Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota Highlander
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 39.3 for the Hyundai Tucson. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Hyundai Tucson
39.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.7× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 5,563
- Sold
- 1,416,578
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2012–2013 and 2016–2017. Fewest: 2007, 2009 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 9,440 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 86,320 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 61,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 79,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 47,000 mi
Toyota Highlander
14.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
63% fewer than the Hyundai Tucson
- Complaints
- 4,263
- Sold
- 2,920,212
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Tucson or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Hyundai Tucson has 39.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Tucson is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 9,440 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Tucson: 2012–2013 and 2016–2017; Toyota Highlander: 2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.