Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Tucson

1 Hyundai Tucson Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Tucson average of 73/100

The Hyundai Tucson years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Hyundai Tucson year to buy is 2021 78/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 66/100 due to power train (82) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 73/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Tucson Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Tucson average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202266/100Good3433Power Train (82)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 433 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. Severity signals include 28 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (82), Fuel Propulsion System (76), Engine (59).

3 recalls433 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (82), Fuel Propulsion System (76), Engine (59), Electrical System (57), Unknown Or Other (50), Service Brakes (17)

View full 2022 reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Tucson Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Tucson model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

397 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

260 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

231 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

225 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

210 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

106 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022, 2023

Best Hyundai Tucson Year to Buy Instead

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Hyundai Tucson

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 153 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (43), Unknown Or Other (26), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (17).

Score: 73/100 (Good)1 recalls153 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Hyundai Tucson Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Tucson Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Tucson years: 2022 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Tucson average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Tucson?
The best year for the Hyundai Tucson is 2021, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 58 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Tucson have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Tucson has a total of 23 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Tucson worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2021 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Tucson problems?
The most common Hyundai Tucson problems are engine (397 complaints), power train (260 complaints), electrical system (231 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Tucson reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Tucson has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Hyundai Tucson?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Hyundai Tucson is $426 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a good used buy?
Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 58 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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