The 2007 Tucson is a budget-friendly compact SUV, but the 2.0L I4 has catastrophic engine failure issues from oil sludge and bearing wear, while the 2.7L V6 is significantly more reliable. Transmission cooling and mount failures are common across both engine options.
2.0L I4 Engine Catastrophic Failure (Theta II)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or ticking from engine block, Low oil pressure warning even with adequate oil level, Metal shavings visible in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power or complete engine seizure
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Connecting rod bearings fail first, causing spun bearings and crank damage. Short block replacement takes 14-18 labor hours; used engine swap 10-14 hours. Root cause is inadequate oil flow to main and rod bearings combined with sludge buildup if oil changes exceeded 5,000 mi intervals.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator, Transmission overheating warnings, Pink or red fluid dripping under front of vehicle, Harsh shifting or slipping after engine reaches operating temp
Fix: Cooler lines corrode where they connect to radiator and at crimped fittings. Requires replacement of both cooler lines and often external transmission filter if equipped. If coolant mixes with ATF, full transmission flush mandatory. 2-3 labor hours for lines only, 4-6 hours if contamination cleanup needed.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible engine/transmission movement when accelerating or braking, Shifter feels loose or has excessive play
Fix: Rear transmission mount deteriorates from heat and oil exposure. Rubber separates from metal bracket causing drivetrain to sag. Replacement requires supporting transmission and removing through-bolts. 1.5-2.5 labor hours. Inspect engine mounts simultaneously as they often fail together.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Brake Light Switch Premature Failure
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: Brake lights stay on continuously, Brake lights don't illuminate when pedal pressed, Cannot shift out of Park position, Cruise control won't engage or disengages randomly
Fix: Switch mounted above brake pedal fails internally from heat cycles and contact wear. Part is plastic-bodied and fractures. Subject to NHTSA recall but many units still fail post-recall. Replacement takes 0.3-0.5 labor hours. Critical safety item affecting transmission interlock and following traffic awareness.
Estimated cost: $120-220
Front Wheel Bearing Premature Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that changes with vehicle speed, Noise increases during turns (louder when turning opposite the failing side), Wheel has play when vehicle lifted and wheel rocked by hand, ABS warning light may illuminate
Fix: Hub bearing assemblies wear prematurely, especially on AWD models. Seal failure allows contamination. Requires pressing out old bearing and pressing in new unit, or replacing entire hub assembly (recommended). 2-2.5 labor hours per side. Always replace in pairs for even wear characteristics.
Estimated cost: $350-600
2.7L V6 Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil smell from engine bay after driving, Oil residue visible on outside of valve covers, Oil pooling on top of exhaust manifold causing smoke, Low oil level between changes
Fix: Valve cover gaskets harden and crack over time. More common on rear bank due to heat. Requires removing valve covers, cleaning mating surfaces, new gaskets and spark plug tube seals. 3-4 labor hours for both banks. Not urgent but prevent before oil migrates to ignition components.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Fuel Filter Clogging (Early Failure)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power during acceleration, Engine stumbling or hesitation under load, Check engine light with lean fuel codes P0171/P0174
Fix: In-tank fuel filter screens clog prematurely from poor fuel quality or tank debris. Requires dropping fuel tank to access pump assembly and filter. Some techs replace entire pump module to ensure long-term reliability. 2.5-3.5 labor hours. More common in vehicles used with minimum fuel levels frequently.
Estimated cost: $300-650
Owner tips
If buying a 2.0L model, demand complete engine service records showing oil changes every 5,000 mi or less — this engine cannot tolerate extended intervals
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every oil change; catching corrosion early prevents catastrophic transmission contamination
Replace transmission mount proactively at 80,000 mi to prevent damage to CV axles and shift linkage from excessive movement
2.7L V6 is considerably more durable than 2.0L I4; worth seeking out if engine longevity matters
Buy only if it has the 2.7L V6 with documented maintenance; avoid 2.0L I4 models entirely due to unacceptable engine failure rates.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: V6 engine requires higher CCA than 4-cylinder model
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Every control module on the 2005-2007 Hyundai Tucson — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electronic Power Steering Module (MDPS)2.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrwith electric power steering (late 2006-2007 models)▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, integrated with electric assist motor on intermediate shaft below dash
🔧 Hyundai GDS or Autel/Launch with steering angle sensor reset
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration mandatory; wheels must be centered during procedure
Anti-lock Brake System Module (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall near brake master cylinder
🔧 scan tool with ABS bleed function
⚠️ Brake bleeding required after replacement; wheel speed sensor calibration auto-learns during test drive
Immobilizer Control Unit (IMU/IMMO)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within ignition lock cylinder housing on steering column
🔧 Hyundai GDS or specialized locksmith tool
⚠️ Key programming required; all keys must be present for registration; aftermarket tools may work but dealer tool recommended
Body Control Module (BCM)1.3 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver side lower dash panel, above fuse box, left of steering column
🔧 Hyundai GDS
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, power windows, door locks; VIN and option coding required
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, passenger side firewall, mounted to bulkhead below windshield cowl
🔧 Hyundai GDS
⚠️ VIN programming required; immobilizer synchronization with IMU mandatory
⚠️ Mileage programming required; odometer value must be transferred from old unit
Audio Head Unit / Navigation System (AVN)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center stack, upper dash position above climate controls
🔧 radio preset/clock reset by user
⚠️ Anti-theft code may be required on some units; navigation models require DVD map disc
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 09V280000
2009-07-21
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 09V122000
2009-04-15 · PE09003
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 07V197000
2007-05-08
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, STATIC AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTING CONDUCTED BY NHTSA USING FIFTH PERCENTILE FEMALE DUMMIES INDICATED THAT A SMALL STATURE ADULT DRIVER NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL OR NEAR FRONTAL CRASH, THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT OCCUR.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE WITH ONE THAT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN INCREASED MARGIN OF COMPLIANCE FOR LOW RISK DEPLOYMENT FOR SMALL STATURE ADULTS WHO ARE NOT PROPERLY WEARING THE SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2007, AND WILL BE PERFORMED IN TWO MAILINGS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 06V445000
2006-11-22
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DURING STATIC AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTING CONDUCTED BY NHTSA USING FIFTH PERCENTILE FEMALE DUMMIES INDICATED IF A SMALL STATURED ADULT DRIVER, NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT, IS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL OR NEAR FRONTAL CRASH, DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY RESULT IN AN INSUFFICIENT MARGIN OF COMPLIANCE AS MEASURED BY THE TEST DUMMY USED IN THE NHTSA TEST.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 29, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH SIX MAILINGS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
18mpg
Highway
24mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Wiper blades
First generation Tucson, crossover with rear wiper
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Hyundai Tucson 2.7L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.