Used Hyundai Tucson Buyer's Guide (2016–2024)
On a 2016 to 2021, confirm the engine software update and warranty. On any year, check the ABS fire, oil pump and tow hitch recalls.
Photo: Corvettec6r, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The Tucson is one of the most common compact SUVs on used lots. This guide covers two generations. The third generation (TL) ran from 2016 to 2021. The fourth generation (NX4) arrived for 2022 with a new look, a 2.5L engine and, for the first time in this range, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
On a 2016 to 2021 Tucson, the engine is the big story. Hyundai extended engine coverage on 2016 to 2021 Tucsons with the 2.0L Nu engine for connecting rod bearing failure, to 15 years or 150,000 miles, tied to a knock sensor software update. The 2019 Tucson's 2.4L engine falls under a separate lifetime short block warranty from Hyundai's Theta II settlement, also tied to that software.
Several recalls tell owners to park outside until fixed. They cover the ABS module on 2016 to 2021 models, an electric oil pump controller on some 2023 and 2024 models, and a tow hitch wiring harness on some 2022 to 2024 models.
A used Tucson can be a sensible buy. The key is paperwork: proof the software update was done, proof the recalls were closed, and oil changes on time.
- 2.0L 4-cyl Nu GDI (2016 to 2021)
- 1.6L turbo 4-cyl (2016 to 2018)
- 2.4L 4-cyl Theta II GDI (2019 to 2021)
- 2.5L 4-cyl (2022 to 2024)
- 1.6L turbo hybrid (2022 to 2024)
- 1.6L turbo plug-in hybrid (2022 to 2024)
Third generation (TL, 2016 to 2021) and fourth generation (NX4, 2022 to 2024), sold as model years 2016–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl (Nu GDI) | 2016–2021 | 6-speed automatic | The base engine. Covered by Hyundai's 15 year or 150,000 mile rod bearing warranty extension once the knock sensor update is done. |
| 1.6L turbo 4-cyl | 2016–2018 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | On the Eco, Sport and Limited. Consumer Reports found the dual-clutch jerky in some low speed driving. |
| 2.4L 4-cyl (Theta II GDI) | 2019–2021 | 6-speed automatic | Replaced the 1.6L turbo on SEL, Sport and Limited for 2019. The 2019 is in Hyundai's Theta II lifetime short block settlement. |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 2022–2024 | 8-speed automatic | The gas engine in the new generation, rated 187 hp, with front or all-wheel drive. |
| 1.6L turbo hybrid | 2022–2024 | 6-speed automatic | 226 hp combined with standard all-wheel drive, according to J.D. Power. |
| 1.6L turbo plug-in hybrid | 2022–2024 | 6-speed automatic | 261 hp combined, all-wheel drive and a 13.8 kWh battery. AutoGuide cites 33 miles of electric range. |
SOURCE Consumer Reports 2016 Hyundai Tucson review · Kelley Blue Book: 2019 Hyundai Tucson refreshed · Cars.com: refreshed 2019 Tucson drops turbo engine · Car and Driver 2022 Hyundai Tucson · J.D. Power 2022 Tucson Hybrid review · AutoGuide 2022 Tucson Plug-in review
- SE (2016 to 2018) The base trim with the 2.0L engine and 6-speed automatic.
- Eco, Sport and Limited (2016 to 2018) These used the 1.6L turbo and 7-speed dual-clutch.
- Value and SE (2019 to 2021) These kept the 2.0L engine.
- SEL, Sport and Limited (2019 to 2021) These moved to the 2.4L engine with a 6-speed automatic.
- Limited (2022 to 2024) The top gas trim of the new generation, with the 2.5L engine.
- Hybrid Blue, SEL Convenience and Limited (2022) The hybrid trims J.D. Power listed for 2022, all with all-wheel drive.
- 2022 to 2024 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid In our NHTSA search on 2026-09-24, no recalls were filed under the Tucson Hybrid or Tucson Plug-in Hybrid names. Still run the VIN, since some recalls may be filed under the plain Tucson name.
- 2019 to 2021 with the 2.0L, knock sensor update done These sit outside the dual-clutch years and keep the 15 year or 150,000 mile rod bearing coverage when the update is on record. They are still in ABS recall 20V-543.
- 2016 It has the most recalls in this range: dual-clutch software, hood latch, two tow hitch recalls and the ABS fire recall. It is also inside the 2.0L rod bearing warranty extension.
- 2017 Recall 21V-727 covers rod bearing wear on some 2017 engines, on top of the ABS fire recall.
- 2023 and 2024 gas models Check the idle stop oil pump fire recall 23V-526 and, on 2024, the power steering recall 24V-412.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
Hyundai says connecting rod bearings can wear on some engines. Hyundai's service bulletin 22-EM-006H-2 lists 2016 to 2021 Tucson models with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine. For them, engine coverage for rod bearing failure is extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from first sale, for original and later owners. Hyundai says the knock sensor software (Campaign 966 or 982) is required for that coverage. Some 2017 Tucsons were also recalled under 21V-727 for early rod bearing wear, with an engine inspection and replacement if damaged.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 21V-727 and open campaigns, ask for proof the knock sensor update was done, listen for knocking at idle and under load, scan for code P1326, and check oil level and condition.
