About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Hyundai Tucson since 2012, 1,042 (18.7%) describe engine failure and engine fires, making it the most reported problem we track on the Tucson. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2017 drew the most, with 271. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 62,000 and 106,000 miles. 47 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 5 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Tucson owners report engines knocking, losing power, seizing and in some cases catching fire. These complaints are linked to Hyundai's Theta and Nu engines, which were part of large recalls and a class-action settlement over bearing wear. The 2016 to 2018 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Hyundai recalled many engines and offers inspections and engine replacement under recall and extended warranty programs. Check the VIN.
Typical cost: Recall replacements are free. An engine replacement otherwise costs $5,000 to $8,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Engine failure at 121k miles. I drive long distances for work so the miles are super easy not stop and go."
2017 Hyundai Tucson, 121,000 miles
"Engine heating problems, electrical problems and now engine failure, the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection. Other vehicles of same make, model, and year have been recalled for these issues however mine has not."
2016 Hyundai Tucson, 158,103 miles
"In May 2024 my Hyundai Tucson died in a middle of an intersection with no warning. Worse than that is Hyundai motor USA informed me that the car was on a recall list for an engine failure issue that was apart of class action suit ."
2018 Hyundai Tucson, 109,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Hyundai has sent dealers 30 bulletins that mention this problem on the Tucson. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of ...
This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the GDI injector(s) in certain 21-23MY Sonata, 21-22MY Santa Fe, certain 22MY Santa Cruz, and certain MY21-23 Tucson equipped with 2.5L GDI engines with one or more misfire DT...
Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5L GDI Theta III engine (non-Turbo) may exhibit one or more misfire DTCs due to the GDI injectors leaking internally.
Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012, 2017 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024
Before you buy a Tucson
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and the knock sensor software update.
- Listen for knocking at idle and under acceleration.
- Ask for oil change records.
Questions
Which Hyundai Tucson years have engine failure and engine fires?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2017 drew the most, with 271 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 82,000 miles, and half reported it between 62,000 and 106,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall replacements are free. An engine replacement otherwise costs $5,000 to $8,000.