2017 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

263owner reports
69,600median miles
$1,600median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

609 of the 1,084 complaints on this car are about the engine. 263 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2017 Tucson.

Tick what matches of 263 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

132

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (257 reports), the turbo (15 reports), the timing chain (4 reports) and the short block or long block (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

21V-727Sep 17, 2021

Engine

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Tucson

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2010 to 2022

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

What owners paid

37 of the 263 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $400 to $8,300.

$400$1,600$8,300

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 54,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 130 reports that gave a mileage.

319

720

2421

4422

6623

4124

5425

2426

What owners wrote

“The engine started burning oil and making clanking noises. I took it to the dealership where they told me that the vehicle will need a full engine replacement. The vehicle has 76k miles and well maintained. Just out of warranty. It's unacceptable for a modern engine to have these sort of problems. And I'm not the only one. I know a lot of people have been having the same issues with this same type of vehicle.”
Filed Aug 2, 2023 · 76,000 miles

“Rapid oil loss and complete engine failure at an intersection. 110,000 miles. Unexceptable.”
Filed Jun 28, 2023 · 110,000 miles

“The Check engine light never went on and I did not cause any harm to the car. I was simply driving and all of a sudden the engine sounds like the car will explode with no warning. 58,000 miles . The car was checked out by the dealer and they are recommending a completely new engine . They have no explanation for me.”
Filed Mar 16, 2023 · 58,000 miles

“Been having issues with the vehicle for about 10,000 miles, started misfiring replaced all plugs and 1 coil. Started misfiring again. Turns out a valve got burnt up drop into cylinder and cause a compression failure. Iâm in the hole 16,000 dollars on a vehicle that is going to need a engine replacement on a engine that is over 5k”
Filed Mar 15, 2023 · 10,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 263 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.