2013 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 266 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 16 involved a crash and 18 involved a fire. 12 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
Engine and engine cooling, engineFeb 5, 2019
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.
Campaign 19V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 13, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.
Campaign 14V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
159 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Nov 24, 2021
The whole engine shut down as I was going 70 mph on an interstate. At that time both the oil light and battery light came on. Once I pulled over, I could smell burning wires and a haze of smoke started coming in through the front air vents. The SUV was towed first to my mechanic then to the Hyundai service center who said this was a recall defect and they would look into it. At the time of the failure, I was out of cell tower range, but able to make a 911 call from the side of the 4 lane interstate. I was able to put on my hazard lights. I received a ride home from a state trooper. The car had regular oil changes, tire rotations, and normal inspections. Nothing out of the ordinary; no concerns about the engine. No warning lights came on prior to the shut down. It was 100% out of the blue. The Hyundai service center has now informed me the 2013 Hyundai Tucson has an “open campaign” recall on it (#966). They have extended coverage to repair/replace any engine under150,000 miles. My Tucson has 125,197 miles on it, but because I did not see their recall flyer in the mail, this service center is refusing to cover the expense of replacing the engine. Instead, they are asking me to foot the bill to the tune of $12,000.00. This is not an expired recall and a know issue by Hyundai.
Engine, Nov 10, 2021
Was driving at 70mph on the highway when the failure occurred. The engine began making a very loud knocking noise and I was thankfully able to safely pull over before the car completely shut down. No check engine or oil lamps turned on and there were no signs that the engine was failing. It just all of a sudden started knocking while driving on the highway and I was lucky to get to the side of the road without causing an accident or being stuck in the middle of the highway with a broken engine. Checked the oil and found metal shavings on the dipstick so I called a tow truck to have the vehicle towed to the dealership that last serviced it. The dealership initially kept telling me it was upper engine noise until I pushed them to actually tell me which part failed. They then finally admitted that it was one of the engine bearings. This failure was also 2 months after that same dealership had pulled the oil pan off and replaced the gasket and oil pressure sensor for an active recall. This seems to be a VERY common problem for this 2.4theta engine from Hyundai. Hyundai is refusing to warranty the engine and wants $9600 to replace the engine that failed and left me stranded on the highway 2hrs away from home. The vehicle has now been at the same dealership for over 2 months while I fight with Hyundai's warranty and customer service dept who keep denying my claim that the engine is defective and should be warrantied. While my car has been at this same dealership they have preformed another NEW active recall for programming the knock sensor to sense bearing failures on these engines. THIS NEW RECALL WORK WAS DONE WITHOUT MY CONSENT AND I DID NOT SIGN OFF ON THEM PREFORMING THIS WORK BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS ALREADY HAD A BEARING FAILURE!!!
Engine, Sep 27, 2021
Was driving on the highway at 74 mph when the engine started knocking and smelled of smoke, no other warning symptoms and all routine maintenance have been performed timely, in fact on-time pul change was performed the day before. I safely exited the highway and when I came to a complete stop at the end of the off ramp the oil, engine _ battery light came on and engine died. I checked the oil - it was clean and full. Had to get towed to a shop. They said the rod in the 4th cylinder is the culprit and requires a new engine ($7,500). I've called the Hyundai dealer and am waiting to hear back. Cars mileage is 139k and otherwise in excellent condition.
