2021 Hyundai Tucson Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 36 2 fire 2 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11535510, 2023 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where white smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood, and the intensity was increasing while the smoke turned black. The local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was not identified. It was unknown if a Fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical att…”
NHTSA complaint #11715856, 2026 · fire

“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 rod bearing failure, Hyundai is denying the claim, saying there's a gap in maintenance history on a car. I didn't own yet when I bought the vehicle. It passed a 190 point inspection. There's no way there was anything wrong with this vehicle.I am und…”
NHTSA complaint #11751238, 2026

Service Brakes 12

“The issue started just before my vehicle had 60,000 miles on it and only occurred every once and a while but, now it happens more often. When braking at low speeds my car makes a hissing/buzzing noise and the pedal goes soft. We got to a dealership when it had 60,420 miles on it. The dealership had it for two weeks saying they have never experienced anything like this issue before. They even contacted Hyundai Tech to help them. No warning lights ever came on and that was my concern. Finally after two weeks they said my tone ring on my driver's front side was bad and causing a false 0 reading.…”
NHTSA complaint #11699883, 2025

“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 va…”
NHTSA complaint #11452185, 2021

“It appears after breaking, the brakes stick and the car won’t accelerate when pressed on the gas pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #11440349, 2021

Electrical System 11

“Vehicle stalled approximately 15 times between April 17 and May 4, 2026, including once on Interstate XXX at approximately 50mph with minor children ages [XXX] and [XXX] in the vehicle. The oil and battery lights illuminated simultaneously at each stall. Diagnosed as ABS module failure first, then left front wheel speed sensor failure on the 2nd occasion, both confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. Multiple warning lights illuminated, including check blind spot and anti lock brake system messages on the dashboard BUT no error codes following the 2nd repair. The vehicle has been inspected and rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11737345, 2026

“In October 2025, while the vehicle was still under Hyundai’s 5-year warranty, an authorized Hyundai dealership diagnosed a significant electrical failure affecting the ABS/ESC system on my 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was experiencing multiple dashboard warning lights, intermittent key fob malfunction, alarm system failure, and progressive electrical instability affecting safe operation. Dealer diagnostic trouble codes included C120001, C167581, and C164202, with technician notes stating “ABS sensor wiring harness fault found.” The dealership recommended replacement of the wiring harness,…”
NHTSA complaint #11734552, 2025

“The AC system on my vehicle stopped working with less than 55,000 miles on it. When replacing the compressor, condenser, all AC switches, and lines (the entire AC system besides the ECM), the AC is still not working. The compressor is not kicking on. I have an ECM on order, but myself, and all mechanics (including Hyundai certified mechanics) are all unsure why this would have happened on such a low mileage vehicle. I am EXTREMELY disappointed and frustrated with the experience and not having AC after spending thousands of dollars and time getting it fixed. Please advise ASAP. Attached is the…”
NHTSA complaint #11656391, 2025

Unknown Or Other 10 1 fire

“I was trying to defrost my windows and my air was on so I clicked the air off so the heat could come on and I started smelling a matalicky smell. I drove to a stop light and when I stopped the back windshield popped and then shattered. I then went to drive again to take the car home and I started to see smoke. Once the light changed I continued to drive to get the car home I happened to look through the rear view mirror and saw fire in the trunk , once I saw the fire I pulled over on a street and stopped the car and then all the sirens in the car started going off so I turned the car off got o…”
NHTSA complaint #11691247, 2025 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11752252, 2026

“Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.”
NHTSA complaint #11694086, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11743079, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11728957, 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11716729, 2025

Power Train 7

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11716729, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11660001, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11644245, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 6 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11417388, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 . So, I am [XXX] and have purchased new Hyandais before. I do not at this time in my life have the means to fix this issue. Is there any help on this from Manufacture since this is so newly out of warranty and low mileage. I do not know what to expec…”
NHTSA complaint #11747598, 2026

“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 and included older models than their current recall. This is not a one time issue this is the second time and until fixed it continously caused the vechile to randomly brake, it's going to get someone seriously injured or killed if they don't addres…”
NHTSA complaint #11746359, 2026

Air Bags 2 2 crash 2 injury

“On [XXX], the vehicle was involved in a complex multi-impact accident. It was struck by a vehicle on the passenger (right) side and, simultaneously, by another vehicle on the driver's (left) side. (Police Report). During this sequence of collisions, and despite the magnitude of the impact, I must express my extreme concern that the left side airbag (driver's side) did not deploy. This failure caused Mr. [XXX] , the undersigned, to suffer a neck injury as a direct consequence of the incident. Even more seriously, the right-side passenger, Ms. [XXX] , sufferedsevere internal injuries, including…”
NHTSA complaint #11675342, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“AIR BAG ON DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT OPEN SAME THING WITH MY 2019 ELANTRA 3 YEARS AGO”
NHTSA complaint #11559824, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for service, and upon inspection, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was provided with an estimate for the engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered…”
NHTSA complaint #11726305, 2025

“The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the certified vehicle, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, and the vehicle decelerated to 7 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the NOX sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but while leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who replaced a second NOX sensor and the catalytic converter. The contact stated that days after retrieving the vehicle, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11712627, 2025

Lane Departure 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11644245, 2025

“The rear view camera is nonexistent at night, and I can't see a thing when parking.”
NHTSA complaint #11628166, 2022

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 1 injury

“On [XXX], the vehicle was involved in a complex multi-impact accident. It was struck by a vehicle on the passenger (right) side and, simultaneously, by another vehicle on the driver's (left) side. (Police Report). During this sequence of collisions, and despite the magnitude of the impact, I must express my extreme concern that the left side airbag (driver's side) did not deploy. This failure caused Mr. [XXX] , the undersigned, to suffer a neck injury as a direct consequence of the incident. Even more seriously, the right-side passenger, Ms. [XXX] , sufferedsevere internal injuries, including…”
NHTSA complaint #11675342, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The driver side and center seat belts in the back seat don’t secure. The buckle just slides back out. They’ve apparently been like that since I bought the car in 2020 and just recently had a passenger in one of those seats.”
NHTSA complaint #11599840, 2024

Steering 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11585434, 2024

“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 ful…”
NHTSA complaint #11527673, 2023

Structure 2 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11573848, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving on the freeway my sunroof suddenly imploded sending glass everywhere. No warning whatsoever it was like a bomb went off out of nowhere. Nothing hit the car and temps were not high and it just imploded This is a serious matter and extremely dangerous. The pain and ringing in my ears is awful, glass went all over this is serious issue that can cause death and injury”
NHTSA complaint #11681195, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.”
NHTSA complaint #11687118, 2025

“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 becam…”
NHTSA complaint #11426171, 2021

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11434675, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 1

“My back windshield shattered unexpectedly”
NHTSA complaint #11744687, 2026