Selling a broken-down Hyundai Tucson

A Tucson that won't shift or won't run still has a buyer. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, so you can sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Complaints by generation

Wikipedia calls the Tucson Hyundai's best-selling model, with more than 7 million sold worldwide since 2004. Each Tucson complaint here is one driver's report to NHTSA, filed through October 10, 2026. None of them is a proven defect. A 2025 Tucson has spent far fewer miles on the road than a 2016, so its count has had less room to grow. Recall vehicle totals describe the full campaign, and some campaigns also cover the Santa Cruz, Sonata or other Hyundais.

2005-2009: first generation (JM)

Wikipedia lists a 2.0-liter four and a 2.7-liter V6, with 4- and 5-speed automatics among the gearboxes. These five years hold 446 complaints, and air bags lead on the 2005, 2006 and 2007. Recall 06V445000 replaced the driver air bag module on 2005-2007 SUVs after NHTSA deployment testing (128,300 vehicles). Recall 05V119000 reprogrammed the stability control unit on the 2005, because an oversensitive yaw sensor could cut engine power. The stop lamp switch recalls (09V122000 and 13V113000) span these years and many other Hyundais.

2010-2015: second generation (LM)

Wikipedia lists a 1.6-liter Gamma four and 2.0-liter Nu and Theta II fours, with 5-speed and 6-speed manuals or a 6-speed automatic. It also notes the IIHS named this Tucson a Top Safety Pick in 2010. Complaints total 1,134. The engine leads from 2011 on, peaking at 152 on the 2012 and 150 on the 2013.

Recall 19V063000 covers 2011-2013 Tucsons whose oil pan can leak, which can lead to engine damage. Dealers replace the pan if needed and fit an updated oil pressure switch (120,000 vehicles). Recall 14V245000 tightened the driver air bag bolts on 2011-2014 models. Service brake complaints climb steadily here, from 20 on the 2011 to 51 on the 2015. ABS fuse campaigns (22V056000 for 2014-2015, and 23V651000 across many Hyundais) carry park-outside warnings.

2016-2021: third generation (TL), the peak

Wikipedia lists a 1.6-liter turbo and a 2.0-liter four, with 6-speed automatic or 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. These six years hold 3,747 complaints.

• 2016: power train 388, engine 370, structure 217. Recall 16V628000 updated the dual-clutch control software on 2016 Tucsons with the 7-speed EcoShift transmission (41,000 vehicles). Recall 16V348000 replaced the secondary hood latch (81,000).
• 2017: the engine leads with 556 of 1,090. Recall 21V727000 targets premature connecting rod bearing wear on 2017 Tucsons and Sonata Hybrids, 95,515 vehicles between the two. An inspection that finds damaged bearings means a new engine, plus a software update.
• 2016-2021: recall 20V543000 replaces the ABS control unit fuse, with a park-outside warning (652,024 vehicles).

2022-2026: fourth generation (NX4)

Wikipedia lists a 1.6 turbo and a 2.0 four, plus hybrid (1.49 kWh) and plug-in hybrid (13.8 kWh) batteries. The 2022 drew 504 complaints, with the engine (109) and fuel and propulsion system (98) on top. The 2025 drew 430, and 137 of those name forward collision avoidance. That matches recall 26V316000: front camera software on 2025-2026 Tucsons, the hybrids and the Santa Cruz (423,062 vehicles). Other recent campaigns include instrument panel display software (26V400000), console wiring on the 2025 that could let the transmission leave Park without the brake (24V877000), and tow hitch harnesses on 2022-2024 models (25V893000).

Complaints and recalls by model year

Every row comes from NHTSA's Tucson complaint records as of October 10, 2026. One Tucson recall can cover several model years, so summing the recall column gives more than the true total of 36.

Fix or sell: where to start

1. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall search. On a 2016-2017, ask a dealer about 16V628000 and 21V727000 by name.
2. Shudder, slipping or no drive on a 2016-2021 with the dual-clutch? Read our dual-clutch guide for what a repair involves, then get a written quote.
3. Oil on the driveway of a 2011-2013? That oil pan recall exists because a leak can take the engine with it. If the engine already seized, see blown engine.
4. Quote higher than the running value? Then selling it broken usually wins. Repairs that cost more than it's worth shows the math.

Selling your Tucson whole

1. Have the VIN, mileage and symptom ready. Say if it's a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid, and front- or all-wheel drive.
2. Ask for an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe where it's parked. A Tucson that won't come out of Park can still be loaded; just say so. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Keep it complete. Wheels, converter and the hybrid battery stay in. Mention anything already removed.
5. Title, photo ID, keys: that's what the driver needs from you. Your state's plate rules are in after you sell.

Title not in your name? See car not in your name. Other Hyundai SUVs: Santa Fe, Kona, Santa Cruz, or every Hyundai model.