SOURCE Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 Engine Warranty Extension (on nhtsa.gov) · Hyundai TSB 21-01-023H-3 Service Campaign 966 (on nhtsa.gov) · Hyundai KSDS Campaign 966 page · NHTSA recall 21V-727
Hyundai's Theta II class settlement lists 2018 and 2019 Tucson models with a Theta II GDI engine. In the 2019 Tucson that is the 2.4L. The settlement gives a lifetime warranty on the short block (block, crankshaft, rods, bearings and pistons) for original and later owners, once the knock sensor software is installed.
WE CHECK We ask for proof of the knock sensor update, listen for bearing noise, scan for engine codes and read the oil change records.
SOURCE Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement site · Hyundai and Kia press release on engine litigation · Hyundai Campaign 953 page
Recall 20V-543 covers about 652,000 Tucsons from 2016 to 2021. The anti-lock brake control unit can corrode inside and short, which can start an engine bay fire. Owners were told to park outside until fixed. Dealers replace a fuse, and 2019 to 2021 models also get an ESC software update.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 20V-543, look for a burnt smell or heat marks near the ABS unit and check that the ABS and ESC lights work normally.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-543
The 2016 to 2018 Eco, Sport and Limited use a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Recall 16V-628 said some 2016 models could fail to move in hot weather if the gas pedal was pressed and released again and again. Dealers updated the transmission software. Consumer Reports also described a jerky, delayed response after a rolling stop.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 16V-628, road test with stop and go driving and gentle launches, and scan the transmission module for codes.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 16V-628 · Consumer Reports 2016 Hyundai Tucson review
Recall 23V-526 covers some 2023 and 2024 Tucsons. The controller for the idle stop and go electric oil pump may have damaged parts that overheat, which raises the risk of a fire. Owners were told to park outside until fixed. Dealers inspect and replace the controller as needed.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 23V-526 and look for heat damage or burnt smells in the engine bay.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-526
Tucsons with a factory accessory tow hitch harness have had several recalls. Recall 25V-893 covers some 2022 to 2024 models where water can get into the hitch module and cause a short and fire risk. Owners are told to park outside until fixed. Earlier recalls 16V-147 and 16V-842 fixed trailer light faults on some 2016 and 2017 models.
WE CHECK We look for a factory hitch harness, check the VIN for recalls 25V-893, 16V-147 and 16V-842, and look for corrosion or melted plastic at the hitch module.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-893 · NHTSA recall 16V-147 · NHTSA recall 16V-842
Recall 24V-412 covers a small number of 2024 Tucsons. A circuit board in the electric power steering can short and cause loss of power steering assist. Dealers replace the power pack.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 24V-412 and feel for heavy or uneven steering on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-412
Recall 16V-348 covers some 2016 Tucsons. If the main hood latch was released, the backup latch might not hold the hood shut while driving. Dealers replace the secondary latch.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 16V-348 and test that the hood's secondary latch catches and holds.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 16V-348
Recall 23V-038 covers some 2022 Tucsons whose roof moldings may come off. Recall 21V-938 fixed software on 12 early 2022 models that could leave headlights or taillights dead.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recalls 23V-038 and 21V-938, check that the roof moldings are tight, and test all exterior lights.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-038 · NHTSA recall 21V-938
- Run the VIN for open recalls and Hyundai campaigns.
- Confirm the knock sensor software update on 2016 to 2021 engines and listen for rod knock.
- Scan for engine code P1326 and any blinking check engine history.
- Road test a 2016 to 2018 turbo in stop and go traffic to judge the dual-clutch.
- Look for heat damage near the ABS unit and the electric oil pump.
- Inspect any factory tow hitch harness for water and corrosion.
- Test steering assist, all exterior lights and the hood latches.
- A dealer record of the knock sensor software update (Campaign 966 or 982 on the 2.0L, and the settlement update on a 2019 2.4L). Without it, the extended engine coverage may not apply.
- Regular oil changes with receipts, since the extended engine coverage can be denied for poor maintenance.
- Proof that the ABS recall 20V-543 was done on a 2016 to 2021.
- On a 2016 to 2018 turbo, the dual-clutch software update from recall 16V-628.
- On a 2022 to 2024, proof of the oil pump recall 23V-526 and, if a hitch is fitted, the tow harness recall 25V-893.
- Any engine replacement paperwork, which should say whether it was done under a recall or warranty.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Hyundai Tucson you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
Does the Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
What is the Hyundai knock sensor update?
Is the extended engine warranty for later owners too?
Which Tucson years have the dual-clutch transmission?
Why do some Tucson recalls say to park outside?
Is the 2022 Tucson Hybrid a good used buy?
We'll check it first
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