Out on the road, you never have to look far for a Hyundai Tucson. The Korean manufacturer’s compact SUV has become an American staple thanks to its roomy interior, affordable price, and plethora of features (especially for the price point). This winning formula has made it a popular choice to this day, with it being one of the top 20 best-selling vehicles in the US for the first quarter of 2026.

Just because they’re popular, however, doesn’t mean they’re always a smart buy. Some Tucson vehicles are plagued with reliability issues depending on their model year, engine, transmission, and trim. In particular, the third generation (sold from 2016 through 2021) has been troublesome for owners. Early turbocharged versions used a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission known for hesitation and shuddering. Later versions offered a 2.4-liter Theta engine connected to Hyundai’s wider history of bearing-wear concerns. To make matters worse, certain 2016-2021 Tucsons were also included in an ABS fire-risk recall.

Of course, not every Tucson is destined for an unexpected breakdown, but it’s worth being careful if you’re thinking of buying one: a careful VIN check, service-history review, and pre-purchase inspection can go a very long way. In this guide, we’ll go over the Hyundai Tucson problems associated with this model line from Hyundai Motor Company to watch out for, the best and worst model years, plus how an extended warranty can help if you already own one.

Second Generation (2010-2015): What to Know

If you’re looking for a used Hyundai Tucson, the second generation avoids the seven-speed DCT used in certain third-generation models. Automatic-equipped versions used a conventional six-speed automatic rather than the seven-speed DCT later offered on certain third-generation models.

The transmission might be okay, but the engine still requires some caution. This generation of Tucson offered 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines from its Nu and Theta families, the latter of which became associated with premature connecting-rod bearing wear, engine seizure, and fire risk.

As a result, certain 2010-2013 Tucsons with the 2.4-liter engine and certain 2014-2015 Tucsons with the 2.0-liter engine were included in Hyundai engine inspection, software, and warranty-extension programs. Some models were also included in ABS recalls over electrical-short and fire concerns.

Providing you’re aware of all this, a well-maintained second-generation Tucson can still be a solid investment. Just make sure to check the VIN for any open recalls, confirm any relevant work has been carried out, and have the vehicle inspected for things like oil loss, engine noise, air-conditioning problems, suspension wear, and electrical faults.

Third Generation (2016-2021): Where the Problems Concentrate

The third generation of Tucsons is a real problem zone, because major transmission, engine, and fire-related risks appear across different years and trims.

For 2016 and 2017, the base SE models used a 2.0-liter Nu engine with a six-speed automatic and standard FWD layout. Eco, Sport, and Limited trims paired a 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma engine with a seven-speed DCT. That transmission remained available even on some 2018 models, and ultimately became associated with shuddering, hesitation, harsh shifting, and delayed acceleration.

The turbo-DCT setup was dropped for 2019, but the risk didn’t exactly go away. The refreshed 2019-2021 Tucson used conventional six-speed automatics with either a 2.0-liter Nu engine or a 2.4-liter Theta engine. Same as with earlier generations, these engine families appeared in Hyundai programs addressing connecting-rod bearing wear, which can lead to knocking, power loss, or engine seizure.

Some 2016-2021 Tucsons were also recalled over ABS module defects that could cause an electrical short and fire. It’s this overlap that makes the third generation so problematic: early models have the greatest transmission risk, later models shift worries towards engine failure, and fire-related recalls also affected certain vehicles across the generation.

The Dual-Clutch Transmission Problem (2016-2017)

Hyundai’s seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission was designed to combine automatic convenience with quick, efficient gear changes when pressing the gas pedal. But in everyday low-speed situations, plenty of owners reported shuddering, delayed engagement, hesitation from a stop, harsh shifting, and moments when the vehicle refused to accelerate.

In response, Hyundai issued Recall 149 for certain 2016 Tucsons to update the DCT control logic. In a later Hyundai service bulletin, the manufacturer covered diagnosis of low-speed judder, transmission-control software updates, clutch replacement, and related adjustment procedures on affected vehicles. This doesn’t mean every DCT will fail, but it does confirm that Hyundai recognizes a pattern of driveability issues that should be addressed proactively.

Even when operating as designed, some DCT behavior can feel different from a normal torque-converter automatic. Some mild clutch engagement when driving at parking lot speeds isn’t automatically a cause for concern, but persistent shaking, slipping, warning lights, delayed movement, overheating messages, or a sudden loss of acceleration deserve immediate diagnosis.

If you’re considering buying a 2016-2017 turbo Tucson, make sure to drive it from a cold start, crawl in traffic, reverse uphill, and accelerate repeatedly from a stop. Even if it passes all of these tests, ask for records showing software updates or clutch work. Outside of warranty or recall, a complete DCT replacement can become a several-thousand-dollar repair, so if a test drive raises any doubts, it’s worth steering clear.

The Theta II Engine Problem (Multiple Years)

The Theta engine family wasn’t just a problem for the Tucson—it affected Hyundai vehicles at large, triggering recalls across the Sonata, Santa Fe, and Optima. In certain affected engines, connecting-rod bearing wear can produce abnormal engine knocking and, if the condition progresses, potentially lead to engine damage or seizure. In some affected vehicles, resulting engine damage can also increase the risk of an engine-compartment fire. Because of this, the engine may begin knocking, lose power, stall, or seize completely. In some cases, the damage can also lead to an oil leak and increase the risk of an engine-compartment fire.

Where the Tucson is concerned, the issue isn’t limited to just one model year. Certain 2010-2013 Tucsons with 2.4-liter engines, certain 2014-2015 models with 2.0-liter engines, and certain 2016-2021 models with 2.0-liter engines were given software updates, warranty extensions, and other programs by Hyundai. The 2019-2021 Tucson also offered a 2.4-liter Theta engine on higher-end trims.

If any of these models are on your list for purchase, watch out for knocking sounds, excessive oil consumption, a flashing check engine light, reduced-power mode, stalling, or failure to start. If a Tucson exhibits symptoms such as abnormal engine knocking, a flashing check engine light, reduced power mode, stalling, or failure to start, it should be inspected promptly rather than continuing to drive it.

Prospective buyers should verify the vehicle’s VIN, recall status, applicable warranty extensions, maintenance history, and any completed engine-related repairs before purchasing.

Fire Hazard Recalls (2017 and Broader)

Owners of 2017 Tucsons have extra cause for concern: some models have two distinct fire-related recalls that need to be addressed separately.

The first involves models equipped with the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine. Premature connecting-rod bearing wear could damage the engine, cause oil to leak onto hot components, and start a dangerous engine-compartment fire. Hyundai recalled affected vehicles for inspection and offered to replace the engine where necessary.

The second is due to a problem with the anti-lock braking system. Certain 2016-2021 Tucsons were recalled because the anti-lock braking system module could develop an internal electrical short. Similarly, NHTSA documentation said the condition could increase the risk of an engine-compartment fire while the vehicle was parked or being driven.

While the end result is the same, these are separate defects with different remedies. Having the engine issue looked at doesn’t resolve the ABS problem, and completing the ABS repair doesn’t fix any engine damage. Anyone buying a 2017 Tucson should use the VIN to be extra certain that repairs relevant to both recalls have been completed.

Fourth Generation (2022-Present): A Reset

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was somewhat of a reset for the vehicle. This new fourth generation moved to the manufacturer’s Smartstream 2.5-liter engine and a conventional eight-speed automatic. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions use a Smartstream 1.6-liter turbo engine with a six-speed automatic. In short: no more DCT and no Theta II 2.4-liter engine.

The fourth generation eliminates some of the specific powertrain configurations discussed above, but these vehicles haven’t accumulated the same amount of long-term reliability data as older generations. Newer vehicles haven’t had as much time for problem patterns to emerge, and the long-term reliability picture past 60,000 miles is still developing.  Electronics, sensors, infotainment systems, hybrid hardware, and long-term oil-consumption behavior need years of real-world exposure before anyone can be sure the generation is reliable.

They’ll be on the more expensive side right now, but a 2023 or 2024 Tucson offers a good balance of updated engineering and modern safety equipment, plus a healthy amount of remaining factory coverage. Just make sure to confirm the original in-service date because Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile original-owner powertrain limited warranty generally does not transfer to subsequent owners under the same terms. Warranty coverage for a used Tucson can vary based on factors such as its age, mileage, and whether it was sold through Hyundai’s certified used-vehicle program, so buyers should verify the remaining coverage for the specific vehicle.

The Worst and Best Model Tucson Model Years

The 2016 and 2017 turbocharged Tucson trims warrant additional scrutiny because they combine the seven-speed DCT with other documented recall and service issues. Some 2018 models retained the turbo-DCT combination. For 2019-2021 models, shoppers should pay particular attention to engine configuration, recall status, maintenance history, and any applicable Hyundai engine programs.

Earlier and newer Tucsons have different risk factors, so no model year should be selected based on year alone. A pre-purchase inspection, VIN recall check, service-history review, and verification of remaining warranty coverage are particularly important.

How an Extended Warranty Fits the Tucson Ownership Equation

When a vehicle is subject to a safety recall, the manufacturer provides the specified recall remedy at no charge to the vehicle owner. But recalls are never a good sign, and having the work carried out doesn’t suddenly turn a problem Tucson into the most reliable vehicle. And once the factory warranty coverage expires, owners are generally responsible for repair costs that aren’t covered by a recall, warranty extension, service contract, or other applicable program.

A vehicle service contract (VSC), like those provided by Endurance, sometimes referred to as an extended car warranty, can help cover the cost of eligible repairs after factory warranty coverage expires. Coverage depends on the specific contract, including its covered components, exclusions, deductible, limits, and claim requirements.

Endurance offers multiple coverage options, with eligible plans providing protection for covered components within systems such as the engine, transmission, air conditioning, and electrical system. We are also the direct administrator of most plans, allowing customers and repair facilities to work directly with Endurance during the claims process.

Plan Before the Repair Bill

Whether you own a Hyundai Tucson or you’re shopping for a used one, if the factory warranty has expired, a vehicle service contract may be worth considering as a way to help manage eligible covered repair costs. As one of USA Today’s “Most Trusted Brands” in 2026, Endurance should be on your radar—and choosing a plan couldn’t be easier.

To find out more about what we offer and what might be right for you, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations through our convenient online store.

For more useful articles just like this one, make sure to check out our extended warranty blog.