Best and worst Hyundai Tucson years — which to avoid

The Tucson is one of the best-selling SUVs from Hyundai, but buying one can often get messy if you opt-in for a model year affected by major problems. Since there have been some problematic model years reported so far, your best buying advice is to go for one of the more reliable and best-rated options.

Our team will help you with that through this guide on the best years to buy and worst Hyundai Tucson years to avoid as we dig deeper into NHTSA submissions and complaints, model year ratings, and reliability scores.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Hyundai Tucson years

First things first, we have to explain why you can trust our reviews and advice received by our team of experts. The number one reason is – we derived all of the information on Hyundai Tucson’s reliability and safety ratings from reputable sites and platforms like NHTSA.

We also wanted you to have all the details behind official recalls scheduled by Hyundai since these tell you which issues may have persisted over the years. Along with that, we also focused on checking and comparing various platforms like Edmunds and KBB for Hyundai Tucson ratings by year, and we also considered first-hand ownership details from forums, so here’s our list:

Most common Hyundai Tucson problems

For an SUV of its category, Hyundai Tucson is a fairly reliable model, but it still has a few complaints and common reliability issues reported over the years. To let you know which years you should avoid at all costs, we first need to identify those issues, so here’s a quick tour:

1. Defective airbag control module

In the event of an accident, the airbag control module controls the release of the airbags. The only way you can tell that you have this problem is when you are in an actual situation where your airbags are supposed to be deployed.

Have your mechanic check the module and airbag compartment to be on the safe side. That way, you can replace or fix the issue without being uncomfortable realizing you had the case in the first place.

2. Knocking engine

The Tucson most severely affected by the knocked engines is the 2017 model. The problem is a fire hazard and often ends with a complete engine failure.

Faulty connected rod bearings caused the engine to knock on Tucson, and that’s one of the main symptoms of rod knock. Hyundai recalled almost 96,000 vehicles badly affected by this issue, including an engine control software update with a Knock Sensor Detection System. The detection system monitored the engine for ‘rod knock’ and gave drivers enough warning to deal with the problem in its early stage before it broke down at odd places.

3. Faulty EVAP temp sensor

The responsibility of the evaporator (EVAP) sensor is to prevent the evaporator from freezing by detecting and stopping cold generation when it reaches a specific temperature. In the case of the evaporative emissions system leak, improper control of gas emissions could lead to failed emissions tests. Replacing the EVAP sensor should cost you at most $500, labor costs included. 

4. Transmission issues

The worst problem you can encounter in Tucson is transmission issues. 2016 and 2017 Tucson are the most affected by this issue out of all the model years.

Drivers complain that the vehicle would start with poor acceleration after a stop, jerk,  hesitate and then launch forward. Hyundai had to recall the 2016 Tucsons equipped with a 7-speed Ecoshift Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) as they were the most affected by the issue.

The solution they preferred was reprogramming the DCT with updated software. It was adequate for some affected cars, but some drivers complained that it was only a temporary fix.

5. Failed speed sensor

If your Tucson shifts erratically and the engine light is on, your speed sensor could be having issues. The reason why faults with the sensor affect shifting is because it is located within the transmission system. Replacing the sensor is inexpensive, so change it as soon as possible. However, while the speed sensor isn’t working, you may also see that the speedometer isn’t working since it operates based on speed sensor readings.

6. Engine failure

Engine failure is one problem you should look out for in Tucson. The most complaints about engine failure came from drivers using 2012, 2013 and 2014 models, leading to a recall campaign for the affected vehicles.

It is a thorny problem as drivers have reported the engine stalling in the middle of a drive on the highway before proceeding to fail at some point. The engine also made noises which distracted a lot from the ride’s comfort. Fixing the issue means replacing the engine, which costs at least $5,000. 

7. Faulty forward collision system

The purpose of the forward collision system is to reduce the effects of a forward collision or prevent it. It alerts the driver if they need to use the brake or automatically engages the brake itself.

