Recall homework
There is 1 official recall listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
1 Total recalls
Sep 4, 2020 Latest recall date
67 Complaint reports
$2,322 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention engine, service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Open investigation signal
1 federal defect investigation is still open. That is not a recall, but it is worth reading before assuming the issue is settled.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to engine, service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
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Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have?
Verify with official VIN lookup1 official recall on record for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. 9 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: September 4, 2020
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V543000 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 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. | Sep 2020 | 2022-4 |
Are there federal defect investigations for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
Official records show 1 federal defect investigation matched to the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
1 open 0
closed
Investigations are not recalls. They show official defect reviews
and may close without a recall, or may reference a related
campaign when one exists.
| Action | Status | Component | Subject | Opened | Related recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQ23002 | Open | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires | Nov 2023 | None |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
Official records show 81 manufacturer communications on record for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
8 warranty 20 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law. | 11032529 |
| Apr 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. | 11032528 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Campaign | ENGINE | Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) Software for vehicles equipped with the (2.4 GDI) Theta II engine to improve engine combustion and fuel trim adaptations. | 11031416 |
| Apr 2026 | Other | AIR BAGS | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details. | 11032522 |
| Apr 2026 | Other | AIR BAGS | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians. | 11032523 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Campaign | ENGINE | Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The impacted vehicles related to this event will not show open on the VIN in WebDCS while this event is under suspension. | 11030625 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Campaign | ENGINE | Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The impacted vehicles related to this event will not show open on the VIN in WebDCS while this event is under suspension. | 11030619 |
| Mar 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | ENGINE | This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version. | 11030331 |
| Mar 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | ENGINE | This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version. | 11030330 |
| Mar 2026 | Service Campaign | ENGINE | 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. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-013H-1 provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition. | 11029941 |
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Tucson complaints?
ENGINE 24
SERVICE BRAKES 4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES 2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2
67 total complaints on record
How much does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,322 $194/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 23.3 MPG
Energy used 516 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
385 g/mi CO2Fuel score 5/10Smog 5/10