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: fuel/propulsion system
8 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2026
My car is burning oil. I have returned multiple times to have it serviced and checked for leaks, but no leaks have been found. Before reaching the recommended 3,000-mile oil change interval, the oil level drops below the minimum mark on the dipstick. In addition, my engine has started making a knocking noise, which is very concerning.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2026
I just got an oil change and the oil was completely gone although there was no leak found. Not even a week later my oil is low again. There is smoke coming from the back pipes and the gas is burning out quickly. I just purchased the car last year
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 9, 2026
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure, loss of power, drivability issues, and repeated warning indicators. The vehicle is currently out of service while additional components, including oxygen sensors and spark plugs, are reported to be affected. The manufacturer is declining to replace the catalytic converter and is attributing the condition to oil consumption despite the prior unresolved emissions failure. The issue has been confirmed by dealership diagnostics and has resulted in prolonged loss of use of the vehicle. This appears to be a continuing engine and exhaust/emissions system defect that was not properly remedied when first identified and may affect safe operation of the vehicle.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2025
When sitting at a stop and then accelerating to leave the stop position, the car will go and then all of a sudden it will stall out and I'm pressing the gas pedal, pressing the gas pedal quite a few times before the car even decides to move. This happens when I'm changing lanes on the highway... merging onto the highway... when I'm leaving from a stop sign or a stoplight it happens continuously. It is very dangerous and it can cause a very bad accident....this has been an issue since I had bought the car 3 years ago...it seems to be happening more frequent
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.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2021
Vehicle becomes unresponsive to the gas pedal after idling at a red light, acceleration is delayed for about 5 seconds. After the cars check engine light turns on and the vehicle begins to idle rough. Vehicle shakes randomly when coasting above 30mph and does not want to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was running exceptionally well until a software update was applied at the dealership. Hyundai has no recalls / safety campaigns on file for my vehicle make and model and was adamant that no updates should have been applied. On or shortly after this time, vehicle performance became really poor. mpg per tank dropped to around 22 / 23 mpg highway (normally 27-29 mpg), acceleration performance was reduced, and it felt as thought vehicle had issues accelerating at time. Shifting on hills became an issue as well as the vehicle did not appear to properly shift into the next gear when necessary. I was notified after purchase of the vehicle that it should be parked outside of my garage due to possible fire concerns even though my vehicle was supposedly not affected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lack of power / acceleration when needed affected getting onto the highway and shifting lanes. Vehicle rode almost like brake was being continuously applied and slowing down the vehicle at times. Lack of power and improper shifting almost caused an accident or two. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, dealer was unable to reproduce after a quick 10 minute test drive on flat land. I started keeping records and screenshots afterwards. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Hyundai refuses to contact me back regarding these issues. During this time, an email was sent globally indicating that Hyundai BlueLink would no longer support a feature that independently slowed / stopped vehicles in case of theft. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights have appeared on this vehicle.
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.