The Tucson's most serious documented problems are ABS-module fire recalls covering 2010–2015 and 2016–2021 models, with owners told to park outside until repaired, and engine-bearing wear on the 2017 2.0L Tucson (recall 21V727). Settlements extend engine warranties on 2010–2021 Tucsons: lifetime for the Theta II GDI engine, 15 years/150,000 miles for the Nu and Theta MPI engines.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Tucson issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
LM (2010–2015) Tucson problems
2014–2015 Tucson ABS module can short and catch fire; park outside (recall 22V056) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The ABS module can malfunction and short out, which can start a fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS multi-fuse, free of charge, and owners were told to park outside until then. The 357,348-vehicle count covers the whole campaign, which also includes 2016–2019 Santa Fe models.
Symptoms
- ABS warning light
- Burning smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V056 (2022-02-03) · 357,348 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
2010–2013 Tucson ABS module can leak and catch fire; park outside (recall 23V651) (2010–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2010–2013
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short-circuit, which can start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. The 1,649,478-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which covers many Hyundai models.
Symptoms
- ABS warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V651 (2023-09-22) · 1,649,478 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Theta II GDI Tucson: lifetime short-block warranty after KSDS update (2014–2015 and 2018–2019)
Major repair- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015) and TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2014–2015 and 2018–2019
The Theta II class settlement (final approval June 10, 2021) covers 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 Tucsons with the 2.0L or 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. It extends the warranty on the short block (block, crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings and pistons) to a lifetime warranty for original and later owners, provided the free Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update has been installed.
Symptoms
- Flashing check-engine light and reduced power (Engine Protection Mode)
- Engine knock that rises with rpm
Check before buying
- Confirm Service Campaign 953 or 966 (KSDS) is completed at autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaignhome
- Check which engine the vehicle has (2.0L or 2.4L)
- Have a dealer inspect any engine noise before purchase
Sources: [7][6]
Nu GDI and Theta II MPI Tucson: 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty (2010–2013 (2.4L Theta II MPI); 2014–2021 (2.0L Nu GDI))
Major repair- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015) and TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2010–2013 (2.4L Theta II MPI); 2014–2021 (2.0L Nu GDI)
The Engine II settlement (judgment entered April 26, 2024) extends the powertrain warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles from original delivery for engine damage caused by connecting rod bearing failure. It covers 2010–2013 Tucsons with the 2.4L Theta II MPI engine and 2014–2021 Tucsons with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine. The KSDS update must be completed before a failure, except on vehicles under recall 21V727.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking
- Flashing check-engine light with reduced power
Check before buying
- Confirm the KSDS campaign (953 or 966) is completed
- Check the original delivery date to see how much of the 15-year term remains
- Ask a dealer to evaluate any engine noise under the extended warranty
Sources: [5][6]
2011–2013 Tucson oil pan leak can damage the engine (recall 19V063) (2011–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2011–2013
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The engine oil pan can leak, and if the oil loss is not caught it can damage the engine, causing a stall or a fire. Dealers inspect for a leak, replace the oil pan if needed and fit an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Oil spots under the car
- Low oil level between changes
- Oil-pressure warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Check the engine for oil seepage at the pan
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 19V063 (2019-02-05) · 120,000 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Driver air bag module can come loose in the steering wheel (recall 14V245) (2011–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015)
- Years:
- 2011–2014
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The driver's air bag assembly in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting, which could raise the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers inspect and tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Rattle or movement from the steering wheel center pad
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 14V245 (2014-05-13) · 137,500 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Turn-key Tucson models need the free anti-theft software upgrade (campaign 993) (2011–2021)
Moderate- Generation:
- LM (2010–2015) and TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2011–2021
- Powertrain:
- All engines with a turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer
Hyundai offers a free anti-theft software upgrade, service campaign 993, for 2011–2022 Hyundai models built with a traditional turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer, after a theft method spread on social media. Once installed, locking the doors with the key fob arms the factory alarm and an ignition-kill feature, so the car cannot be started that way. Hyundai says vehicles with push-button start, or built after November 2021, already have an immobilizer and are not affected. A Tucson with a turn-key ignition from these years may qualify; the VIN check settles it.
Symptoms
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key in a turn-key ignition (no push-button start)
- No record of campaign 993 in the service history
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Hyundai's campaign 993 site (autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign993) to see whether the upgrade applies and is done
- Confirm the alarm and ignition-kill feature arm when you lock the doors with the fob
- Ask a Hyundai dealer to install the upgrade if it is still open; it is free
Sources: [13][14][15]
TL (2016–2021) Tucson problems
ABS control unit can corrode and start a fire; park outside (recall 20V543) (2016–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2016–2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit (HECU) can corrode inside and short-circuit, which can start an engine-compartment fire. Hyundai first recalled 2019–2021 Tucsons in September 2020 and added 2016–2018 models that December. Dealers replace the HECU fuse, and 2019–2021 models also get an electronic stability control software update, free of charge. Owners were told to park outside until repaired.
Symptoms
- ABS or stability-control warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even when parked
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V543 (2020-09-04) · 652,024 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
2017 Tucson engine bearing wear can cause stall or fire (recall 21V727) (2017)
Safety recall- Generation:
- TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2017
The engine's connecting rod bearings can wear early and damage the engine, which can cause a stall or an engine fire. Dealers inspect the engine, replace it if bearing damage is found and install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The 95,515-vehicle count also includes the 2017 Sonata Hybrid.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking that rises with rpm
- Check-engine or oil-pressure light
- Hesitation or loss of power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Look for Hyundai recall 209 as completed
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V727 (2021-09-17) · 95,515 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4][5][6]
2016 Tucson dual-clutch transmission may not move from a stop (recall 16V628) (2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- TL (2016–2021)
- Years:
- 2016
- Powertrain:
- 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission models
On 2016 Tucsons with the 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission, certain driving conditions and high temperatures could leave the vehicle unable to move when the accelerator was pressed and released repeatedly. Dealers update the transmission control software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Hesitation or no movement from a stop in hot, stop-and-go traffic
- Shuddering when pulling away
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 16V628 (2016-08-30) · 41,000 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]