YearToAvoid

2013 Hyundai Tucson Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

55/100

#10 most-complained of 21 Tucson years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 266 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 55 out of 100 — #10 highest of 21 Tucson model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (160 complaints, 60% of the total). Complaints report 16 crashes, 18 fires, and 12 injuries.

Complaints
266
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
16 / 18
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 27 hwy

Top 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine160 (60%)
  2. Brakes42 (16%)
  3. Other24 (9%)
  4. Electrical System22 (8%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain16 (6%)
  6. Airbags11 (4%)
  7. Structure & Body9 (3%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (3%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers8 (3%)
  10. Fuel System6 (2%)
2013 Hyundai Tucson complaints: complaints filed per quarter292012 Q42014 Q42017 Q32019 Q22021 Q12022 Q42024 Q4
314 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q2 (29).

2013 Hyundai Tucson recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

  2. NHTSA 19V063000Feb 5, 2019Engine120,000 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

    Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

  3. NHTSA 14V245000May 13, 2014Airbags137,500 vehicles

    Air bags

    Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

    Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

2013 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other Tucson years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Best20124523.5
2012Caution50255323
2013Caution55266323
2014Good35201222.5
2015Good45227123

All Hyundai Tucson years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson ranks #10 of 21 among Tucson model years (Complaint Index 55/100, verdict: Caution). It has 266 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
The most reported problem areas are engine (160 complaints), brakes (42 complaints), and electrical system (22 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 78,000 miles.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes, engine, and airbags.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Tucson at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.