2021 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 13th worst of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict because of a park-outside brake recall despite a moderate complaint count. Engine problems dominate, making up 54% of its 79 complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Tucson years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 79
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 22 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2021 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine43 (54%)
- Brakes12 (15%)
- Electrical System11 (14%)
- Other10 (13%)
- Fuel System8 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (8%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
- Lane Departure2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment smoke or fire while driving at low speeds or idling, sometimes escalating from white to black smoke.
- Some describe severe hesitation when accelerating from a stop, requiring several attempts before the car responds.
- Several drivers received the ABS/HECU brake recall notice but could not get parts or timely repair appointments at dealerships.
- One owner reported a driver-side airbag that did not deploy in a crash.
- Forward collision warning was described as triggering inconsistently, sometimes forcing hard braking.
- A door lock malfunction trapped a driver's thumb, requiring use of the physical key to open the door.
2021 Hyundai Tucson recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V543000Sep 4, 2020Brakes652,024 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
2021 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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.
2021 compared with other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Tucson a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 13th worst out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than the 2016-2019 and 2022 model years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 43 of 79 complaints (54%), including reports of smoke and fire from under the hood, with a median failure mileage of 36,875.
- Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 20V543000, for the Anti-lock Brake System/HECU fuse, which is a park-outside recall. This capped the year's verdict to Caution despite a lower complaint index.
- How does the 2021 Tucson compare to other Tucson years?
- Its Complaint Index of 40 is lower than the 2016 (95), 2017 (85), 2019 (80), and 2022 (90) model years, all rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2008 or 2009 that rated Good.