The best and worst Hyundai Tucson years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Hyundai Tucsons old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2007, 2009 and 2020–2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2012–2013 and 2016–2017 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2012 Hyundai Tucson · 48.5 per 10,000 sold (2.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,203 miles; then stalling and no-start.
2013 Hyundai Tucson · 63.5 per 10,000 sold (2.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 87,000 miles; then calipers, hoses and lines.
2016 Hyundai Tucson · 180.1 per 10,000 sold (7.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 61,000 miles; then harsh, delayed or erratic shifting.
2017 Hyundai Tucson · 94.5 per 10,000 sold (4.0× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 8,250 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
Years with the fewest complaints
2007 Hyundai Tucson · 13.7 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 97,350 miles.
2009 Hyundai Tucson · 11.0 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 50,500 miles.
2020 Hyundai Tucson · 14.2 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 76,000 miles.
2021 Hyundai Tucson · 5.5 per 10,000 sold (0.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 60,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Hyundai Tucson year: 23.6 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Hyundai Tucson?
Among Hyundai Tucsons old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2016 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 180.1, about 7.6× a typical Hyundai Tucson year. The 2012–2013 and 2017 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Tucson?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Hyundai Tucsons from 2005–2022: 5.5, against 23.6 for a typical year. The 2007, 2009 and 2020 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported problem on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 61,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Hyundai Tucson years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.