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: power train
8 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 20, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
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
Power train, Electrical system, Lane departure, Feb 22, 2025
Vehicle has 36,300 miles. Engine stalled twice when shifting into reverse, MID displayed "BCW On, Check System." Continued driving home, vehicle experiences power loss (rpms drop to ~500) and electrical system sputters and sparking noises can be heard in the cabin momentarily when turning left or steering left for curves at speeds over ~20mph. Checked BCW sensor location in rear bumper for obstructions - vehicle is clean.
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.
Power train, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle only responded while turning. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a rear end collision several times while driving through intersections. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then drove the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that he was notified of a possible transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,000.
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.
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.