2017 Hyundai Tucson recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. 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."
What could happen: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 TUCSON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Hyundai dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V842000 (manufacturer code 153).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-633-5151.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
What could happen: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 letter…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 TUCSON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Hyundai dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V727000 (manufacturer code 209).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-855-371-9460.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The 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…
What to do
- Park outside, away from houses, garages and other cars — there is a fire risk even when the vehicle is off.
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 TUCSON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Hyundai dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V543000 (manufacturer code 195).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-855-371-9460.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2017 Hyundai Tucson owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (618), Transmission / drivetrain (291), Unknown Or Other (138), Vehicle Speed Control (88), Electrical system (84).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/15/2026 · Engine
engine failure even though this car has always had oil changes at 110,000 miles. I would like the company to fix this since i am not the first to complain about this. I still have the car parked.
10/14/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and oil contami…
10/07/2026 · Electrical system
While going down the highway at around 72 mph , my car went into limp mode. I was unable to accelerate, the brake and wheel locked. And then the engine light began flashing. The limp mode , non acceleration, and flashing engine light have happened twice before this instance. The first two times the pulled the P1326 knock sensor code and replaced it. Did the…
10/04/2026 · Engine
Unknown believe it engine was replaced due to engine knock
09/30/2026 · Engine
Failed Component: Engine assembly / internal powertrain (specifically, a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2 causing severe engine knocking and risk of mechanical seizure). The vehicle is available for inspection, the complete vehicle and affected engine assembly are intact and available for inspection upon request at CMA's Hyundai of Lexington Pa…
09/29/2026 · Engine
Vehicle was operating normally and when arriving at a gas station to refuel the vehicle would not start after turning off. Vehicle was towed to the dealership (Larry Miller Hyundai Albuquerque, and a seized motor was described as the discrepancy. No further maintenance has been performed.
09/21/2026 · Engine
I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving my daughter's 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX], with approximately 77,940 miles. The vehicle experienced an engine failure beginning with the illumination of the oil-pressure warning light and Check Engine Light, followed by a pronounced engine knocking noise. The vehicle subsequently could not continue runni…
09/18/2026 · Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement due to a separate issue; however, during the service, the dealer discovered that the front axle was leaking and noted that the steering was becoming stiff. The contact had not experienced any issues prior to the vehicle being taken to the dealer. The contac…