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
79 reports, newest first.
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.
Structure, Feb 25, 2024
Panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded when driving on highway. No warning. Sounded like a gunshot. Had to pull over on the highway and clean off as much glass as I could so it did not cause injury or damage to other motorists. Looks like many other Tucson owners are experiencing similar issues. Has not been inspected yet as dealerships and insurance are closed today.
Air bags, Dec 13, 2023, crash
AIR BAG ON DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT OPEN SAME THING WITH MY 2019 ELANTRA 3 YEARS AGO
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2023
The back trunk latch is failing to unlock. The button can be heard and sometimes it sounds as if the motor is whining. After attempting to unlock the trunk by removing the cover on the safety wire and pulling it, this action was unsuccessful.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2023
I've had numerous issues with my vehicle, including power steering, brakes, loss of power, and more. On a few occasions, I started my vehicle and put it into drive, only to find that the power steering hadn't disengaged. This led to near collisions, such as almost hitting another vehicle while backing out of a parking spot and nearly running into a wall. I've reported these issues to Hyundai multiple times, but the dealership can't reproduce the problem, despite having recordings of the incidents. I've also experienced delayed release of the electronic e-brake and it feeling like it hadn't fully disengaged. In a recent event, with passengers in the car, the e-brake auto-engaged while driving downhill, bringing the vehicle to a halt. I had to manually disengage it and restart the vehicle to resume normal operation. I contacted Hyundai customer service again, but I'm still waiting for a formal response. Other symptoms include loss of power during acceleration, engine starting issues, stuttering, and occasional burning smell from the brakes. Despite my efforts, Hyundai hasn't provided any solutions to these problems. I drive with multiple passengers in my vehicle all the time, including children and have major concerns regarding any of these issues happening, let alone while I am driving at higher speeds or with someone else driving my vehicle.
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
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.
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2022
Purchase new Tucson from Hyundai of Saint Augustine FL in April 2021, the vehicle worked fine. Then in July 2021 the vacuum assist brakes would not hold a vacuum after the engine was shut down, so when you went to start the vehicle it required excessive pressure on the brake peddle to clear the interlock before the vehicle would start. Took vehicle to dealer and told service writer that I thought it was the Check Valve leaking. After 2 hours service writer told me Tucson was ready and their technician did not find anything wrong and that there is no Check Valve. Drove vehicle home and the vacuum assist brake was still not correct so I filed a case with Hyundai USA (#18769467) about the problem and waited for them to contact me. When they contacted me they told me to take it back to dealer and they would fix the problem. I know enough about vehicles that use engine vacuum for power assist brakes have a check valve, so before I went back to dealer I looked up the part number (59139-2W000) vacuum intensifier, and the Hyundai patent (US7752841B2) which clearly shows a check valve. Went back to dealer in October as instructed by Hyundai and told the service writer the same thing I told him the first time. Waited 2 hours again and was told the technician did not find anything wrong and there is no check valve. I then showed him the part number and said that is the check valve. He said he would check with the service manager to see if Hyundai would cover the cost to replace the part and would call me later. Got the call and was informed that Hyundai would NOT pay to replace the part because the dealership technician did not find any thing wrong. How could the technician find anything wrong with a check valve when he said there is no check valve in the brake system. If the engine quit while I was driving I would not have power assist brakes which could cause an accident. I bought the part from different dealer & installed it, brakes work fine now.
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.
Service brakes, Nov 13, 2021
It appears after breaking, the brakes stick and the car won’t accelerate when pressed on the gas pedal.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that her right-hand thumb was jammed between the front driver's side door. The contact had to insert the fob key into the door's keyhole in order to open the door since the unlock button on the key fob and door button could not unlock to open the door. Medical attention was received for injuries sustained with a broken right-hand thumb and a 2-inch laceration. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,844.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, May 17, 2021
Forward collision warning is set at "early", but I only get 1 out of dozen incidents where I feel the warning should be triggered. Often I had to hit the brake hard enough to cause chest pains for me & my passenger. So, the injury below is a minor one for now, but may easily become quite extensive.
