Hyundai Tucson weak points: what to check when buying used

Which Tucson you are looking at

The generations are the JM (2004–2009), the LM, sold in some markets as the ix35 (2009–2015), the TL (2015–2020) and the NX4 (from 2020). The petrol engines you will meet most are a 2.0 (Nu or Theta), a 2.4 GDI (Theta II) and a 1.6 turbo (T-GDI); in many markets there is also a 2.0 diesel (CRDi). The registration document or a VIN decode tells you which one this car has.

Engine: what to check

• 2.4 GDI (Theta II): this engine family was the subject of large recalls in the US over connecting rod bearing failures, which start as a knock and can end in engine seizure, and of a software update that warns the driver of the knock early. Listen for a knock or rumble that rises with the revs, check the oil level and ask by VIN whether the recall and the update were done and whether the engine was replaced.
• 2.0 petrol (Nu): oil consumption and scored cylinders have been reported, often after the catalyst breaks up. Check the dipstick, ask how much oil the car takes between services, and listen for a knock when cold.
• 2.0 diesel (CRDi): listen for a timing chain rattle at a cold start, and for a rough idle or black smoke from worn injectors.
• 1.6 turbo (T-GDI): direct injection builds carbon on the intake valves; a rough idle and misfires at high mileage are the signs.
• Cold start: see Cold start: what to listen for and look at.

Gearbox and other known issues

• Seven-speed dual-clutch (1.6 turbo, TL): judder when moving off, hesitation and delayed engagement were reported, and in the US some 2016 cars were recalled for a software fix of the clutch logic. Move off from a stop several times, uphill too, and creep in traffic: it should not shudder, slip or hesitate.
• Six-speed automatic: smooth shifts without jerks or flares, also when cold.
• ABS module: some Hyundai recalls concerned an ABS module that could short-circuit and cause a fire, with owners told to park outside until the fix. Check by VIN.
• Four-wheel drive: turn the wheel fully at low speed both ways and listen for clunks or binding from the rear.

Body, interior and history

• Accident repairs: check the paint thickness and the panel gaps; see How to check a car’s paint and accident damage.
• Air conditioning: weak cooling can be a leaking condenser or a failing compressor; check that it blows cold within a minute.
• Service records: these engines do not forgive long oil-change intervals. Ask for the receipts and check that the mileage in them goes up evenly.

Before you pay

Ask a Hyundai dealer by VIN about open recalls, engine campaigns and the warranty history. Do the whole inspection from How to check a used car before you buy it and the drive from the used car test drive checklist. The Kia Sportage shares its engines and gearboxes: see Kia Sportage weak points. Use what you find to negotiate.