of those, 13 mention a crash, 26 a fire, 14 an injury and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car, so the group counts below overlap.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine 616[8] 60,000[8]
Power train 291[3] 8,000[3]
Unknown or other 138[9] 14,100[9]
Speed control 88[4] 11,500[4]
Electrical system 84[10] 29,575[10]
Fuel/propulsion 75[11] 11,000[11]

Hesitation when pulling away. In a sample of power train complaints we read, owners describe pressing the gas at a stop, in a turn or at low speed and getting no response for a moment or several seconds[3]. Sometimes the engine revs while the car barely moves, and then it jerks or lunges forward[3]. Owners describe the same thing in the engine, speed control and electrical groups too[8][4][10]. Some owners in the complaint sample blame the transmission[3][4]. The 1.6L turbo is listed with an Automatic (AM7) transmission[12].

It shows up early. Power train complaints have a median failure mileage of just 8,000[3]. Speed control and fuel/propulsion complaints are close behind at 11,500 and 11,000[4][11]. That points to a drivability issue on nearly new cars, not normal wear. Some owners in the sample said the dealer found nothing wrong, called it normal, or tried a software update that only partly helped[3][4].

Engine trouble later on. Engine complaints have a much higher median of 60,000 miles[8]. This group holds 21 of the fire reports and the one reported death, which also appears in the electrical group[8][10]. Some owners describe stalling or cutting out at low speed, and one owner in the sample describes a fire under the hood[8]. An engine recall for worn connecting rod bearings covers this year, so check its status (see below)[6].

Other complaints. In the electrical complaints we read, owners describe infotainment glitches, a blacked-out backup camera and power loss, along with more of the same hesitation[10]. Brakes (48) and structure (42) draw far fewer complaints[13][14].

Recalls

There are 3 recalls on file for the 2017 Tucson[2]. All repairs are free at a Hyundai dealer[6][7][15].

Whether a given car got these repairs depends on that car. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before you buy.

Fuel economy

Fuel economy depends on which engine and drive the car has. The 1.6L turbo is listed with an Automatic (AM7) transmission and the 2.0L with an Automatic (S6)[16][12].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
Eco FWD, 1.6L turbo 26 / 32 / 28[17] $2,400[17]
FWD, 1.6L turbo 25 / 30 / 27[12] $2,500[12]
Eco AWD, 1.6L turbo 25 / 30 / 27[18] $2,500[18]
FWD, 2.0L 23 / 30 / 26[16] $2,600[16]
AWD, 1.6L turbo 24 / 28 / 25[19] $2,700[19]
AWD, 2.0L 21 / 26 / 23[20] $2,900[20]

The Eco FWD is the most efficient gas version at 28 MPG combined[17]. The 2.0L AWD is the thirstiest at 23 MPG combined[20]. The yearly costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2017 prices.

There was also a hydrogen Tucson Fuel Cell, rated 50 MPGe with 265 miles of range[21]. It runs on hydrogen, not gasoline[21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave the 2017 Tucson strong crash ratings. Both the AWD and FWD versions earned 5 stars overall, 5 stars frontal and 5 stars side[5][22]. Rollover is rated 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 16.2% for AWD and 15.5% for FWD[5][22].

How 2017 compares with other years

Among Tucson model years, 2017 has the second-highest complaint count at 1,092, behind only 2016 with 1,625[2]. Later years drop off sharply, with 399 for 2018 and 385 for 2019[2]. Before 2016, no year had more than 266 complaints[2].

Model year Complaints Recalls
2015 229[2] 2[2]
2016 1,625[2] 5[2]
2017 1,092[2] 3[2]
2018 399[2] 1[2]
2019 385[2] 1[2]

Complaints are highest for 2016 and 2017 and much lower from 2018 on[2]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so compare them only across Tucson years.

Should you buy a used 2017 Tucson?

The 2017 Tucson is safe in a crash, with 5-star overall ratings[5][22], and the turbo versions are fairly efficient at up to 28 MPG combined[17]. Its weak point is drivability. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe delayed take-off from a stop, often early in the car's life[3][4]. It also has an engine bearing recall with fire and stall risk, plus an ABS unit fire recall[6][7]. If you are shopping for one, confirm with the VIN that all recall work is done, and test-drive it from a stop, in turns and when merging. If the car hesitates or lunges, think twice or ask a mechanic to check it before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine complaints are the largest group at 616, followed by power train at 291[8][3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe hesitation when pulling away from a stop, sometimes followed by a jerk or lunge forward[3][4].
What recalls are there for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
Three: 21V727 for engine connecting rod bearings[6], 20V543 for an ABS control unit that can short and cause a fire[7], and 16V842 for accessory trailer hitch wiring[15]. Repairs are free[6][7][15].
What MPG does a 2017 Tucson get?
From 23 MPG combined for the 2.0L AWD to 28 MPG combined for the Eco FWD[20][17].
Is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
It has the second-most complaints of any Tucson year, 1,092, behind only 2016[2]. Later years such as 2018 and 2019 have far fewer[2].
Is the 2017 Tucson safe?
Yes, in crash tests. NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[5][22].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,092 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson (13 mention a crash, 26 a fire, 14 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Complaints and recalls on file with NHTSA for each Hyundai Tucson model year: 2005: 185 complaints / 8 recalls, 2006: 135 complaints / 5 recalls, 2007: 65 complaints / 5 recalls, 2008: 43 complaints / 1 recalls, 2009: 18 complaints / 1 recalls, 2010: 59 complaints / 4 recalls, 2011: 124 complaints / 5 recalls, 2012: 255 complaints / 3 recalls, 2013: 266 complaints / 3 recalls, 2014: 202 complaints / 2 recalls, 2015: 229 complaints / 2 recalls, 2016: 1,625 complaints / 5 recalls, 2017: 1,092 complaints / 3 recalls, 2018: 399 complaints / 1 recalls, 2019: 385 complaints / 1 recalls, 2020: 179 complaints / 1 recalls, 2021: 80 complaints / 1 recalls, 2022: 506 complaints / 3 recalls, 2023: 181 complaints / 2 recalls, 2024: 150 complaints / 4 recalls, 2025: 441 complaints / 7 recalls, 2026: 98 complaints / 5 recalls. NHTSA recall database
  3. 291 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 88 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. Recall 21V727 (2021-09-17): Engine. Potentially affected units: 95,515. 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. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 20V543 (2020-09-04): Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module . Potentially affected units: 652,024. 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. NHTSA recall database
  8. 616 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 21 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 138 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 84 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 5 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,575). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 75 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. 48 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 42 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,125). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 16V842 (2016-11-21): Trailer Hitches. Potentially affected units: 6,172. 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. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 2L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Tucson Eco FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Tucson Eco AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 2L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Tucson Fuel Cell, PEM, Automatic (A1), Hydrogen: 50 MPGe combined, 265 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.