2013 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 266 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th worst out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 60% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,000 miles, backed by 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 Tucson years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 266
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 18
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine160 (60%)
- Brakes42 (16%)
- Other24 (9%)
- Electrical System22 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (6%)
- Airbags11 (4%)
- Structure & Body9 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers8 (3%)
- Fuel System6 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses power at highway speed, followed by a loud clunk or knocking sound and sometimes a small engine compartment fire.
- Engine throws a rod or a main rod bearing, in one case at 105,000 miles, requiring full engine replacement.
- Steering wheel fails to turn the front wheels during a turn, leading to loss of control and a crash.
- Airbags fail to deploy in front or side-impact crashes, including cases with rear tire blowouts at highway speed.
- Rear tires blow out at speeds near 70 mph, causing the vehicle to spin or hit a concrete divider.
2013 Hyundai Tucson recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2013 Tucson a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years. Engine complaints make up 60% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 87,000 miles.
- What recalls affect the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
- The 2013 Tucson has 3 recalls covering brakes, an engine oil pan leak risk, and an airbag bolt issue on the driver's side. None of these are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine?
- Engine complaints account for 160 of 266 total complaints (60%), including reports of thrown rods and lost power, with a median failure mileage of 87,000 miles and 10 fires reported in this category.
- How does the 2013 Tucson compare to other Tucson model years?
- The 2013 Tucson's complaint index of 55 is worse than most Tucsons from 2005-2011 and 2020-2021, but better than 2016-2019, 2022, and 2025, which carry Avoid verdicts with indexes of 60 to 100.
- Does the 2013 Tucson have an airbag recall?
- Yes, recall 14V245000 covers 2011-2014 Tucson vehicles built through December 2013, addressing loose bolts securing the driver's air bag assembly.