Hyundai Tucson Years to Avoid
We analyzed 5241 owner complaints and 26 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Hyundai Tucson model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2016 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Hyundai Tucson Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Hyundai Tucson Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Tucson | 255 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 266 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 203 | 2 | 59/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 229 | 1 | 87/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 1626 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 1095 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 398 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 385 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 179 | 1 | 47/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 80 | 1 | 34/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 389 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 136 | 2 | 57/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Hyundai Tucson: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Hyundai Tucson years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Hyundai Tucson model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Hyundai Tucson?
The most reliable used model year for the Hyundai Tucson is 2021 (as well as 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Tucson?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Hyundai Tucson are Engine & Cooling, Powertrain & Transmission, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Hyundai Tucson?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 26 safety recall campaigns and recorded 5241 official owner complaints for the Hyundai Tucson.