2021 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 79 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 2 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Campaign 20V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
42 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 31, 2025
When going through Auburn, AL with speed limit of 70 mph my car engine started blinking on and off then my car dropped down only allowing me to go 60 Mph.
Engine, Jul 15, 2025
There was a recall on this engine which I had updated the knock sensor campaign. While on the highway the engine light started flashing and the speed was reduced to 20 mph on a major highway. I had to almost cause a wreck to get off highway. The vehicle went into limp mode with no prior indication
Engine, May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. There was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hyundai of Orange Park (7600 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244); who determined that the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the coils and determined the failure was due to the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,500.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
Around November 1, 2024 my 2021 Tucson check engine light came on. I had this checked out and was told by a mechanic that it was the Camshaft Sensor. I had this repaired and then on November 23rd while traveling to Ohio my Check Engine light started flashing and needed immediate attention. I was on the West Virginia Turnpike when this happened and it caused the car to go no more that 45 mph in a zone marked 65mph. We got this immediately checked out and repaired and then 4 days later the same thing happened while in Ohio. It was taken to Deihl Hyundai in Massillon, Ohio and they once again made this repair with video evidence of said repairs. Once again while driving at freeway speed on December 23rd my car experienced this malfunction. The same dealership fixed it once again with direction from Hyundai. I am concerned for this is an ongoing problem and could cause serious injury to myself or others in my vehicle if this would happen once again on a freeway.
Engine, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact safely pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to a lack of maintenance records. The contact was advised to contact the Better Business Bureau. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2024
My check engine light came on in the vehicle and immediately the acceleration declined and I wasn’t able to go above 50 mph. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to which the code 1326 came up. I was told it is a rod bearing engine failure and I need a new engine for the vehicle. I was also told my vehicle doesn’t qualify for the recall already made for this damage and code number.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
Crank sensor went bad and engine needs rebuilt
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering column. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Steering column would not disengage and remained locked up after the vehicle was started and in gear. This have caused me to almost get into a few collisions for the same issue. I have had friends and family, most recently my daughter, in the vehicle when these issues have occurred. I have almost collided with walls, cars, etc due to this issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Despite the numerous videos I have presented documenting these incidents, they state they have been unable to reproduce. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Manufacture has not inspected the vehicle and keeps sending me to the local dealership where the vehicle was purchased from. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. During the issues where the steering column does not unlock or disengage, it displays a yellow light with a car and key symbol in it. During other issues I have experienced with this vehicle (phantom braking, acceleration / power issues, random dash controls turning on, and the electric e-brake failing to properly disengage, there have been no lots on the dash that were noticeable. Restarting the vehicle tends to rectify the issue.
Engine, Feb 29, 2024
I was contacted by Hyundai last year about a possible recall on my engine so I brought it in October 2023 to have it checked out. I was told that everything with the car was fine. Fast forward to last week 02-21-2024 and my engine starts shutting off while driving ON THE HIGHWAY? I have it towed to a new dealership in Jacksonville FL Jenkins Hyundai I believe. They inform me that it is indeed the engine and it will be replaced for free under warranty. However, it’s been over a week and the parts for the car are still not available. I have researched online and found I am far from the only one this has happened to. I was not given a loaner car and they did not offer to pay for my rental but I was told they would reimburse me. I was also told that they would just pay every week for a rental car for me but then I was later told that that was a flat out lie. After March 7th when the rental car I have is to be returned I can no longer afford a rental car and will not have access to reliable transportation. This could potentially result in me losing my job. This is unacceptable and Hyundai should be investigated and held accountable for selling cars they know have faulty engines.
