Complaint volume
73 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Hyundai Tucson Complaints
73 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, grouped by component category.
73 Total complaints
2 Crash reports
3 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, service brakes, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 2 crash reports, 3 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 13 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 40,784 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, service brakes, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Hyundai Tucson complaints?
2 Crash
3 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
5 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Tucson complaint categories?
ENGINE 30
SERVICE BRAKES 5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4
POWER TRAIN 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2
AIR BAGS 1
73 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeared, RPMs spiked, and the vehicle suddenly lost all power—entering “limp mode” and unable to exceed 3,000 RPM or 50 MPH. The first failure occurred 9/14/25 while merging onto the interstate, forcing me to lose power mid-acceleration as surrounding vehicles slammed their brakes to avoid collision. 13 days later, it happened again in stop-and-go traffic, leaving me stranded on the shoulder. Both incidents occurred without warning or prior check-engine lights. The third—and most terrifying—incident was on October 17, 2025, when the engine completely died 300 miles from home on a busy highway. My children, ages 4 and 6, were terrified as cars sped by. We were extremely fortunate not to have been hit. I am urgently requesting assistance for the immediate replacement of this vehicle’s engine. It is covered by Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty, clear evidence the company was aware of these issues. Service records from the previous owner-that I was told about by Hyundai show ongoing engine problems and recalls since 2022 further proof this vehicle should have been retired from service As a parent, I’m very alarmed that Hyundai refuses to act until “catastrophic damage” occurs. This policy is irresponsible and endangers entire families. There’s at least 50 NHTSA complaints describing identical issues; stalling, power loss, and bearing failure linked to defective connecting rod bearings. Yet, Hyundai has denied a replacement, insisting on waiting for further damage and failures in operation. I beg you to intervene and prioritize my family’s safety before tragedy inevitably strikes. My children should not be put at risk due to corporate negligence, greed and absence of accountability. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 out and called 911. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | When going through Auburn, AL with speed limit of 70 mph my car engine started blinking on and off then my car dropped down only allowing me to go 60 Mph. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | 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 three small intestine perforations, according to medical reports. These injuries resulted from improper pressure or malfunction of the seatbelt for that seat. These combined failures, the non-deployment of an essential airbag in impact, and the serious internal injuries caused by the seatbelt represent unacceptable deficiencies in the vehicle's safety systems. We believe that these injuries could have been avoided or mitigated if the safety components had functioned properly, as expected in an accident situation of this magnitude. Therefore, I am at a loss to understand: 1. Why the left side airbag did not deploy during the impact. 2. Why the right passenger seatbelt caused such serious internal injuries, including the three diagnosed intestinal perforations. We also require that concrete and immediate action be taken to address and compensate for the serious injuries suffered by the vehicle's occupants, as this has caused psychological and work- related harm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | There was a recall on this engine which I had updated the knock sensor campaign. While on the highway the engine light started flashing and the speed was reduced to 20 mph on a major highway. I had to almost cause a wreck to get off highway. The vehicle went into limp mode with no prior indication | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. There was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hyundai of Orange Park (7600 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244); who determined that the coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the coils and determined the failure was due to the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 124,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 124,500 |
| May 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 original invoice stating that all that needed to be replaced was the condenser/compressor. I have more files from all of the other replacements provided if needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Around November 1, 2024 my 2021 Tucson check engine light came on. I had this checked out and was told by a mechanic that it was the Camshaft Sensor. I had this repaired and then on November 23rd while traveling to Ohio my Check Engine light started flashing and needed immediate attention. I was on the West Virginia Turnpike when this happened and it caused the car to go no more that 45 mph in a zone marked 65mph. We got this immediately checked out and repaired and then 4 days later the same thing happened while in Ohio. It was taken to Deihl Hyundai in Massillon, Ohio and they once again made this repair with video evidence of said repairs. Once again while driving at freeway speed on December 23rd my car experienced this malfunction. The same dealership fixed it once again with direction from Hyundai. I am concerned for this is an ongoing problem and could cause serious injury to myself or others in my vehicle if this would happen once again on a freeway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The rear view camera is nonexistent at night, and I can't see a thing when parking. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact safely pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to a lack of maintenance records. The contact was advised to contact the Better Business Bureau. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 60,000 |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | My check engine light came on in the vehicle and immediately the acceleration declined and I wasn’t able to go above 50 mph. I brought the vehicle to the dealership to which the code 1326 came up. I was told it is a rod bearing engine failure and I need a new engine for the vehicle. I was also told my vehicle doesn’t qualify for the recall already made for this damage and code number. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SEAT BELTS | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ENGINE | Crank sensor went bad and engine needs rebuilt | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | STRUCTURE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | AIR BAGS | AIR BAG ON DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT OPEN SAME THING WITH MY 2019 ELANTRA 3 YEARS AGO | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Injuries: 2 | 25,000 |