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2011-2019 Hyundai Tucson: Theta II engine exposure (2.4/2.0T models)

KNOWN MAJOR RISK
known major failure pattern on this model

What goes wrong

Federal recall 18V934000 names 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport for engine failure. Same Theta II family as Sonata/Optima on many trims: rod bearing failure, knock, seizure. Recall/extended-warranty documentation is everything.

Federal record for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson, pulled from NHTSA when this page was built:
226 owner complaints on file , most-reported: ENGINE (81) · SERVICE BRAKES (57) · POWER TRAIN (20).
1 safety recall listed.
Complaint volume tracks how many were sold as well as how they held up , read it as a pattern, not a score. Counts change; confirm live at nhtsa.gov or by running the free check below.
Rough cost: $4,000-$6,000 engine · recall coverage possible. Broad estimates , labor rates and parts vary widely by region and shop.

What to do about it

Before you hand over cash: VIN through the recall check first. Cold-start listen for bottom-end knock. No engine-recall paper = price as unfunded liability.

Whatever you find, a $100-150 pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is the cheapest money you’ll spend on any used car , including this one.

Run the full free check on this Tucson →

Free · no signup · federal recall + complaint data included

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General reference information only , not a mechanical inspection, appraisal, or vehicle history report, and not specific to any individual car. Failure patterns describe documented tendencies across many vehicles; any single car may be better or worse. Cost figures are rough estimates , verify locally. The absence of a warning is not a statement that a car is safe or problem-free. Always verify recalls directly with NHTSA and get a pre-purchase inspection. Not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer, or reporting service. No affiliate links, no commissions, no ads. © Used Car Informer, operated by MCC LLC · v6.6