What is the best year for a Hyundai Tucson?

Avoid 2016 and 2017 — those model years logged 1,605 and 1,065 complaints respectively during the Theta II engine recall era. The 2021 Tucson stands out as the cleanest mature year at 67 complaints and a 10/10 NHTSA safety score. The 2022 new-generation launch had 356 complaints, settling to 116 in 2023 and 81 in 2024. For the current generation, 2024 is the strongest pick.

How much does Hyundai Tucson insurance cost?

Tucson insurance averages about $1,975/year — roughly $165/month. One of the more affordable rates in the compact class.

Is the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The Tucson and RAV4 are nearly identical in maintenance cost — $426 versus $429, a difference of $3 annually. Both carry a reliability score of 8. The RAV4 has a slight edge in major repair probability (10% vs. 12%); the two match on repair frequency (26% each). Effectively a tie on ownership cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Hyundai Tucson?

Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the class average. The 2016-2017 engine recall history is the biggest risk factor for used buyers in that range — warranty coverage is worth taking seriously for those years. For 2021 and newer, the risk profile is much more moderate.

Hyundai Tucson Maintenance Cost

Hyundai Tucson maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified July 2026

$426

Annual maint.

8/10

Reliability

12%

Major repair risk (5yr)

$1,975

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year Tucson should you buy?

Green is safe, red means major known issues. Tap any year.
Years scored against Tucson's own complaint record — not against other SUVs.

2010 Hyundai Tucson

First generation (JM)

Engine: 2.0 L Theta I4 (140 hp); 2.7 L Delta V6 (173 hp); 2.4 L Theta II I4 (176 hp, 2010 only)

Transmission: 4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual/automatic (2.4L, 2010)

Recommended

Low complaint volume relative to the model's own average. High NHTSA safety score.

NHTSA recall 13V113000, 11V259000, 10V061000 and others issued.

4 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Exterior Lighting
Air Bags
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the Tucson

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Service brakes, hydraulic, engine

Common

Years affected: 2010–2026

Unknown or other

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2026

Power train, vehicle speed control

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2026

Exterior lighting, wheels, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Electrical system

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Structure, latches/locks/linkages

Rare

Years affected: 2010, 2013–2018, 2021–2022

Fuel system, diesel

Rare

Years affected: 2011–2024, 2026

Air bags

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Visibility

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Power train, exterior lighting

Rare

Years affected: 2011–2012, 2015–2020, 2022–2026

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a Tucson extended warranty worth it?

Worth considering. The Hyundai Tucson has an above-average major repair probability for the segment — a warranty is worth pricing before you buy, especially on higher-mileage examples. If you want to minimise risk, stick to the 2010, 2011, and 2021. Pay particular attention to 2016, 2017, and 2024 model years.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used Tucson?

The Tucson holds 76% of its value after 3 years — in line with the compact SUV average.

76%

Value retained · 3 yr

58%

Value retained · 5 yr

47%

Value retained · 7 yr

New Tucson

$31,300

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used Tucson

$19,300

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2023, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$426

Major repair risk (any year)12%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$1,975

MPG combined (City/Hwy)28

Value depreciation after 3 yr$6,965

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Toyota RAV4

$429/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full comparison

Honda CR-V

$407/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full comparison

Mazda CX-5

$447/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full comparison

More Compact SUVs

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// FAQ

Common questions

The Tucson averages $426/year in maintenance — $95 below the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 26% is below the class average of 30%. Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the 11% segment average. On balance, it's a below-average cost ownership with a near-average repair risk profile.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →