2017 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine knocking or ticking

122owner reports
72,000median miles
$650median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 8, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

122 of the 263 reports of engine failure on the 2017 Tucson describe engine knock.

Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (263 reports) · also: rod bearing failure, engine seized

Tick what matches of 122 reports

a knocking noise from the engine

122

it got louder over time

oil consumption came with it

the dealer called it normal

the engine needed to be replaced

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the knock sensor (15 reports), the rod bearing (14 reports), the engine (12 reports) and the timing chain (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

14 of the 122 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $205 to $4,000.

$205$650$4,000

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 55,600 and 100,000 miles, from the 59 reports that gave a mileage.

120

1221

2222

2823

2424

2525

1026

What owners wrote

“Despite proper maintenance, at 100k miles the engine started knocking aggressively and the dealership advised me not to drive it or it would throw a rod in the very near future. It started burning oil around 80k miles. This is the Limited model with the gamma engine that was not included in the recalls of the other Tuscon engine, but seems to have the same problem.”
Filed Feb 15, 2025 · 100,000 miles

“Engine knocking began around 132,000 miles and caused intermittent loss of power while driving. This caused me to slow down at random intervals while on the roadway becoming a hazard for other drivers. Engine light activated shortly before the symptoms began. No inspections done yet.”
Filed Jan 24, 2025 · 132,000 miles

“Check engine light came on after regular maintainer of car and a new timing belt was put on. Engine is making knocking noise and running not smooth at all. Car burns oils at a very high rate and is almost out of oil at 3,000 miles when I am told typical cars like this should last close to 5000 miles. Again I am getting regular maintenance and oil changes. Car had a little over 100,000 miles and 1 previous owner.”
Filed Aug 16, 2024 · 3,000 miles

“2017 tuscon with less than 100k miles, started making knocking sounds and unable to accerlate. The engine light came on. I go to the dealership, without any inspections he says it's a rod bearings. The 1.6T engine was retired because of the issues and they are still selling these faulty vehicles! I've only had the vehicle for 2 yrs.”
Filed Mar 5, 2024 · 100,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 122 reports involved a crash and 1 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.