TransmissionHigh
1.6T 7-speed dual-clutch hesitation, jerking and failure.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive in traffic; feel for lurching and hesitation from a stop.
- Typical repair
- DCT clutch pack / mechatronic work · £900–£3,200
Is the 2016–2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.7/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Hyundai Tucson rates 3.7 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 4 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, engine and safety. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around transmission, engine, safety, electrical.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
EngineHigh
GDI engine (2.0/2.4) carbon build-up and, on some, bearing failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for knocking, oil consumption and confirm any engine recall/warranty work.
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
SafetyHigh
ABS module fire recall.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm the ABS/HECU recall was completed.
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
Exhaust/EmissionsHigh
DPF warning light illumination and vehicle entering limp-home mode due to soot accumulation, particularly on 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi models used for short journeys.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine and check the instrument cluster for the DPF warning light. Rev the engine to 3,000 rpm to ensure it revs freely and has not defaulted to limp mode.
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
Body/InteriorMedium
Creaking, rattling, or sticking of the panoramic sunroof mechanism, caused by track debris or failing plastic guides.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Operate the sunroof through a full open and close cycle. Listen for grinding noises and check that the glass seats flush with the roofline without manual assistance.
- Typical repair
- Water-ingress trace & seal · £150–£800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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