Engine, Sep 26, 2021
I have Only 113186 miles on my Tucson.I started hearing a engine knock while driving the vehicle and then the vehicle started stalling out.The next day I took it to my mechanic.He tested everything then he drained my oil and found metal shavings from the rod bearing and told me the engine was no good.I changed the oil at regular intervals.I found out they have a recall on the 2017-2018 Tucson's with bad bearing issues.The engine is the same as mine the 2.0
Engine, Sep 12, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure while operating vehicle How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My wife, 2 children and myself were on a busy interstate and immediately lost all power from the engine, unable to accelerate. Had to navigate other vehicles to reach the shoulder where we were stranded for at least an hour. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The independent service center immediately cited well known issues with this specific 2.4L engine and recommended we go to the dealer. Awaiting the dealers feedback at this time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not at this time Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No; the vehicle was well maintained. The oil/fluid levels were appropriate before the start of the trip. No warning lamps or the like were present prior to the incident. No symptoms evident prior to the incident.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle engine failed. When driving with the cruise control set at 70 mph, the engine emitted a loud knocking sound and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle powered off and the vehicle rolled onto the road shoulder. The contact was able to open the hood and smoke emitted from under the hood and emitted an engine oil burnt odor. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or mechanic to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021
Daughter was driving up a mountain pass. Suddenly engine emitted a puff of smoke and she pulled over. Car failed to start after. Noticed oil all over ground. Towed 100 miles over pass into Denver. Mechanic said it was engine failure with a hole blown in the engine. Mileage was only 90K. Well maintained. Insurance wouldn't cover and mechanic advised not to fix because it would require a complete engine overhaul for $6000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2021
My 81 year old Mother was driving the vehicle when it just stopped on her on a busy intersection and a tow company and police had to be called. The tow company tried to jump the car and it did not work. The mechanic said that the engine is shot and it only has 124k miles and has been well taken care of and all recalls have been addressed. This is a hazardous and dangerous issue that could have ended badly. I contacted the Hyundai dealer that did my recall to check it and they do not have any appointments until 09-15-2021 which is 3 weeks away. I do not understand how a vehicle that has regular maintenance has the engine just go with no prior warning.
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
2.4 Theta-II engine failed at 95k miles. The engine is the same engine recalled on the santa fe and sonata and dealer does not want to replace.
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
Driving on highway 65miles an hour plus, car started making horrible knocking/banging sound. No lights or indicators had went off. I pulled off highway and car just stopped and died. From full speed. Had I not pulled off the highway or was unable to get over it would have stopped without warning and someone could have hit me. I towed the vehicle straight to Hyundai. They told me it was internal engine failure in the lower bearing system. They recommended a full engine replacement. No warning lights. Car was maintained with ALL suggested maintenance and oil changes. My particular car is not under recall however this issue in the 2013 Hyundai happens too frequently for it to be a coincidence. In a well maintained car.
Engine, Jul 1, 2021
Sunday june 20th 2021 My husband and Son were driving down the highway at 70mph (speed limit) suddenly and without warning the car died. He was unable to steer, with his defensive driving training he was able to veer to the side of the road. The engine oil and Battery indicator flashed AFTER he was pulled over to the side of the road. If it wasn't for my husbands training he would have had ZERO abilities to pull the car over. He is a truck driver and this incident scared him. The semi truck behind him almost slammed into him and the car coming twards him. He was worried about the safety of our family as well as everyone on the road. They were in an isolated location with no cell service. He and my son had to walk 5 miles in the 110° heat to call for help. I towed the car to a mechanic who looked at it. He said the oil pan was leaking from the seal. He dropped the pan to look at the damage, he instructed me to call Hyundai after learning there was a recall for that issue.
Engine, Jun 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and diagnosed by an independent mechanic as engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.
Engine, Jun 15, 2021
Driving vehicle, engine started knocking, noises got louder, engine stalled, caused 360 in the highway, was able to come to a stop on side of road. Inspected by mechanic, noted as engine failure, if vehicle would not have been stopped, would have caused fire in engine.
Engine, Jun 11, 2021
Driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph. Suddenly heard a knocking sound from the engine. Accelerator lost any power and could not drive. Check engine light, oil light came on. Had to pull off the side of major interstate without any forward power.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
I was driving on I-15 in a 80 MPH road in holiday traffic, when suddenly my engine just shut off. I was lucky to squeeze through 2 diesels and onto the shoulder. I only had about 1 foot between my vehicle and passing vehicles. I had my daughter in the car and we were lucky to not have been in a major accident. I tried to restart the Tuscon and it shook and made a horrible banging / pounding sound but didnt turn over. It was towed to Goodyear in Cedar City. They stated it was an engine failure. I contacted Hyundai and they told me I had to get it to a Hyundai dealership. It was towed to Findlay Hyundai in St. George Utah where they confirmed the engine had failed. It only has 106K miles. There was no warning, no indication of issues. I had kept up on maintenance and never had any issues with the vehicle during my time owning it. I am not being compensated in any way. I had someone else pick us up and continued home. I do not have any documentation from the dealership or Goodyear since I was on my way home from vacation.
