Some ratings carry more weight with consumers than others. Reliability is one of the categories most car buyers consider important. So when a vehicle’s reliability earns an atrocious 1 out of 5 stars, it might give you pause. The 2017 Hyundai Tucson has earned such a rotten score that it has turned off many owners. Considering the Hyundai Tucson‘s popularity today, you might find it hard to believe it once displeased many owners.

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson’s awful reliability ratings

Consumer Reports has tested and rated the Hyundai Tucson for several model years. And despite its popularity in recent years, the 2017 model’s reliability rating is dismal. Based on Tucson owner experiences, along with a series of category evaluations from the Consumer Reports team, the 2017 Tucson earns a bottom-of-the-barrel 1/5 star rating in reliability.

The 2017 Hyundai Tucson also turns off owners

Reliability isn’t the only chapter the 2017 Hyundai Tucson wishes it could close the book on. Its owner satisfaction rating is equally awful, with only 1/5 star, Consumer Reports shows. These evaluations come from 2017 Tucson owners responding to whether they would buy the vehicle again. This rating can be telling for anyone who might be thinking about purchasing a used 2017 Tucson. According to CarComplaints.com, many owners experienced various transmission problems, including acceleration issues, hesitation, and slippage. 

And two recalls on the 2017 Tucson aren’t helping matters. Issued in 2016, one NHTSA recall involves the electrical system connected to the trailer hitch mechanisms, CR reports. In many cases, drivers say the trailer brake lights remain lit while in use, risking confusing other drivers. Another recall, issued in 2020, is more serious. This notice describes engine compartment fires resulting from the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit corroding prematurely.

Also beware of the 2016 model year

Beware of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, too. Similar transmission problems have occurred in these models. RepairPal.com shows data from previous Hyundai Tucson owners, many of whom experienced shifting issues and CEL failures due to speed sensor problems.

Hyundai also issued two recalls for the 2016 model involving the airbag control module. If you’re looking to buy one of these models, you’ll need to verify that the airbag has been replaced on the passenger side. If not remedied, the airbag could deploy incorrectly during an accident and seriously injure or even kill the occupant.

The 2017 Tucson didn’t intend to be atrocious

When the 2017 Hyundai Tucson debuted, it certainly didn’t intend to be a poor performer. Early reviews such as Edmunds‘ praised the robust menu of advanced safety options and available infotainment features. The ride was super-comfortable over rugged terrain. Fuel economy was better than average, and most first-drive reviews cited peppy energy from the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. There were six trims for this five-passenger compact crossover, including SE, SE Plus, Eco, Sport, Night, and Limited. And before backup cameras became mandatory the following year, CNBC reported, the 2017 Tucson’s rearview camera was a great perk.

Buying a used model is a financially savvy decision. And the Hyundai Tucson is a popular choice for hundreds of thousands of Americans who continue to love what this small SUV offers. But if you’re considering a 2016 or 2017 Tucson, you might want to do a little extra research and homework before you buy. Verify the recalls have been addressed, and be mindful of the vehicle’s history. Or you could end up like many owners who choose to steer clear of the Tucson after owning one.