Gone are the times when the Tucson seemed like a shy and fearful little SUV. Over the years, the Tucson grew in popularity, and it forged its path by becoming more and more technologically advanced, good-looking, and smart. However, we are not here for the looks. This blog will reveal all the common problems of the Hyundai Tucson during the last 13 years. Below is a short recap of this article if you are in a rush!
The most common problems of the Hyundai Tucson lie in its engine compartment. Certain engine problems can lead to complete engine failures. We also detected several automatic transmission problems, especially on the newer EcoShift DCT transmissions. The 2016-2017 model year Tucson has problems with the door latches and power windows.
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If you are not in a rush, we highly advise you to stick around and read all the problems in detail. We will showcase actual NHTSA owner’s reports, all the recalls, and the potential costs of repairs. Keep reading!
1. Severe Engine Problems
Unfortunately, we have to start this list of Tucson’s common problems by addressing the numerous engine problems that plagued the Tucson in the last decade. Like many other Hyundai and Kia models, the Tucson received the infamously bad Theta II engine, labeled as the 2.0L and 2.4L GDI/MPI engine.
Oil leaks
Specific 2011-2013 model years Tucson’s were affected by severe engine oil loss problems. This came as a consequence of poorly designed oil pans and gaskets. The loss of engine oil often came as a surprise, resulting in complete engine failure.
Hyundai launched the 181 recall campaign to remedy this serious issue (NHTSA campaign 19V063000). This campaign assured the owners of the affected vehicles with a replacement of the oil pan or oil pan gasket.
Based on our research, many more vehicles were affected than defined in the scope of the recall campaign.
Premature Rod Bearing Failure
Perhaps even more severe and even more widespread was the issue of premature wear on the rod bearings. This issue first started as a mysterious knocking of the engine, and it quickly led to several owners having a seized engine due to a complete failure of the rod bearings.
As the engine seized, the driver lost all power while driving, severely increasing the crash risk. Strangely enough, Hyundai only recalled specific 2017 model year Tucsons, despite the numerous reports of other model years having the same issues with the Theta II engine.
With the Hyundai recall campaign number 209 (NHTSA campaign number 21V727000), the owners either received a new engine or a software update that contained a new Knock Sensor Detection System which identified the development of this issue before there was catastrophic damage.
Based on numerous NHTSA reports, the same problem also affects the 2018 model year vehicles.
2. Transmission & Powertrain Issues
Vehicles made between July 22, 2010, and October 31, 2010, were prone to transmission fluid leaks. Due to a poorly manufactured transmission cooler hose, many owners faced transmission fluid leaks.
If the leak was not detected, the transmission could face severe damage. Additionally, if enough transmission fluid leaks out, the vehicle can come to a complete stop, increasing the chances of a crash. This problem was resolved with the 2016 Hyundai recall number 139 (NHTSA campaign 16V057000).
We have also seen more than 100 NHTSA complaints regarding the transmission issues in later model years of the Tucson. Most of the complaints are regarding erratic transmission behavior. An owner of a 2016 Tucson reports:
The transmission will fail to deliver power to the wheels when starting from a stop. You will hit the gas and nothing will happen for a beat, before kicking in suddenly. this creates a safety issue, especially when turning left, as it can leave you stranded in front of traffic.
NHTSA ID Number 11433107
3. DCT Transmission problems
Hyundai first introduced the DCT (dual clutch transmission) in the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, though it’s used in many of their other vehicles including the Hyundai Ioniq. Eventually, the lighter, faster, and more economical DCT transmission found its way into the Tucson. The combination looked fantastic on paper when paired with the 1.6L Turbo engine.
We said on paper for a reason. Due to a software issue, many owners of vehicles with these transmissions reported problems with delayed engagement and general juddering of the transmission. This increases the risk of an accident, and many owners feel unsafe driving these cars.
If you check all the powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tucson here, you will find that there are 448 complaints regarding the powertrain, and most of those report DCT transmission problems.
Hyundai launched recall campaign 149 (NHTSA campaign 16V628000), which affected the 2016 model year Tucsons made between May 20, 2015, and May 31, 2016. According to Hyundai, certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle not to move when pressing the gas pedal.
Hyundai offered an update to the Transmission Control Module to resolve the issue. However, this is far from the only issue. Many owners report problems with prematurely failing dual clutch packs and other problems that were not in the scope of this recall.
If you are in the market for a Tucson with an EcoShift DCT transmission, ensure it works smoothly. Any juddering, hesitation, and other symptoms can indicate serious transmission problems.
4. ABS & General Braking Problems
We can’t go past the serious ABS problems. It wasn’t until 2022 that Hyundai recognized the severe issues with the ABS module, which could result in an electrical short and potentially an engine fire.
Due to the nature of the problem, Hyundai asked the owners not to park in garages or near any buildings in case of a fire when the vehicle was turned off. With the Hyundai recall number 218 (NHTSA campaign number 22V056000), Hyundai replaced the ABS multi-fuse on the affected vehicles.
A similar issue, which could also result in an engine compartment fire, affected the 2016-2021 model year Tucson. Recall number 195 (NHTSA campaign 20V543000) resolved the issue within the Anti-Lock Brake Hydraulic Control Unit, which could corrode internally and cause an electrical short.
Apart from these 2 recalls, there are no other common problems with the braking system. If you are in the market for a Tucson, make sure you run the VIN and ensure that both of these recalls were carried out.
5. Problems With Door And Hood Latches
A common issue of the 2016-2017 Tucson are the failing door actuators and latches. More than 100 people have filed NHTSA complaints similar to the one below:
Both the rear driver side and rear passenger side door lock actuators have failed, making it impossible to open either door from inside or outside the vehicle. This is very dangerous in general, but especially young children are in the backseat.
NHTSA ID Number 11481596
No official recalls have been released from Hyundai to handle this issue apart from the Hyundai recall campaign number 145 (NHTSA campaign number 16V348000). This recall affected specific 2016 model year Tucson’s, and it fixed the faulty secondary hood latch, which should restrain the front hood in case the primary hood latch was not closed properly.
6. Window Regulator Issues
Continuing with the 2016 Tucson’s problems, more than 100 people filed NHTSA complaints regarding the common issues with the malfunctioning power window assemblies. Both the windows motors and regulators are prone to failure, and replacing them is not exactly cheap.
According to our research and reports from owners’ forums, it costs roughly 500$ per window for a new motor/regulator. To see how widespread this issue is, visit this owner’s forum thread or read the numerous NHTSA reports.
7. Airbag-Related Problems And Complaints
When it comes to airbags, there are two recalls we need to point out. The first one is relevant if you are in the market for a 2010 model year Tucson. If you ever carry a passenger weighing more than approx. 240 pounds, the passive occupant detection system might trigger the airbag warning light.
If the airbag warning light is activated, it will still deploy the airbag if there is a crash; however, it will also deploy the airbag if a child is in the passenger’s seat. This highly increases the risk of injury for a child passenger. Refer to the NHTSA campaign number 10V061000 for more information.
Specific newer 2011-2014 model year Hyundai Tucson’s came with a loosely mounted airbag assembly in the steering wheel. If there is a crash, a poorly mounted airbag assembly might deploy in a way that increases the chances of injury. Service centers inspected and tightened the bolts in the airbag mounts after the release of the Hyundai recall number 118 (NHTSA campaign number 14V245000).
8. Stop Lamp Switch Problems
A stop lamp switch is a seemingly simple and not-so-important component that you find in most modern cars. However, it is quite the opposite.
If a stop lamp switch malfunctions, not only do the brake lights stay illuminated at all times, or they do not illuminate at all, a plethora of other systems also malfunction. When it fails, the driver cannot disengage the cruise control by pressing the brake pedal, the driver can also shift out of park without applying the brake, the stability control system malfunctions, and the car’s start/stop button might also malfunction.
The 2006-2011 Tucson model year vehicles were part of the Hyundai recall number 110 (NHTSA campaign number 13V113000), which addressed the issue of malfunctioning stop lamp switches.
9. Steering Problems
Throughout the years, there have been common NHTSA complaints due to problems with the steering column. Several owners complain about the clicking sound in the steering column. This can come as a consequence of loosened steering column bolts.
If you are in the market for a Hyundai Tucson, inspect the steering system by turning the steering wheel from left to right and observing if there are any unusual sounds.
10. Headlight Issues On The 2022 Tucson
Specific 2022 model year Tucson’s may come with nonfunctioning headlights and taillights. This came due to incompatible software in the integrated central control unit. This seriously increased the crash risk, forcing Hyundai to launch a recall campaign.
The Hyundai 214 recall campaign number (NHTSA campaign number 21V938000) resolved this issue by releasing a software update which resolved this issue.
11. Malfunctioning Tow Hitch Harness
The Tucson can be great for towing; however, certain 2016 model-year Tucsons equipped with the accessory trailer hitch harness and the trailer hitch did have specific problems.
The first problem was related to the turn signals. When the brake light was activated simultaneously with the turn signal, the turn signal stopped flashing (remained illuminated), or it did not illuminate at all. This was resolved with a replacement tow hitch harness in the Hyundai recall campaign number 142 (NHTSA campaign 16V147000).
The second problem affected the 2016-2017 model year vehicles, which were also equipped with the accessory trailer hitch harness. Due to a fault in the tow hitch module, the brake lights on the trailer stayed constantly illuminated. This issue was also resolved with a recall campaign that instructed the dealerships to replace the faulty trailer hitch harness (Hyundai recall number 153, NHTSA campaign number 16V842000).
Sources
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/4%25252520DR/FWD%2525252FAWD
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/FWD#complaints
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/FWD#complaints
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/FWD#investigations
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/AWD#recalls
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/HYUNDAI/TUCSON/SUV/AWD
He is the founder and owner of LifeOnFour.co, where he focuses on transmission-related articles. Furthermore, he finished a 4-year program to be an auto mechanic at the Technical Education Centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and worked for six years as a floor manager of a transmission specialist repair shop in Nova Gorica, Slovenia.