Engine, May 28, 2021, fire
Recall 181 - failure to complete repairs (defective oil pan seal/switch) as requested by owners, that resulted in a catastrophic, high speed stall, loss of control and engine failure. On Mon May 17, 2021 at 4pm EST our 23 year old daughter and 3 of her college graduate girlfriends were driving from Atlanta to Charleston, SC (65-70 mph) on Hwy I-26 when suddenly & without warning her 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine started knocking, smoking and ultimately exploded throwing a piston through the engine block creating a huge hole and completely seizing up. She couldn't see due to the intense smoke, lost control of the car but thankfully was able to steer it to the roadside. As the girls struggled to get out they saw fire underneath the car and highway shoulder. They called 911. By the time the fire dept arrived, the fire had diminished but not before terrifying the 4 girls that the gas tank might explode. Our daughter & friends were completely frantic stranded on the side of a major hwy. After approx 1 1/2 hours, a County Sheriff drove by and stopped to assist. He took them to the next exit to wait for the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to Hyundai of North Charleston and inspected discovering a large gaping hole in the engine block. We had to pay $599 to have the car shipped back to Atlanta on Mon May 25th. On Thurs May 27, 2021, we went to Rick Case Hyundai in Roswell, GA and met with the GM. It was his service center involved in our attempts on Jan 6, 2021 to get the car repaired as per Hyundai Recall 181 instructions. We were told their was a national shortage of parts, received only an oil change and left driving a totally unsafe car which ultimately could have resulted in serious injuries or even loss of life to 4 young women. The dealership should not have allowed the car to be driven and a loaner car provided until repairs completed. The 2013 Tucson is available for inspection upon request as it is a nonrunning, engine completely totaled, vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 14, 2021, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE!
Engine, Apr 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE BY AAA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED AN UNKNOWN RECALL AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,563.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 9, 2021, fire
I WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 55 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A HIGH-SPEED STALL ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUSCON. I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND THEN ALL MY LIGHTS CAME ON (OIL,ENGINE,ETC.). I WAS SO SCARED AND MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THANK GOD. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I ALSO, SAW SMOKE SO I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. SO I WAS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THEY TOWED ME TO THE MECHANICS SHOP IN MY TOWN. THE MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT THERE IS OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH AND THAT MY ENGINE IS SHOT! I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN VERY CARE OF MY VEHICLE, I STILL HAVE TWO YEARS OF CAR PAYMENTS ON IT! HE SAID IT LOOKS LIKE A ROD BROKE AND THERE IS A HOLE IN MY ENGINE! ALSO, SOME KIND OF METAL DEBRIS IN MY OIL. SO GLAD I AM SAFE AND MY 9 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IS SAFE. I AM SO UPSET. VERY SCARY SITUATION. STAY SAFE WITH THESE VEHICLES EVERYONE. NOT GOOD...
Engine, Mar 15, 2021
ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOTS OF BLUE SMOKE AND STRANGE NOISE. NO WARNING LIGHT. TOOK TO MECHANIC SHOP WHO SAID THIS WAS PROBABLY DUE TO HYUNDAI RECALL. TOOK TO DEALER ON FRI 3/12/2021 WHO BOOKED IT IN. GOING FOR SHORT TRIP TO SHOPS ON SAT 3/13 LOTS OF BLUE SMOKE, ENGINE SHUDDER AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK VEHICLE STRAIGHT HOME.