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?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 30, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED CENTRAL AVENUE HYUNDAI (111 S CENTRAL AVE #1, HARTSDALE, NY 10530, (315) 816-3071) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 25, 2021
IN THE INITIAL NHTSA TUCSON RECALL, DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 2020, THE ONLY 2021MY TUCSON VEHICLES TO BE INCLUDED WERE THOSE MANUFACTURED THROUGH 3/31/20 AND SPECIFICALLY ON 6/23/20. ONCE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ABS MODULE HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AND CONFIRMED, AND THE RECALL ISSUED, HYUNDAI CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE, AND SELL TUCSON VEHICLES WITH THE SAME KNOWN SAFETY FLAW. RATHER THAN SHUT DOWN THE PRODUCTION LINE UNTIL CORRECTIONS COULD BE MADE, HYUNDAI CONTINUED TO 'INVESTIGATE' THE PROBLEM WHILE 2021MY TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER THE END OF AUGUST 2020 CONTINUED TO BE SOLD. HYUNDAI CONTINUED TO SELL THESE CARS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ADMITTING IN NHTSA DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY WAS 'UNSUCCESSFUL IN DETERMINING THE EXACT ROOT CAUSE' OF THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD, THE COMPANY 'CONCLUDED THAT THE RISK OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT RESULTING IN A FIRE COULD BE MITIGATED [NOT ELIMINATED] BY LIMITING THE OPERATING CURRENT IN THE ABS MODULE THROUGH A LOWER AMPERAGE FUSE.' IT WASN'T UNTIL NOVEMBER OF 2020 THAT A PRODUCTION CHANGE WAS IMPLEMENTED. THEN, IN DECEMBER OF 2020, THE SEPTEMBER RECALL WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED THROUGH NOVEMBER 2020.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. HORNE HYUNDAI (1360 E AUTO CENTER DR, APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85119) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND LEFT TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2021
HYUNDAI TUCSON ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULES CORRODE INTERNALLY AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND FIRE. THEY ISSUED A RECALL, AND THEIR NOTICES SAY IT WILL TAKE LESS THEN ONE HOUR TO PERFORM INSTALLATION OF NEW ABS MODULES, YET ALL DEALERSHIPS SAY IT TAKES HALF A DAY. I JUST VISITED A DEALERSHIP WHO DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE PARTS TO DO IT!!! AND EACH SERVICE DEPARTMENT ONLY SCHEDULE 5-7 RECALLS PER DAY. SO ALL DEALERSHIPS ARE BOOKED FOR MONTHS AND MONTHS OUT. LEAVING US ALL WITH THIS VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT, THREATENING TO BURN DOWN OUR HOMES. THIS IS NOT A RECALL BEING PERFORMED IN A TIMELY MATTER CONSIDERING HOW POTENTIALLY SERIOUS IT IS. THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SELLING ANY MORE VEHICLES UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS COMPLETELY FIXED. SO WHAT ARE ALL OF US CONSUMERS WHO CAN'T GET THIS RECALL FIXED SUPPOSED TO DO IF OUR VEHICLES SUDDENLY BURSTS INTO FLAMES?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 14, 2021
WE GOT THE RECALL NOTICE ON BLUE LINK CALLED FLETCHER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET TO US SOMETIME THAT THE PART WAS BACKORDERED HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM SINCE WHEN I CALLED GOT THE SAME SPEECH ASK ABOUT FIRES AND THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT WE STILL DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT'S ALL WE HAVE BEEN PARKING IN THE GARAGE BECAUSE NO WORRIES ACCORDING TO FLETCHER AND HONESTLY IT'S BEEN BELOW FREEZING
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 13, 2021
HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS WON'T PERFORM RECALL ON DANGEROUS ABS ISSUE THAT CAUSES ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES. THEY SAY TO PARK OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES, BUT DEALERSHIPS SAY THEY ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO PERFORM 7 RECALLS A DAY BECAUSE THEY TAKE "4 HOURS" BUT THE RECALL PAPER WORK SAYS IT SHOULD TAKE LESS THEN 1 HOUR. SO THEY ARE BOOKED FOR MONTHS AND MONTHS LEAVING US WITHOUT A WAY TO GET THE DANGEROUS FIRE CAUSING ISSUE FIXED. THIS IS A SERIOUS ENOUGH ISSUE, THAT SHOULD BE PRIORITY EVEN BEFORE THEIR SALES. IT'S DISGUSTING WHAT HYUNDAI HAS BEEN GETTING AWAY WITH CONCERNING THEIR FAULTY VEHICLES.