2010 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 59 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 3 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 26, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.
THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 11V259000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveFeb 25, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MODULE PROGRAM TO ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP.
IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD IS SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEATING POSITION, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD FRONT PASSENGER.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 18, 2026, fire
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while her significant other was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from under the passenger’s side dashboard. Upon further inspection, there was a small fire starting. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the fire was extinguished using his hand and water. The contact stated that while her significant other was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from inside the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and there was a fire coming from underneath the driver’s side seat. The driver sustained burns on both hands and severe mental trauma. The contact sustained severe mental distress; however, medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was left at the location for further investigations. Several local dealers were contacted, including Jeff Wyler Hyundai of Colerain (8810 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45251). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Exterior lighting, Wheels, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2025
This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my ABS lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! Since April 20, 2025…. My brakes are GRINDING SERIOUSLY and PROHIBITING me to fully stop at times. I’ve had several near misses… I want them fixed now!! My car is no longer safe!!! Still doing it today @ 12:18pm with mileage of 130,605… please help!
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2025
On January 26, 2024, at AutoNation, I was requested to bring my 2010 Hyundai Tucson in to replace a part involving my ‘brakes.’ I’m the original owner, since 2021 my brakes would grind at least twice weekly and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop! Then, the AntiLock Brake System lights would just pop up out of nowhere and come on, then my brakes would work. So, I was told I needed a new switch. AutoNation never let me explain any of this, they cut me off anytime I tried to explain it. So, last January 2024, the switch was fixed. I’d prefer NOT to go back there again!! It hasn’t been inspected by anyone. NHTSA may inspect it as soon as you would like. Except now, my ABS lights are basically stuck on. This started back again June 2024. No grinding of my brakes now, I just want them fixed properly.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood and the temperature gauge fluctuated. The vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, an unknown engine part was fractured, and several unknown parts had detached and were leaning on the driver's side of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 199,996. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, hydraulic ); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated that the manufacturer will contact them via email when a remedy for the vehicle is ready.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 19, 2019, fire
I FIRST NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY SUV. I PULLED INTO A STORE PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO PARK. MY MAIN BRAKES FAILED. I THEN TRIED USING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT TOO FAILED. WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE VENTS SO I TURNED THEM AWAY FROM ME AND TRIED SHIFTING TO PARK WITH NO SUCCESS. I THEN PRESSED THE MAIN BRAKE AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK. THEN SOMEONE IN THE PARKING LOT YELLED, "YOUR CAR'S ON FIRE! GET OUT!" I GRABBED MY KEYS, CELL PHONE AND WORK BADGE AND AS I WAS GETTING OUT, BLACK SMOKE BEGAN FILLING THE CABIN. STORE EMPLOYEES TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WITH NO SUCCESS. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE FRONT HALF OF THE SUV WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES! I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL NOR THE REASON FOR THE ENGINE TO CATCH FIRE! I HAVE VIDEO AND PHOTOS FOR VIEWING.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND DOWN HILL BRAKE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK FROM THE DRIVE POSITION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE GEAR SHIFTER SHIFTED OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION INTO THE PARK POSITION INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,692.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2014, crash
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION WHILE EITHER BRAKING OR SLOWLY ATTEMPTING TO PARK. DURING EACH INCIDENT THE AUTO ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE AUTO FROM PROCEEDING FORWARD EVEN WITH BOTH FEET HEAVILY APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. EACH TIME I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MANEUVER TO AVOID HITTING ANY PEDESTRIANS IN MY PATH AND FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO HUMAN INJURIES DURING ANY OF THESE OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, TWO OF THE INCIDENTS DID RESULT IN A COLLISION. THE FIRST WAS A MINOR REAR END CRASH RESULTING FROM THE INABILITY TO STOP THE AUTO WHEN IT UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKING FOR A RED LIGHT. THE LAST INCIDENT RESULTED IN EXPENSIVE AUTO DAMAGE WHEN THE AUTO UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WHILE SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT ALONG THE STREET AND CAUSING THE AUTO TO JUMP THE CURB. TO AVOID HITTING PEDESTRIANS WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK OR CRASHING INTO A STOREFRONT, I WAS FORCED TO COLLIDE INTO A TELEPHONE POLE TO STOP THE AUTO RESULTING IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF FRONT END DAMAGE. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 20, 2013
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK FROM DRIVE WHEN STOPPED TO PARK. I DROVE TO ANOTHER PARKING SPOT AND STILL WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. THE CAR FINALLY SHUT DOWN. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, WHICH UNABLE TO DO THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FROZEN AND UNABLE TO PUSH DOWN. LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT BECAUSE IF IT HAD STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY I COULD OF CREATED A ACCIDENT. THE CAR JUST FROZE. *TR
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 9, 2013
I WAS AT A GAS STATION AND POSITIONING MY VEHICLE FOR FUELING. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER GOT STUCK AND I COULDN'T MOVE IT TO ANYWHERE BUT NEUTRAL. DURING THIS TIME THE ESC AND DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ON. THEN I SWITCHED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED IT, THE PROBLEM SEEM TO GO OFF. NOW IT RECURS VERY OFTEN AT LEAST 5 TIMES A DAY EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS ~25 MPH ON A DRY ROAD. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 26, 2013
OVER THE LAST WEEK, MY CAR HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN PARK ON 3 OCCASIONS. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH. APPARENTLY, HYUNDAI AND KIA HAVE RECALLED 1.9M CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT THE HYUNDAI TUCSON IS ONLY RECALLED UP TO YEAR 2009. MINE IS A 2010 AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, AS THE CAR MIGHT NOT COME OUT OF CRUISE IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. ALL IT HAS CAUSED ME SO FAR IS FRUSTRATION AND PANIC. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 20, 2012
2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED FOR OVER A YEAR, HE AND HIS WIFE HAVE EXPERIENCED A GIRDING AND GRATING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. WITH THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER REPEATEDLY. ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS HEARD THE NOISE AND ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR ATTEMPTS DID NOT WORK AND THE NOISE IS STILL PRESENT. *JB