2017 Hyundai Tucson Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2017 Tucson report engine problems more than anything else: complaints describe knocking, stalling, sudden loss of power and, in some cases, excessive oil consumption, often between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles. A second cluster involves the dual-clutch automatic, with hesitation or lurching when pulling away from a stop, frequently noticed at low mileage. Door latches that stop opening from inside or outside, and fire- or smoke-related reports tied to engine and brake-system recalls, also appear repeatedly.

1. 1
   Engine

   Engine knocking, stalling and loss of power

   • 322 complaints (29%)
   • median 63,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (108 state mileage)
   • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,590 (median of 18 quotes)
   • filed 2017–2026

   Complaints describe a knocking noise from the engine, sometimes with a flashing check engine light, followed by stalling or a sudden drop in power at highway speed. Many owners say the vehicle had to be towed and that the dealer diagnosed engine failure and recommended replacement. Several mention being told the vehicle was covered by recall 21V727000 but that repair parts were not yet available, and some say their VIN was not included. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 100,000 miles, with numerous reports in the 55,000 to 87,000 mile range.

   Recall 21V7270004 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask for oil change records and whether the knock-sensor software campaign and any engine-bearing recall work were completed. Have a pre-purchase inspection listen for lower-engine knock and check the oil level and condition.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of oil every week. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was blown. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11613787, filed 2024-09, 100,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the oil warning light illuminated. Upon restart of the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). …”

   NHTSA complaint #11467830, filed 2022-06, 55,600 miles
2. 2
   Engine

   Excessive engine oil consumption

   • 360 complaints (33%)
   • median 63,323 mi at 5.3 yrs old (82 state mileage)
   • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 28 quotes)
   • filed 2018–2026

   Owners report the oil level dropping far faster than expected, sometimes with no visible leak, and needing to add oil between changes. Some describe low-oil or oil-pressure warnings, then rough running and loss of power; dealers reportedly ran oil consumption tests in some cases and replaced engines in others. A few mention recurring trouble even after other engine-related repairs. Reported from roughly 60,000 to 149,000 miles, often noticed after a recent oil change.

   Recall 21V7270002 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check the dipstick level and look for a fuel or burnt smell in the oil; ask whether an oil consumption test was ever performed and how many quarts were added between services.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Our 2017 Hyundai Tucson is going through a lot of oil. We are having a consumption test done. I called the Hyundai dealer where we had the oil change and he said he heard something about Hyundai Tucson's burning through a lot of oil. I did see a lawsuit for the 2016 models and think 2017 models are having similar issue. Our seat reclining electrical button is also failing the seat to recline properly.”

   NHTSA complaint #11367039, filed 2020-10, 60,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had suddenly decelerated and would not properly accelerate. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low due to excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #11608698, filed 2024-08, 149,000 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Hesitation and lurching from a stop (dual-clutch)

   • 339 complaints (31%)
   • median 12,279 mi at 1.9 yrs old (188 state mileage)
   • 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $2,650 (median of 14 quotes)
   • filed 2016–2026

   Complaints describe a delay of several seconds after pressing the accelerator from a stop, then a sudden lurch forward, along with rough idling and shuddering in low-speed traffic. Some owners say dealers told them the behavior was normal for the transmission; others report no diagnosis or repair. A few mention the behavior being worse on cold starts or in stop-and-go driving. Usually reported at low mileage, in some cases under 15,000 miles, and mostly in stop-and-go or cold-start conditions.

   What to check: Test drive from several cold starts and in slow traffic, paying attention to delay or lurching when pulling away; ask whether the transmission control software has been updated.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “This vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch transmission, unbeknownst to me when I purchased it used nov 2019. Had I known, and researched all the issues, I would never have bought it. This vehicle is dangerous due to the way the transmission stalls when first starting and as you push the gas a little more to get it to go, it jets forward too fast. It is a safety issue that Hyundai and not willing to do anything about. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11354588, filed 2020-09, 14,000 miles

   “When coasting, the car idles rough and lurches forward. When stopped and pressing the gas, it takes sever seconds for the car to take off. This puts the driver at risk as it doesn't happen consistently- you can either take off right away or you're delayed. The rough idling sounds and feels as though the car is about to stall. In traffic, this presents a hazard.”

   NHTSA complaint #11301686, filed 2020-01, 55,000 miles
4. 4
   Body and structure

   Rear or front doors that will not open

   • 72 complaints (7%)
   • median 64,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2019–2026

   Owners report a door, most often a rear passenger door, that stops opening from both the inside and outside handle, with some noting it happens whether the vehicle is running or off. A few describe front doors needing several attempts to open, and some say the door-mounted keypad buttons stopped working. Complaints often say the dealer could not help or attributed it to outside damage. Mostly reported between about 24,000 and 74,000 miles.

   What to check: Open and close every door from both the inside and outside handles, and check the exterior door buttons; ask whether any latch or actuator was replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Back right passenger door will not open from inside or outside. I've read online that many people with 16-17 Tucson's have had this problem. This should be a safety recall because in the case of an accident I don't know how someone could be helped out of the car without cutting the door off. You can't get in or out through that door vehicle was stationary when I noticed the problem. Problem exists whether engine is on or off.”

   NHTSA complaint #11404006, filed 2021-03, 69,470 miles

   “Door smart key button has broken (driver's & front passenger's door) user is unable to lock/unlock the car. User must use the beeper or key to unlock/lock the car. Went to dealership and the told me that the car has been forced by someone because is very easy to steal. Went to another place and they basically told me that the button broke from usage not by forcing it to enter the car and part is very weak. Vehicle has been indoors and other vehicles doesn't. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11416505, filed 2021-05, 49,125 miles
5. 5
   Brakes

   ABS recall repair delays and burning smells

   • 32 complaints (3%)
   • median 46,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2019–2024

   Several owners describe receiving notices for the antilock brake control unit recall but being unable to get the repair because dealers said parts were unavailable, in some cases for months. Some also mention a burning odor or smoke, and a few link their experience to fire-risk notifications they received. Reported across a wide mileage spread, roughly 23,000 to 100,000 miles, at various vehicle ages.

   Recall 20V543000

   What to check: Ask whether recall 20V543000 (ABS/electronic control unit) has been completed and request written confirmation; note any burning smell near the engine bay during the test drive.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have been getting recall notices for my 2017 Tucson since december 2020 for the anti-lock brake system (ABS) but am unable to get it fixed. According to calls I made in december, january, february and march, the parts were not available. It's recall number 20v-543 Hyundai recall number 195. I finally got an appointment with Hyundai in broken arrow ok for march16th as they reported parts had just come in. Took my Hyundai in at appointed time, was told they are out of parts and willlcall when they can make repairs. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11403357, filed 2021-03, 23,000 miles

   “The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that she received recall notifications for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while at the stoplight, she smelled a strong burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to continue to drive the vehicle. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11440550, filed 2021-11, 88,005 miles

Buying note. Before buying, confirm which open recalls and engine-related service campaigns have actually been completed on the specific vehicle, since owners frequently report parts shortages and long waits. A pre-purchase inspection with an oil consumption check and a cold-start test drive is worth the cost on this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.