Engine, Mar 9, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I STARTED HEARING SCRATCHING NOISE FROM ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED LOSING POWER. I STOPPED MY CAR, CALLED AAA TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO WILE HYUNDAI. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID MY ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED, THE CAR IS UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, BUT THEY NEED AN APPROVAL FROM HYUNDAI MOTORS USA TO GET A NEW ENGINE. ONE WEEK AGO I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CHECK THE STATUS OF MY CASE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED WITHIN 3-4 BUSINESS DAY BY FRIDAY, MAR 5, 2021. AS NOBODY CALLED ME, I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN TODAY, MAR 9, 2021, AND THE RESPONSE I RECEIVED IS THE SAME, I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED WITHIN 4-5 BUSINESS DAY.
Engine, Feb 23, 2021
I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI TUSCON THAT IS MY PRIMARY CAR. I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD GOING MAYBE 45 MPH TOPS AND MY ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN RIGHT BACK OFF. THEY DID NOT STAY ON BUT IT SEEMED MY VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER. AS I PULLED UP TO A STOP SIGN, MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF. A FEW DAYS LATER I NOTICED A KNOCK UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY MOTOR NEEDED REPLACED. THEY CHANGED THE OIL AND IT WAS ONLY TURNED ON TO BE MOVED AT THE DEALERSHIP SO IT COULD BE TOWED HOME. MY WARRANTY IS REFUSING TO PAY TO REPLACE MY MOTOR AND I WASN'T GOING TO HAVE IT SIT IN A PARKING LOT MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BACK IN MY POSSESSION, I CHECKED THE OIL DIP STICK AND IT WAS GLITTERY. THIS TELLS ME THAT SOMETHING INTERNALLY IS WRONG DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS IN MY OIL. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON MY VEHICLE, I'VE COME TO FIND MANY COMPLAINS HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST HYUNDAI 2.4L MOTORS.
Engine, Feb 8, 2021
CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC MULTIPLE TIMES. EVERY TIME THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. SO THIS FINAL TIME TOOK IT TO SOMEONE ELSE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS METAL SHAVINGS FROM THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 115000.00 MILES ON IT. ALL OIL CHANGES HAVE BEEN DONE AND MAITENANCE HAS BEEN KEPT ON THIS VEHICHLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SEE THIS ENGINE IS THE SAME ENGINE THAT WAS PLACED IN OTHER HYUNDAI'S AND KIAS. THIS ENGINE SHOULD ALSO BE PART OF THAT RECALL!!!
Engine, Feb 5, 2021
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CAR WAS DRIVING FINE, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE TAPPING NOISE, WHICH PROGRESSIVELY GOT LOUDER WITHIN SECONDS, AND THEN COMPLETELY LOST POWER. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, AND OPENED THE HOOD TO LOOK FOR ANY OBVIOUS SIGN OF TROUBLE. I FOUND NOTHING UNUSUAL. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. I GOT A CALL INFORMING ME THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS ON THE DIPSTICK, AND THAT HE WANTED TO DROP THE OIL PAN. I TOLD HIM NOT TO , BECAUSE I WAS AWARE OF A RECALL ON OTHER HYUNDAI'S, THAT WERE HAVING THE SAME TYPE OF ENGINE FAILURE. THE OIL PAN BOLTS APPEAR TO HAVE NEVER BEEN REMOVED IN THE PAST, DESPITE AN NHTSA RECALL THAT INSTRUCTED HYUNDAI TECHNICIANS TO REMOVE THE PAN, REPLACE THE GASKET, AND THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR. DESPITE THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATING THAT MY CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN EXAMINED FOR THIS ISSUE, THE PAN APPEARS TO HAVE NEVER BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CAR.
Engine, Jan 9, 2021
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR UP IN WYOMING ON I-80 THE DAY BEFORE I GOT MY SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE. MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN MADE A LOUD BANGING NOISE ON THE ENGINE AND DIED. THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS NO LIGHTS WHATSOEVER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING GREAT. UP UNTIL THIS MOMENT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR I MANAGED TO GET IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE ENGINES WAS FRIED. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, ACROSS-THE-BOARD THERE'S SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW I NEED A NEW ENGINE. THEY HAVE RECALLS ON JUST ABOUT EVERY OTHER MODEL EXCEPT THIS ONE WHICH I THINK IS WRONG CUZ IT'S THE SAME THING HAPPENING.