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
59 reports, newest first.
Power train, Apr 11, 2011
ISSUE: THE INTERIOR PLASTIC COVER ATTACHED TO THE SHIFTER LOCATED NEXT TO THE CUP HOLDERS WILL CRUMPLE-UP AFTER SOME SODA IS SPILLED ON IT - CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CRUMPLED PLASTIC WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT OR PROHIBIT THE SHIFTER TO BE PLACED IN PARK OR DRIVE. IF WEAK INDIVIDUAL ENCOUNTERS THIS CONDITION ON A SLOPED SURFACE THE CAR MAY ROLL UP OR DOWN THE SLOPE BECAUSE WHILE IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO PLACE IT IN PARK OR DRIVE - THE CAR CAN BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL. THIS ALL STARTED WHEN ON A APRIL 1, 2011, FRIDAY TRIP FROM CEDAR PARK, TO CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. I STOPPED AND PICKED UP A BURGER AND COKE. I PLACED THE COKE IN THE CUP HOLDER AND CONTINUED ON MY TRIP- SOME OF THE COKE SPILLED BECAUSE THE LID CAME LOOSE. I SECURED THE LID ON THE CUP AND WIPED DOWN THE AREA WHERE THE COKE HAD SPILLED. ON APRIL 2, 2011 SATURDAY, I NOTICED THAT THE IT WAS HARD TO SHIFT BUT DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT . I RETURNED TO CEDAR PARK ON APRIL 3, SUNDAY. BY APRIL 4, MONDAY, THE SHIFTER PLASTIC WAS A CRUMPLED MESS AND I HAD TO USE A BOX CUTTER TO CUT THROUGH THE PLASTIC SO I COULD PLACE THE CAR IN PARK OR DRIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT, AND DROPPED IT OFF TO BE SERVICED. SO I WAS SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED WHEN THE SERVICE ADVISOR, CALLED AND SAID THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD DIRECTED SHE TELL US THAT BECAUSE SOME LIQUID HAD BEEN SPILLED ON THE PLASTIC CAUSING IT TO BECOME STICKY - THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $250.00. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR ANY AMOUNT OF SPILLED SODA TO CAUSE THE PLASTIC SHIFT COVER TO CRUMPLE AND IMPEDE PROPER OPERATION OF THE GEAR SHIFTER. THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. A RECALL TO CORRECT AND REPAIR THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE INITIATED. *TR
Visibility, Dec 22, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SNOW HAD ACCUMULATED UNDER THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS. AS A RESULT, THE WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE SIMILAR FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.
Power train, Nov 15, 2010
PURCHASED MY 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON IN MAY 2010. I HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES OF TRANSMISSION LOCKUP AT 50 MPH. AS DESCRIBED BY OTHERS IT FEELS LIKE YOU HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. THE CAR LURCHES AND THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR, IT FEELS LIKE I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF IT ONE OF THESE TIMES WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION AS PER DIRECTION FROM HYUNDAI TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. NOT SURE IF THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM OR JUST DELAY IT. THE VEHICLE HAS 8300 MILES, IT STARTED FAILING AROUND 6000 MILES. PERSONALLY, I DON'T WANT THIS VEHICLE BACK AND FEEL THAT AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD TAKE PLACE, THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. THESE VEHICLES ARE HAVING TRANSMISSION FAILURES BEFORE THE FIRST OIL CHANGE! *TR
Power train, Oct 18, 2010
I HAVE HAD MY HYUNDAI TUCSON FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS, ABOUT TWO MONTHS AFTER OWNING THE CAR THE CAR MADE A LOUD CLUNK AND LURCHED FORWARD,LIKE I GOT HIT FROM BEHIND OR LIKE I HIT AN ANIMAL. I PULLED OVER TO SEE IF I DID BUT NOTHING WAS THERE. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT THREE TIMES BEFORE I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE. THEY RESET THE TRANSMISSION, THEY TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION LEARNS YOUR PATTERNS AND SOMETHING MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN CONFUSED. ITS BEEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW SINCE THEY "FIXED" THE PROBLEM BUT THIS MORNING IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND IT SLAMMED SO HARD IT MADE MY SON AND I LURCH FORWARD AND THE SEATBELTS LOCKED. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. I HAVE AN APPT. THIS WEEK TO GET IT SERVICED AGAIN, WE WILL SEE WHAT THEY SAY THIS TIME. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR
Power train, May 26, 2010
SUDDEN DOWNSHIFTING WITH LOUD CLUNK AND LURCHING OF VEHICLE AT 35 MPH. FELT AS IF I HAD BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. INSTINCTIVELY HIT THE BRAKES AND PULLED OVER TO CHECK FOR EXTERIOR DAMAGE, AND FOUND NONE. CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD AND EXPERIENCED UNUSUAL INCREASES IN RPMS. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. OWNED VEHICLE ONLY 11 DAYS. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 500 MILES. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. SERVICE CENTER INFORMS ME THAT VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE "PERFORMING NORMALLY," BUT THEY ARE "CHECKING THE CODES." *TR
Steering, May 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE CURRENT IS2,633 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,100 UPDATED 7/16/10 *CN UPDATED 07/22/10*JB
Seat belts, May 4, 2010
RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW HYUNDAI TUCSON AND FOUND THERE IS NO ALERT BELL, BUZZER, OR LIGHT TO TELL THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THEIR SEAT BELT BUCKLED. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2010
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS PERSISTING. CAUSING VERY HARD DOWNSHIFTS, MAKING SEAT BELT TENSIONERS LOCK. *TR
Power train, Mar 4, 2010
NO ACCIDENT YET, BUT WORRISOME. HAVE A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED AWD. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS NOW. WHEN SLOWING DOWN (SUCH AS A HIGHWAY ON OR OFF RAMP), WITHOUT FOOT ON THE GAS. CAR VIOLENTLY DOWNSHIFTS. TO THE POINT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. ACTUALLY SLOWED THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH THAT I PUSHED FORWARD IN THE DRIVERS SEATS, AND THE SEAT BELT TENSIONED UP TO KEEP ME GOING FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS, AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO DEFECT, AND THAT IT IS 'NORMAL' BEHAVIOR. BUT I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A CAR THAT SHIFTS THIS HARD AND THIS VIOLENTLY TO MAKE ME WORRY ABOUT CRASHING. *TR