NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 136 owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (28) and electrical system (27). The EPA rates it 25–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tucson vehicles equipped with an optional Mobis tow hitch wiring harness. The wiring harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water into the control module. Moisture accumulation may cause the trailer lighting to fail or an electrical short circuit.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
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 |
“While backing out of driveway, with parked vehicle along side and one moving vehicle in the road, I was applying the break and the Emergency Stop feature activated. My speed was 2-3 MPH and slowing.”
“SAFETY DEFECT SUPPLEMENT TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11685540 | VIN: [XXX] | MILEAGE: 27,370 This filing supplements Complaint #XXX regarding an uncorrected, compounded steering safety failure following the catastrophic detachment of the steering column while driving on XXX (Repair Order #XXX). COMPONENTS FAILED: Steering column assembly, footwell closeout shield, dashboard lower crash pad structural frame, and push-start switch. All components and vehicle are available for immediate inspection. SAFETY RISK: Following an invasive warranty teardown for an ignition switch failure under R/O #XXX at [XXX] Hyundai, the vehicle was released in an incomplete, hazardous condition. The factory lower footwell closeout shield was completely omitted, leaving the rotating intermediate steering shaft, universal joint, electric power steering motor, brake clevis linkage, and wiring harness fully exposed directly above driver foot controls. This creates a severe entrapment and mechanical binding hazard. An unauthorized exterior screw was drilled directly through the finished lower crash pad trim to pinch broken internal plastic tabs together, and hardware was left rattling inside…”
“The vehicle developed an intermittent but potentially dangerous engine control malfunction. After the engine reached normal operating temperature, the engine speed (RPM) would repeatedly surge while the vehicle was stopped in Park and Neutral, fluctuating from approximately 1,000 RPM to over 3,000 RPM without any throttle input from the driver. The condition occurred with the air conditioning turned off and could be reproduced multiple times. At approximately the same time, the Auto Start/Stop system stopped functioning and displayed a warning indicator. A malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light) also appeared during the incident. The warning light later turned off, but the engine surging continued. This unexpected increase in engine speed raises concerns about unintended vehicle movement or loss of driver control if the condition were to occur while shifting into gear or while driving. The unpredictable nature of the malfunction presents a potential safety risk to the occupants of the vehicle and to others on the road. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership for diagnosis and repair and remains under inspection. The problem is…”
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 (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 322 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 351 |
| 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 |
2 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 136 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (28), electrical system (27), engine (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Hyundai Tucson at 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Hyundai Tucson 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.