Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Hyundai Tucson problems

Owners filed 80 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with NHTSA between Jan 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (39).

Complaints
80
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine39
  2. Electrical system12
  3. Service brakes9
  4. Power train8
  5. Fuel/propulsion system8
  6. Forward collision avoidance6
  7. Vehicle speed control3
  8. Engine and engine cooling3
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  10. Structure2
  11. Air bags2
  12. Seat belts2
  13. Lane departure2
  14. Steering2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202116
20223
20238
20248
202517
202628

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

39 reports2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026EngineODI 11766298

Electrical system

12 reports
“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)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11770328

Service brakes

9 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Service brakesODI 11699883

Power train

8 reports
“The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure, loss of power, drivability issues, and repeated warning indicators. The vehicle is currently out of service while additional components, including oxygen sensors and spark plugs, are reported to be affected. The manufacturer is declining to replace the catalytic converter and is attributing the condition to oil consumption despite the prior unresolved emissions failure. The issue has been confirmed by dealership diagnostics and has resulted in prolonged loss of use of the vehicle. This appears to be a continuing engine and exhaust/emissions system defect that was not properly remedied when first identified and may affect safe operation of the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11716729

Fuel/propulsion system

8 reports
“My car is burning oil. I have returned multiple times to have it serviced and checked for leaks, but no leaks have been found. Before reaching the recommended 3,000-mile oil change interval, the oil level drops below the minimum mark on the dipstick. In addition, my engine has started making a knocking noise, which is very concerning.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11743079

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11747598
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.