Hyundai Tucson reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 5,848 complaints about the Hyundai Tucson with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and transmission and drivetrain. Hyundai has filed 13 warranty extensions and 50 service campaigns for it, and there are 28 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Tucson? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Tucson a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 5,848
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 13
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 50
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 28
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Tucson with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 63 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (54%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2025 | 286 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (52%) | 6 | 13 |
| 2024 | 98 | Other or unspecified (23%) | 4 | 6 |
| 2023 | 135 | Other or unspecified (24%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2022 | 385 | Fuel and propulsion (34%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2021 | 79 | Engine (49%) | 1 | 13 |
| 2020 | 178 | Engine (41%) | 1 | 13 |
| 2019 | 382 | Engine (52%) | 1 | 17 |
| 2018 | 397 | Engine (61%) | 1 | 22 |
| 2017 | 1,090 | Engine (55%) | 3 | 23 |
| 2016 | 1,621 | Transmission and drivetrain (32%) | 5 | 22 |
| 2015 | 228 | Engine (52%) | 1 | 23 |
| 2014 | 202 | Engine (54%) | 2 | 24 |
| 2013 | 266 | Engine (59%) | 3 | 13 |
| 2012 | 255 | Engine (63%) | 3 | 13 |
| 2011 | 124 | Engine (32%) | 5 | 13 |
| 2010 | 59 | Transmission and drivetrain (37%) | 4 | 10 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Tucson model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Tucson, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain Tucson (NX4A) and Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may exhibit air bubbles forming on the surface of the dashboard (crash pad) due to poor adhesion caused by prolonged UV and heat exposure.
- Warranty extensionAug 2026· Visibility and wipers· model years 2022–2025
Certain 2022 – 2025 model year Santa Cruz and 2022 – 2025 model year Tucson vehicles may have front wipers that do not return to the designated park position due to a loose wiper motor crank arm nut.
- Warranty extensionMay 2026· Electrical system· model years 2025–2026
Certain Tucson (NX4A) vehicles may experience Over-the-Air (OTA) update failures due to outdated Central Communication Unit (CCU) software. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update for the CCU.
- Warranty extensionApr 2026· Exterior lights· model years 2026
Certain Tucson (NX4A) vehicles have a crack on the left-hand side of the “inside rear combination lamp assembly" due to interference with the tailgate panel. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-040H provides instructions to replace the “inside rear combination lamp assembly".
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2010–2021
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.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2010–2021
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.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2022
Certain Tucson (NX4A) vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize.
- Warranty extensionJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2017–2021
Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2014–2015
Certain 2014 – 2015 model year Tucson vehicles may have a weakened weld at the zone where the center muffler is attached to the exhaust pipe.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Airbags· model years 2016–2017
Certain 2018 – 2019 model year Accent and certain 2016 – 2017 model year Tucson vehicles may display various Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which may cause the airbag warning light to illuminate.
- Warranty extensionNov 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2015
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for…
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2010–2019
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2019· Engine· model years 2014–2015, 2018
Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
- Service campaignSep 2026· Electrical system· model years 2016–2021
Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic (Service Campaign 966).
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- Service campaignDec 2025· Engine· model years 2017–2021
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Sonata (LFA) and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-087H-1 provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025–2026
Not being implemented. The DCU module may shut down telematics services after one year. TSB 25-01-061H-1 provides instructions to perform a software update for the DCU module.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV), Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (NX4 PHEV), Tucson (NX4), and Tucson (NX4M) vehicles may exhibit a Data Communication Unit (DCU) software error due to the internal timer initialization logic not being implemented.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1297.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-060H for the Data Communication Network (DCU) software update related to GDS Event # 1297 is available TODAY effective 11:00 AM PST and the affected vehicle population (certain 2025 model year Hyundai Tucsons) has been reactivated.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025–2026
Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing auto mode update concern with software GDS event #1297.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain Tucson (NX4) vehicles may exhibit a Data Communication Unit (DCU) software error due to the internal timer initialization logic not being implemented.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
This bulletin provides information related to the DCU (DATA CONNECTIVITY UNIT) software enhancement (OTA) for NX4 OB PE/NX4 PE/NX4 PE HEV/NX4 PHEV/NX4a PE/NX4m PE vehicles in Puerto Rico.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignMay 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain 2025MY Tucson (NX4M) vehicles equipped with a fingerprint reader may experience a “Check User Authentication” error message on the instrument cluster display.
- Service campaignMay 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain 2025MY Tucson (NX4A) vehicles equipped with a fingerprint reader may experience a “Check User Authentication” error message on the instrument cluster display.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2016–2024
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Engine· model years 2024
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly in certain vehicles (listed below) may contain a sensor that was contaminated with solder flux during manufacturing, which could potentially result in an electrical short.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025
Certain Tucson (NX4) vehicles may experience a battery discharge due to logic error within the Central Communication Unit (CCU). This bulletin provides instructions to update both subsystems (MCU/AP) related to the CCU to improve the logic of the CCU.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2025–2026
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Tucson model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine2,322 (40%)
- Transmission and drivetrain1,176 (20%)
- Other or unspecified788 (13%)
- Electrical system668 (11%)
- Fuel and propulsion363 (6%)
- Brakes322 (6%)
- Cruise control and speed control306 (5%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning291 (5%)
Safety recalls
28 recalls cover at least one Tucson model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays.
Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays.
The wiring harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing water into the control module. Moisture accumulation may cause the trailer lighting to fail or an electrical short circuit.
The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.
The glove box air bag warning label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.
The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The tire and loading information label may incorrectly indicate information about a spare tire.
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The roof moldings may detach.
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
And 13 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2010–2015, 2019–2021
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2010–2019, 2022
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2012, 2017
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Hyundai Tucson has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Tucson reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 5,848 owner complaints, 13 warranty extensions and 50 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 28 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2016 (1,621), 2017 (1,090), 2018 (397). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Tucson?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (40%), transmission and drivetrain (20%), other or unspecified (13%). Hyundai has filed 13 warranty extensions covering the Tucson, listed on this page.
Which Tucson model years have the most complaints?
2016 (1,621), 2017 (1,090), 2018 (397). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Tucson with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Tucson?
Yes: other or unspecified (model years 2026); visibility and wipers (model years 2022–2025); electrical system (model years 2025–2026), and 10 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Tucson?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 28 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.