Engine, Oct 29, 2023
September 15, 2023 while driving on the expressway my engine light came on. Vehicle towed to World Hyundai dealership and it was diagnosed as engine seized.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023, fire
The contact called on behalf of his girlfriend who owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in the driveway, there was steam coming out from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that as he opened the hood, flames came out. The contact's girlfriend also saw flames coming out of the A/C vents. The contact closed the hood and assisted his girlfriend and his pet in exiting the vehicle. The contact stated that his girlfriend slipped and fell while exiting the vehicle. The contact's girlfriend sustained back pain and the contact sustained a flash burn. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. The insurance company technician determined that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company and remained in the contats driveway. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2023
I was merging onto interstate traffic when the vehicle suddenly stuttered and decelerated. I managed to merge, then cross over several lanes of traffic and pulled over. Thought maybe a fuel problem (I had just filled the tank), or overheating. It only has 24K miles on it, and I've faithfully taken the vehicle to the dealer for regular service intervals, so I know it is not a fluid leak or problem. after a few minutes, I was able to start the car again, but it immediately shut down. Did this several times before giving up and calling for a tow truck. Had it towed to the dealer, and the next day they told me it needed a new engine, but the service department needed approval from corporate Hyundai. I'm waiting with baited breath.
Engine, Mar 31, 2023
March of 2021 I purchased a new Hyundai Tucson SEL. I have performed all required maintenance (at the dealer no less). In May of 2022 the dealer performed the recall Campaign 966. Since that time, my Tucson has had to go to the dealer 5 times for a P1326 code. This resulted in the check engine light flashing and the car going into protection or limp mode. The vehicle would not accelerate past 30 mph and would not exceed 2000 RPM. This has happened as I have accelerated from either a stop or while in traffic. As of yet the dealer has been unable to permanently resolve the problem. They have replaced the knock sensor. The dealer has replaced spark plugs. The dealer has also replaced the catalytic convertor. They also recently scoped the cylinders and cleaned the engine with pressurized engine detergent. In the days and weeks prior to the check engine light, I can always tell that failure is imminent. The gas mileage will slowly drop off during both highway and city driving. Additionally, I can feel through the gas pedal hesitations and slight rhythmic pulsing. Lastly, I can feel gradual power loss in acceleration and very slight hesitations in acceleration as well.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 6, 2023
Check engine light comes on flashing for a knock sensor. This has happened four times. Since it is flashing, car goes into limp mode and won’t go over 2000 rpm, low speeds and slow/no acceleration. It is dangerous due to happening on highways and going from cruising speeds to a crawl, with minimal ability to accelerate, very quickly. Sensor has been updated once and sensor has been replaced twice. Currently dealing with corporate after the fourth time of this issue happening. I am still fighting this issue and it’s looking like I will need an attorney.
Engine, May 24, 2022
Recall Code 966 22-01-028H-1 Think and investigation is needed on these recalls. Apparently the engine can catch fire while the motorist is driving. I'm scheduled to drop my car off on the 9th and was told they may need to keep for 3-5 days. Thes vehicles should not be on the road at all and rental cars should be provided free of charge until the manufacturer works out all the problems
Service brakes, Engine, Apr 26, 2021
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE THAT THE POSSIBILITY EXIST THAT A BATTERY COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD HAPPEN. RECALL NOTICE ALSO STATED THAT VEHICLE SHOULD 'NOT BE PARKED INDOORS.' THE RECALL NOTICE ALSO STATED 'AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE ABS MODULE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.' SO WE DON'T DARE PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE SINCE IT IS LOCATED BENEATH OUR HOME, THEREBY LEAVING A NEW CAR OUT IN THE ELEMENTS AT ALL TIMES. IN ADDITION AS SENIOR CITIZENS OUR SAFETY AND WELL BEING ARE BEING JEOPARDIZED AS WE CANNOT ENTER OUR VEHICLE FROM INSIDE OUR HOME, BUT MUST ENTER FROM THE STREET IN ALL TYPES OF INCLEMENT WEATHER. WE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A CALL BACK. WE REACHED OUT TO OUR SALESMAN AND HE WAS THE ONE WHO GAVE US INFORMATION ON THE RECALL AND ADDED OUR NAME TO THE REPAIR LIST. HOWEVER WHEN WE DIDN'T HEAR FROM THEM WITH AN UPDATE WE TOOK A DRIVE TO THE DEALER. DURING THE VISIT TO THE DEALER IN MARCH WE WERE TOLD THE PIECE IS ON BACK ORDER. TODAY I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO DATE YET TO FIX THIS RECALL. HOW LONG ARE WE EXPECTED TO WAIT FOR THE 'FIX' AND TO LEAVE OUR CAR OUTSIDE?
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2021
SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED , HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.