Over time, the Hyundai Tucson earned its spot in the competitive compact SUV market since it launched in the U.S. in 2005. Known for its convenient interior space, impressive fuel economy, and affordable price tag, the Tucson is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable SUV with plenty of features without breaking the bank. Since its market entry, Hyundai has added new tech, better safety features, and a more refined look to the Tucson, making it even more popular among city dwellers and families alike.

However, like many vehicles, not every model year is a winner. While the Tucson has generally been praised for reliability and value, some years experienced mechanical and safety issues that disappointed many owners. Certain model years stand out for issues like transmission problems, poor build quality, and, more recently, security vulnerabilities that have even led insurance companies to reconsider covering them. Below is a breakdown of the Hyundai Tucson years to avoid if you’re seeking a trouble-free driving experience.

2005 Hyundai Tucson

The first year the Tucson hit the U.S. market unfortunately came with a rocky start. While Hyundai aimed to provide a strong, competitive model to go up against compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the 2005 Tucson struggled with several significant issues.

One of the main problems was its engine, with reports of stalling and difficulty starting. Drivers also reported issues with the vehicle’s brakes, which could be alarming in certain situations. According to Consumer Reports, the early Tucson models suffered from reliability issues that made them less dependable than later models.

2009 Hyundai Tucson

The 2009 Tucson came with mixed reviews, with complaints mainly focusing on its transmission. Many drivers experienced rough shifting and delayed acceleration, creating an uncomfortable and often stressful driving experience.

In addition to transmission issues, the 2009 model suffered from weak fuel efficiency compared to competitors. Although Hyundai eventually improved fuel economy in later years, the 2009 Tucson fell behind, with owners reporting dissatisfaction with overall value. Reviews from J.D. Power highlighted that the Tucson’s reliability was subpar, making it one of the Hyundai Tucson years to avoid.

2011 Hyundai Tucson

By 2011, Hyundai was making strides in modernizing the Tucson, but this model year still had major issues. The 2011 Tucson faced frequent complaints about the air conditioning system failing prematurely, which is particularly troublesome in warmer climates. Drivers also reported problems with the engine and transmission.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2011 Tucson has low scores in reliability and owner satisfaction due to these mechanical issues, making it a challenging year for owners who experienced higher-than-average repair costs.

2012 Hyundai Tucson

In 2012, the Tucson had a range of mechanical issues that placed it on the list of Hyundai Tucson years to avoid. Many owners reported engine troubles, with stalling or hesitation during acceleration, which often led to safety concerns. There were also recurring complaints about electrical issues, including malfunctioning sensors and dashboard lights flickering.

J.D. Power’s ratings reflected a dip in customer satisfaction and reliability for this model year. Repair costs for the 2012 were often higher than expected, further decreasing its value and reliability ratings.

2015 Hyundai Tucson

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson had relatively good reviews initially, but over time, owners reported recurring engine issues. Many drivers found that the engine would randomly stall, particularly while idling or in low-speed situations.

Another problem with the 2015 model was its lack of up-to-date features. As competitors were equipping their compact SUVs with more advanced technology, the Tucson felt outdated. Many drivers noted issues with the onboard electronics and navigation system. According to U.S. News, these reliability issues contributed to low owner satisfaction and increased repair bills.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai had made significant improvements to the Tucson’s design and features by 2016, but this model year still had its challenges. Many owners reported issues with the transmission, especially in models equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drivers complained about jerky shifts and a hesitation to accelerate, which often led to frustrating driving experiences.

In addition to transmission concerns, the 2016 Tucson saw issues with its engine, similar to prior years. For those reasons, Consumer Reports ranked this model lower in reliability and noted frequent complaints about transmission repairs.

2017 Hyundai Tucson

The 2017 Tucson has some unique issues, with a primary concern being its security system vulnerability. Certain models from this year were found to be easy targets for theft due to minimal anti-theft technology. This led some insurance companies to consider not insuring certain Hyundai models, including the 2017 Tucson. The issue became a significant concern for Tucson owners who found their vehicles more prone to break-ins and theft.

Additionally, drivers reported issues with engine performance and electrical malfunctions. U.S. News highlighted these reliability concerns, leading to lower owner satisfaction scores for this model year. Many Tucson enthusiasts would recommend steering clear of the 2017 model due to these ongoing issues.

Generally, the Hyundai Tucson has a lot to offer in terms of affordability, style, and fuel efficiency. But not every model year is equally reliable. The Hyundai Tucson years to avoid—2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017—highlight some of the brand’s struggles with consistent quality, particularly regarding engine and transmission issues. In recent years, Hyundai has addressed many of these issues, making newer Tucson models a much better bet for drivers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and feature-rich compact SUV.

If you’re in the market for a used Tucson, be sure to check out MotorBiscuit’s seamless car buying tool to compare prices and find the best deal near you.