NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 80 owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (39) and electrical system (12). The EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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 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.”
“loss of info system loss of all dash lights when I turn the engine off most of the time I loose all electrical systems (will not start for at least 15 minutes) if doors lock I can only unlock the drivers door with the auxiliary key. Has tried to shift in to park while driving (one time) Lost all power (engine and steering while crossing a highway (once only)”
“The issue started just before my vehicle had 60,000 miles on it and only occurred every once and a while but, now it happens more often. When braking at low speeds my car makes a hissing/buzzing noise and the pedal goes soft. We got to a dealership when it had 60,420 miles on it. The dealership had it for two weeks saying they have never experienced anything like this issue before. They even contacted Hyundai Tech to help them. No warning lights ever came on and that was my concern. Finally after two weeks they said my tone ring on my driver's front side was bad and causing a false 0 reading. When I asked why the warning lights didn't come on they told me everything was working like should. Then after I pointed out that they said it was reading a false zero they were like no that must have been a typo its reading four miles under the rest and that's causing the abs system to activate. I'm from Ohio so I know what my abs sounds and feels like when it activates. It's a pulsating feeling not a soft pedal. When my abs truly activates my traction control light comes on. As I stated no lights have ever come on. This issue causes longer stopping times. There hasn't…”
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 FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 361 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 363 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,800 | 385 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (39), electrical system (12), service brakes (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Tucson at 23–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall.