2021 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (31) · Service Brakes (8) · Power Train (7)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Tucson model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/Module 2020-09-04 · campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles ⚠ PARK OUTSIDE
Defect: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (90)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Back Over Prevention: Warnings 2026-10-15 · 26-GI-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (pdw) sensor(s) that may trigger various dtcs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the pdw sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. this condition may be a res
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Engine 2026-09-16 · 26-EM-014H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine may exhibit a continued dtc p132600 after an ecm logic update has been performed per tsb 24-01-068h, engine monitoring logic (service campaign 966). this bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · Z05 OL · Warranty Program/Extension
certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. this warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint
Engine 2026-05-21 · 26-01-013H-2 DN · Service Campaign
certain santa fe (tma), santa fe sport (an), sonata (lfa), and tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with theta ii engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. the california air resources board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed federal and california stan
Showing the 6 most recent of 90 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-10 · Vehicle Speed Control“loss of info system loss of all dash lights when i turn the engine off most of the time i loose all electrical systems (will not start for at least 15 minutes) if doors lock i can only unlock the drivers door with the auxiliary key. has tried to shift in to park while driving (one time) lost all power (engine and steering while crossing a highway…”
2026-09-23 · Engine“i took my car in to allen samuals hyundai dealership to have the 9c2 recall update completed on may 15th 2026. ever since then my vehicle has had a rough hesitation or sputtering when driving. on may 18th hyundai released a statement stating there was an issue with the update completed on the 9c2 campaign. however no resolution at the moment and t…”
2026-08-29 · Engine“engine knock sensor went off and now the engine needs replacement due to faulty cylinder rod.…”
2026-08-20 · Power Train“see attached document for complaint.…”
2026-08-11 · Engine · 7,800 mi“the contact owns a 2021 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blew. no warning lights were illuminated. there was white smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the fai…”
2026-07-22 · Unknown Or Other“this vehicle burns oil at an alarming rate. i am getting oil changes every 3k miles, and when i take it in, the dipstick is dry. i receive no oil lights to tell me it is low. i just had to get spark plugs and the mechanic at the garage told me this was due to the oil consumption issue in these vehicles. i am at 71,000 miles.…”
2026-07-18 · Engine“i was driving down [xxx] from my house.my engine light started to flash.i tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.i got home 2 minutes later.there was major knocking.i had the car towed to [xxx], hyundai, the only code that is showing up on the diagnostics, is p1326 there is an open class action lawsuit for this exact code. for the …”
2026-07-10 · Engine · 44,807 mi“the contact owns a 2021 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. the check engine warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road before being driven to the residence. the contact’s neig…”
2026-07-01 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings“forward collision avoidance assist is on and will not go off. only has 16,900 miles and is newly out of warranty except for 5yr 50,000 bumper warranty. dealer at allen turner says noat way they will cover this because my vin is not listed in the latest recall. this vehicle was purchased new and has been maintained as required by manufacture . s…”
2026-06-25 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking“forward crash avoidance system keeps activating causing the car to brake on it's own. this was previously fixed on my car once back in 2022 and now in 2026 it is happening again. i have been trying to communicate with hyundai regarding additional years to current recall but their not going to even though they have known for years this was an issue …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.