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2021 Hyundai Tucson Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2021 Hyundai Tucson Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has 78 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.5/ 10

Based on 78 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

22 28.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 11.5%

SERVICE BRAKES

9 11.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 10.3%

POWER TRAIN

6 7.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 28.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 17 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has 78 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 28% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson are ENGINE (22), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9), SERVICE BRAKES (9).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2020 Tucson complaints2022 Tucson complaints2019 Tucson complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 17 of 17 systems

ENGINE

22 Reports28% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED , HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.

3/1/2021

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?

4/26/2021

20 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DEAR SIR: "HYUNDAI RECENTLY TOLD OWNERS OF NEWER TUCSON VEHICLES NOT TO DRIVE THEIR RECALLED SUVS IF THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, AND TO KEEP THE VEHICLES PARKED OUTDOORS SO THEY DON'T CATCH A HOUSE OR GARAGE ON FIRE."THIS PARTICULAR HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN QUESTION HERE HAS NEVER MENTIONED IT TO ME EVEN THOUGH THE SALES AGENT ([XXX]) WAS ASKED BY MY FRIEND THAT WAS WITH ME TO ASSIST ME WITH/HELP ME OUT IN DEALING WITH THE NEGOTIATION THAT IS, ALWAYS, A COMMON PRACTICE WHEN ONE WANTS TO BUY BOTH USED OR NEW CAR. I WAS THEN, UNEXPECTEDLY, ADVISED BY THE NEXT DAY, BY MY FRIEND, ABOUT THIS UNFORTUNATE AND EXTREMELY BAD NEWS; OF COURSE, AFTER A THOROUGH RESEARCH, TO FIND OUT WHETHER MY NEW CAR (2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON SUV WAS RECALLED BY THE AUTHORITIES OR NOT. FROM WHAT HE TOLD ME, HE, SIMPLY, PLUGGED IN THE VIN NUMBER ([XXX]) AND DID THE SEARCHING. THE RESULT WAS VERY SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FOR BOTH MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER.I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON ON THIS MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ME AS WELL AS MY DAUGHTER AND FAMILY MEMBERS. IN ADDITION, I WANT YOU TO, PLEASE, COMMUNICATE WITH ME THROUGH EMAIL OR REGULAR MAIL. I HAVE THE INTENT TO SEEK FOR AN ATTORNEY TO, DIRECTLY, TAKE OVER MY CASE AND DEAL WITH THE DEALERSHIP IN QUESTION HERE. I, FURTHER NOTIFY YOU THAT MY FRIEND IS NOT GOING TO BRING YOU THE $5,000 THAT HE PROMISED TO YOU. THAT ($5,000) WILL BE USED TOWARDS THE ATTORNEY FEE. PS THIS CAR IN QUESTION WAS BOUGHT ON 01/09/2021 SINCERELY YOURS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

1/11/2021

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

3/14/2021

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

9 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON ON 1/1/2021. I FOUND OUT ON 1/10/2021 THAT THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY CAR. AFTER LOOKING THROUGH THE LAWS IT STATES THAT A CAR DEALERSHIP IS LEGALLY NOT ALLOWED TO SELL A CAR THAT HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY VERIFIED THAT THEY RECEIVED THE RECALL INFORMATION FOR THAT SPECIFIC CAR ON 12/30/2021 BUT PROCEEDED TO SELL IT ANYWAYS. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS HAPPENED AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE TIME OUT OF MY DAY TO TAKE THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON A BRAND NEW CAR THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.

1/12/2021

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.

3/13/2021

7 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

3/13/2021

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.

7/10/2023

6 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED , HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.

3/1/2021

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.

12/21/2021

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS NOT BEEN RECTIFIED , HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.

3/1/2021

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.

7/23/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF QUAKERTOWN (550 S WEST END BLVD, QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951, (215) 883-9295) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

3/9/2021

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.

3/19/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON ON 1/1/2021. I FOUND OUT ON 1/10/2021 THAT THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY CAR. AFTER LOOKING THROUGH THE LAWS IT STATES THAT A CAR DEALERSHIP IS LEGALLY NOT ALLOWED TO SELL A CAR THAT HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY VERIFIED THAT THEY RECEIVED THE RECALL INFORMATION FOR THAT SPECIFIC CAR ON 12/30/2021 BUT PROCEEDED TO SELL IT ANYWAYS. I AM VERY UPSET THAT THIS HAPPENED AND NOW I HAVE TO TAKE TIME OUT OF MY DAY TO TAKE THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON A BRAND NEW CAR THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.

1/12/2021

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.

6/19/2023

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

7/23/2021

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.

9/13/2025

STEERING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

6/19/2023

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.

4/26/2024

AIR BAGS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AIR BAG ON DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT OPEN SAME THING WITH MY 2019 ELANTRA 3 YEARS AGO

12/13/2023

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)

7/22/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/25/2024

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

8/17/2025

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

7/7/2024

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)

7/22/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

5/17/2021

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

9/28/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear view camera is nonexistent at night, and I can't see a thing when parking.

12/1/2024

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

2/22/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

The most reported complaint category for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is ENGINE, with 22 owner reports. That is about 28% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES.

Are complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 52 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson severe?

52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Tucson: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
78
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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