Dealer visit checklist
2025 Hyundai Tucson checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.5x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 5.9x more owner complaints than other 2025 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2025 Hyundai Tucson problems to check
- Infotainment touchscreen lag or occasional software glitches reported on early 2024-2025 units, often resolved via OTA updates
- Mild hybrid (MHEV) 48V system may require dealer attention if battery warning lights appear, though warranty coverage is robust
- Road and wind noise at highway speeds has been a consistent critique, suggesting possible early weatherstripping wear
- Some owners report inconsistent HVAC auto-climate performance in extreme cold weather climates
- Panoramic sunroof (optional package) has had isolated reports of rattling at highway speeds — worth inspecting on the test drive
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles.
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, and Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $28,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away