2017 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine seized

29owner reports
70,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

29 of the 263 reports of engine failure on the 2017 Tucson describe engine seized.

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

Tick what matches of 29 reports

it happened without warning

oil level or pressure was low first

it was towed to the dealer

the engine was replaced

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the rod bearing (5 reports) and the engine (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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 9 reports that gave a mileage.

119

120

621

222

923

525

526

What owners wrote

“Franchise dealer Preson Hyundai is actively obstructing a court-ordered settlement tracking test for an engine burning 2.0 qts internally, forcing a young driver with child to operate an oil starving vehicle at risk of highway engine seizure and fire.”
Filed Aug 24, 2026

“- Kept regular 5K-6K oil changes since 2022 when I purchased the vehicle -Took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership, multiple times, to ask about the engine stalling at a stop or slow turn, and/or jerking. -July '25 new oil change and flushed engine -October'25- no engine or oil lights. Engine seized and needs to be replaced. - VIN didn't populate recall but the symptoms are the same”
Filed Nov 23, 2025

“Loud knocking in the engine that increases or decreases with the rpm. Metal shavings found in the oil. Appears to be same issues described as active recall for 2017 Tucsonâs, but no recall for this vin. No alerts were or have been triggered within the car. This has not been brought to a dealership out of fear of seizing the engine.”
Filed Aug 12, 2025

“Without any notice the engine completely seized up and now I'm unable to even get a new engine because the engine is discontinued even though federal law mandates parts are to be available for 10 years.”
Filed Nov 28, 2023 · 180,114 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash. 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.