RoadVitals

2021 Hyundai Tucson

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 20V543000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
79
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 4, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 79 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 87 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V543000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Sep 4, 2020
652,024 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 195View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ23002OpenAudit Query

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2026

I took my car in to Allen Samuals Hyundai dealership to have the 9C2 recall update completed on May 15th 2026. Ever since then my vehicle has had a rough hesitation or sputtering when driving. On May 18th Hyundai released a statement stating there was an issue with the update completed on the 9C2 campaign. However no resolution at the moment and to allow the car to warm up prior to driving it. I have only had my car for a little over 2 years and maintained everything a responsible car owner should. It only has 90k miles on it and had zero issues at all prior to the 9C2 campaign. I have spoke woth dealer and corporate numerous times nobody can give me a solution nor does it seem that anyone wants to. Since then the campaign has been closed and its almost as if it never existed. I do have an active case open with Hyundai 43228380 however they act as if they dont know anything about it. They are empathetic to the situation but can't really help or give a solution. All I want it my car that had zero issues prior to this update to run properly again. I dont even drive it much anymore for fear that it will mess my engine up.

NHTSA ID
11766298
Incident
May 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026

Engine knock sensor went off and now the engine needs replacement due to faulty cylinder rod.

NHTSA ID
11760640
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 20, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11758305
Incident
Jun 27, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blew. No warning lights were illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.

NHTSA ID
11756204
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Mileage
7,800 mi
Filed Jul 22, 2026

This vehicle burns oil at an alarming rate. I am getting oil changes every 3K miles, and when I take it in, the dipstick is dry. I receive no oil lights to tell me it is low. I just had to get spark plugs and the mechanic at the garage told me this was due to the oil consumption issue in these vehicles. I am at 71,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11752252
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2026

I was driving down [XXX] from my house.My engine light started to flash.I tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.I got Home 2 minutes later.There was major knocking.I had the car towed to [XXX], Hyundai, the only code that is showing up on the diagnostics, is P1326 there is an open class action lawsuit for this exact code. For the rod bearing failure, Hyundai is denying the claim, saying there's a gap in maintenance history on a car. I didn't own yet when I bought the vehicle. It passed a 190 point inspection. There's no way there was anything wrong with this vehicle.I am under fifty thousand miles , and if I was on the highway , it could've been deadly i could not accelerate. No other lights were on in the vehicle, except for the flashing engine light.I have already reported to the better business bureau and they have sent it to arbitration. I have contacted the escalation department for Hyundai.They opened up to separate cases.The agent that was assigned to me didn't even get the code from [XXX], they just denied the claim without it.I have the emails to prove that I had to give it to her. I have.\n All my maintenance history, but as you can see from the text message from XXX Hyundai, they are requesting maintenance for a car that wasn't in my possession yet. They're asking for dates from a year before I had the car, I bought it through EchoPark. I have everyone on my side including fFdelity , as I tried to go through Fidelity and they said they couldn't approve the warranty because of the class action lawsuit against Hyundai for that exact manufacturer malfunction. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11751238
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road before being driven to the residence. The contact’s neighbor checked the oil level and informed the contact that the oil pan was empty. The oil level was topped off. The contact stated that the vehicle was not due for an oil change for another 200 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact was informed to provide the vehicle service records. The contact stated that the failure was a manufacturer's failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and two cases were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,807.

NHTSA ID
11749638
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Mileage
44,807 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 1, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist is on and will not go off. Only has 16,900 miles and is newly out of warranty except for 5yr 50,000 bumper warranty. Dealer at Allen Turner says noat way they will cover this because my Vin is not listed in the latest recall. This vehicle was purchased new and has been maintained as required by manufacture . So, I am [XXX] and have purchased new Hyandais before. I do not at this time in my life have the means to fix this issue. Is there any help on this from Manufacture since this is so newly out of warranty and low mileage. I do not know what to expect as to causing a road accident and hurting myself or someone else. My phone is [XXX] and address is [XXX] Email is [XXX]. Kind regards. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11747598
Incident
Jun 15, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

26-EM-014H TSB

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic (Service Campaign 966). This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if DTC P132600 remains, then a procedure and manual mode passwords are given to perform the update again in manual mode to resolve this condition.

Z05 OL

Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

26-01-013H-2 DN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.

26-01-013H-2 TSB

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.

9C2 DCS 260518

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

9C2 060518

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Tucson by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026615070.1
20252836067.2
2024964063.5
20231332057.9
20223813263.5
2021Viewing791160.8
20201771152.9
20193791255.0
20183961153.8
20171,0863260.3
20161,6195155.1
20152271250.6
20142012255.3
20132663263.1
20122553362.9
20111245257.5
2010594262.0
2009181054.8
2008431046.0
2007655156.8
20061355158.8
20051858155.9
2004000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.