While driving down the highway, the check engine light started to flash. Once the car was turned off and back on again, it shook violently. It was hard to keep it in the lane and I was worried it would cause an accident. It was driven off the highway while constantly shaking. Once it sat off for roughly 30 minutes, it would turn on, but wouldn't turn over and drive. It was towed to a dealership where it was diagnosed, though I was never given anything past a verbal "it stopped compressing". It turns on and over, but makes a grinding noise. It will die and turn off the engine after roughly 45 minutes. This had never happened before. *I've been told a few different things by people who hear about the problem, but I've never received a real diagnosis by the Hyundai dealership it is located at. It has always had a oil consumption problem, adding roughly one quart of oil every 800-1000 miles. It has had oil changes every 5,000 miles. It also had a hard time when cold-started accelerating, but would work fine once heated up. It is available for inspection upon request.
2017 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
619 complaints (56% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 619
- of this car's complaints
- 56%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3
- Engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Tucson engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Hyundai Tucson engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Check engine light 199Stalling 191Engine failure 187Knocking 159Oil consumption 157Loss of power 76Misfire 34Won't start 15Overheating 8
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 21V727000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency 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 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 the federal safety agency 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 assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Engine Fires
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 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V‑568, 17V‑226, 20V‑746, and 21V‑727; and Kia recalls 17V‑224, 19V‑120, 20V‑750, and 21V‑844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V‑877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA21003
What 2017 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My name is [XXX]. My husband, [XXX], and I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX]) from a Hyundai dealership in 2023 with 53,920 miles for our daughter to commute to school. The vehicle now has approximately 77,940 miles, and she is still attending school. Since purchasing the vehicle, we have consistently returned to the same Hyundai dealership for regular maintenance, trusting its professionals to keep the vehicle safe and reliable. While driving on the freeway, our daughter suddenly lost engine power. The vehicle slowed down and would no longer accelerate. Thankfully, she managed to exit the highway before it stopped completely. Highway patrol assisted her in moving the vehicle to the roadside. The Check Engine Light and oil-pressure warning light came on, the engine made a pronounced knocking sound, and it would no longer run. We believe these symptoms closely resemble the engine defect described in Hyundai's Recall 209 (the federal safety agency 21V‑727), involving connecting-rod-bearing failure in certain 2017 Tucson vehicles. Hyundai Motor America denied our request for assistance, stating that our VIN is not included in the recall and that no warranty coverage applies. We respectfully question whether vehicles experiencing the same or substantially similar defect may have been excluded from the recall. We request a technical investigation into why our vehicle was excluded and whether its engine failure is related to the recalled defect. This was a serious safety concern, not merely a repair expense. Our daughter could have suffered a serious accident had she been unable to exit the freeway safely. We are grateful she escaped without injury. We respectfully request that Hyundai reconsider its decision, review the vehicle's maintenance and diagnostic records, and investigate the engine failure. If the failure is related to the recalled defect, we ask Hyundai to cover the cost of engine repair or replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX], I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Tucson from DriveTime, located at 6400 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32505. Within approximately nine days of purchase, the vehicle began experiencing serious mechanical problems, raising significant concerns about its safety and roadworthiness. On [XXX], the vehicle suffered a severe loss of acceleration and was unable to exceed approximately 30 mph. This sudden reduction in engine performance created a dangerous situation while driving, particularly when attempting to maintain normal traffic speeds. Following these issues, mechanical inspections revealed water inside the spark plug wells, a severely rusted ignition coil, and a failing catalytic converter. Firestone estimated the catalytic converter repair at approximately $5,000. The presence of water and corrosion raised concerns about possible pre-existing damage and whether the vehicle had been properly inspected before being sold. The vehicle remained in repair-related custody for approximately 29 days. Despite repeated communications with DriveTime, the mechanical problems were not satisfactorily resolved. DriveTime representatives informed me that a replacement vehicle had been approved. On [XXX], I returned to the dealership expecting a replacement but was informed that no suitable vehicle was available. I was left without transportation, and the dealership failed to provide a satisfactory resolution. As of October 21, 2026, I remain without a vehicle. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate the sudden loss of engine power, possible electrical or ignition system damage caused by moisture intrusion, and any similar safety complaints involving the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. My primary concern is that these mechanical failures could cause another driver to experience a dangerous loss of power while operating the vehicle, potentially resulting in a serious collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
engine failure even though this car has always had oil changes at 110,000 miles. I would like the company to fix this since i am not the first to complain about this. I still have the car parked.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was unable to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and oil contaminated the catalytic converter, causing the catalytic converter to fail and require replacement. The transmission was repaired by the dealer, and the catalytic converter was replaced by an independent repair facility. The contact subsequently observed continued oil loss following the repairs. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold headers failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact requested and received a complete diagnostic report from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,502.
While going down the highway at around 72 mph , my car went into limp mode. I was unable to accelerate, the brake and wheel locked. And then the engine light began flashing. The limp mode , non acceleration, and flashing engine light have happened twice before this instance. The first two times the pulled the P1326 knock sensor code and replaced it. Did the update, and sent me on my way saying it was fine. Now this most recent time (the 3rd time), the engine has failed. A CARFAX report says my car already had the engine replaced at 52k miles, meaning there’s 1 something internally wrong and 2 it’s still well within mileage warranty for another engine replacement. This car is extremely dangerous as it can literally stop in the middle of the highway. I went from 72 to about 15 mph in seconds, I was unable to get over or accelerate. It was terrifying. Now dealing with Hyundai - they don’t want to take fault.
Unknown believe it engine was replaced due to engine knock
Failed Component: Engine assembly / internal powertrain (specifically, a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2 causing severe engine knocking and risk of mechanical seizure). The vehicle is available for inspection, the complete vehicle and affected engine assembly are intact and available for inspection upon request at CMA's Hyundai of Lexington Park: [XXX] Safety Risk: A rod bearing failure causes violent engine knocking, severe loss of engine power, and eventual engine seizure or stalling while driving. Losing propulsion unexpectedly—especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic—creates an immediate collision risk for the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic due to sudden loss of power, power steering, and power brake assistance. The issue was formally diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership service department. The technician performed a physical diagnostic evaluation and officially documented a knocking condition resulting from a connecting rod bearing failure in cylinder #2. Symptoms & Timeline: Initial engine knocking noises first appeared on XXX. The vehicle was previously updated with Hyundai's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign, which is intended to detect excessive vibration from rod bearing wear prior to catastrophic failure. No check engine light illumination occurred or and type of indication from the vehicle there was something wrong other than the knocking noises. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle was operating normally and when arriving at a gas station to refuel the vehicle would not start after turning off. Vehicle was towed to the dealership (Larry Miller Hyundai Albuquerque, and a seized motor was described as the discrepancy. No further maintenance has been performed.
I am reporting a suspected safety defect involving my daughter's 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN [XXX], with approximately 77,940 miles. The vehicle experienced an engine failure beginning with the illumination of the oil-pressure warning light and Check Engine Light, followed by a pronounced engine knocking noise. The vehicle subsequently could not continue running. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed an engine failure. I am aware of Hyundai Safety Recall 209 / the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑727 involving certain 2017 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine. Hyundai's recall documentation identifies premature connecting-rod-bearing wear and specifically identifies abnormal engine knocking and illumination of the oil-pressure warning light as symptoms that can precede engine damage and stalling. My daughter's vehicle experienced these same symptoms. Hyundai has informed us that this particular VIN is not included in Recall 209 and Hyundai Motor America has denied our request for assistance. I am therefore asking the federal safety agency to review this complaint as a potential safety defect and determine whether there may be additional 2017 Tucson vehicles outside the current Recall 209 population experiencing the same or substantially similar engine failure. I am not claiming that the vehicle is definitively covered by Recall 209. Rather, I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate whether the exclusion of this vehicle is appropriate given the similarity between the actual failure symptoms and the defect identified in Recall 209. I can provide the dealership's diagnostic documentation, Hyundai Motor America's denial, photographs, maintenance records, and other supporting information upon request. Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Tucson, VIN: [XXX], Mileage: Approximately 77,940 miles Failure: Engine knocking, oil-pressure warning light, Check Engine Light, engine failure/stalling Related Recall: Hyundai Recall 209 / the federal safety agency 21V‑727. I INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5
Questions about the 2017 Hyundai Tucson engine
Does the 2017 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owners have filed 619 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, 56% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2017 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Hyundai Tucson engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 21V727000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad engine?
The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (619 complaints), 2016 (430 complaints) and 2018 (250 complaints).
Other 2017 Hyundai Tucson problems
Transmission 294Acceleration 88Electrical 85Fuel system 79Brakes 48Body 42Lights 15Locks 15Airbags 10Driver assistance 9Steering 8Visibility 8Seats 5Wheels 5Seat belts 3Tires 3Suspension 2
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