The system has been known to have hiccups on the Tucson and other Hyundai vehicles. Drivers have complained of their vehicles giving them a scare with sudden brake engagement in the middle of a highway at high speeds. Others report that the system needs to be more sensitive to recognize danger before it’s too late.

The problem is attributed to issues with the software. Provided your warranty is still valid, you can fix the issue at a Hyundai dealership for free. 

Worst Hyundai Tucson years to avoid

Tucson is famous for being fearless in incorporating new technologies and changes. Some of these changes are executed excellently, but some are different from what anybody expected. Therefore, when purchasing a Tucson, you can’t help but wonder – what are the worst Hyundai Tucson years?

The worst Hyundai Tucson years are 2016 and 2017, but we’ll give you a complete brief of the worst-rated options below:

• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018

Of course, we won’t just leave you hanging there – our team will break down all of the issues that plagued those model years and made them unreliable for future buyers.

Second-generation Tucson (2011-2013 model years)

The second generation of the Hyundai Tucson was not its best. The problems they were prone to develop were quite severe.

For instance, Hyundai recalled many 2011 Tucson primarily due to a transmission problem. The transmission fluid cooler hose had manufacturing defects which caused a transmission leak.

Hyundai also had to recall many vehicles from the 2011 to 2013 model years for an oil pan leak. The leak increased the risk of engine damage and a fire outbreak.

They also had a severe issue with airbags which Hyundai had to issue another recall in 2014. The safety risk for the 2011 and 2012 Tucson is quite alarming. As such, they are best left alone as they are a significant hazard to a driver no matter how careful they are. 

Third-generation Tucson (2016-2018 model years)

The first two models of Tucson’s third generation carried over the problems of the second generation with some extra intensity. The top three issues the 2016 Tucson had were with the transmission, engine and speed control. Some drivers even describe the 2016 model as the worst Tucson produced.

The 2017 model was no better than the 2016 model. Most of the 2017 Tucson had defective rod bearings, which wear prematurely, placing drivers and their passengers at risk of a fire or engine failure. Hyundai had to recall all affected vehicles, which amounted to almost 100,000 cars, to have the rod bearings changed.

Among all the worst years Hyundai had encountered with the Tucson, 2017 tops them all. However, its main issue was identified and is more easily fixed than the others mentioned here.

The one model you should avoid at all costs is that of 2016. Its engine and transmission issues are severe and a huge safety risk. It is also one of the models with severe cases of acceleration problems.

What are the best Hyundai Tucson years to buy?

When looking for a Tucson to buy, especially from the used market, it is essential that you know which models of the Tucson are the best so you spend your money wisely. Below are the best Tucson Hyundai ever produced:

• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

The 2016 model marked a turning point for the Tucson lineup. Since then, Hyundai has significantly improved on Tucson, making it the best seller we know and love today. The absolute best Tucson model ever produced is 2009.

2009 Hyundai Tucson

The 2009 Tucson is a top-of-the-line among reliable picks as it received a sub-50 record of NHTSA complaints, which is simply staggering. The model has now been available on the used market for a while and there are no hidden issues that could occur that we haven’t faced already

Due to its excellent driver reviews and reliability scores, as well as sturdy engine and transmission options, it’s the best long-term selection to keep the money in your pocket, and the car out of repair shops.

Is the Hyundai Tucson worth buying? 

Some drivers consider Tucson to be overpriced. However, comparing it with the competition reveals that they give value that equals the price to the last cent.

It also holds great resale value, making it an excellent investment. If you want to buy it from the used market, you will find it an advantageous vehicle. With the proper care and maintenance, the Tucson lasts up to 15 years on average.

Let’s hit pause and sift through our essential reads on Kia Sportage years to avoid, Chevy Equinox years to avoid, and Ford Escape years to avoid. We’re all about matching you with a car that’s not just a purchase, but a partner in all your road adventures. Flip through our guides to navigate the car landscape with ease, ensuring your next pick is a celebration of smart, joyful driving.