NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 266 owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (156) and service brakes, hydraulic (31). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 203 |
| 2015 | 229 |
| 2016 | 1,626 |
| 2017 | 1,096 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 389 |
| 2023 | 136 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 295 |
| 2026 | 64 |
“I was driving on the highway going 65 mph and scared when the engine started clicking and shaking a tiny bit. Plus it was slowing down no matter what i did. Well in a 4 lane highway. There was No engine light, no previous issues. The car drove great until this issue. I had the car only 3 months. Now i am afraid to drive it because i had seen theres an engine recall online for my car. Once i saw the recalls i tried calling alot of my local Hyundai dealer ships and they denied me because of the mileage.when i bought the car it was at 180 mileage. At this point i am not sure what to do with the car, i am hoping it can get fixed.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
“I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car when in drive. I don’t feel safe driving this car sometimes.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 371 |
| Tucson 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 365 |
| Tucson 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 396 |
| Tucson 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 397 |
| Tucson 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 405 |
| Tucson 4WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 424 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 266 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (156), service brakes, hydraulic (31), electrical system (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Tucson at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Hyundai Tucson 4 out of 5 stars overall.