VehicleVerdict

2009 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags625%
Electrical System313%
Seat Belts28%
Speed Control28%
Body & Structure28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Engine14%
Suspension14%
Steering14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Fuel System14%
Lighting14%
Other14%

Does the 2009 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 41 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELLING 52 MPH DROVE OVER THE CENTER LANE CRASHED HEAD-ON WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE; HOWEVER, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 4, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE STARTED THE ENGINE, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 9, 2011

“my air bag light is on again , my front end was hit bad and they air bags didn't deploy and after the car was fixed the light is always on again, Hyundia can't fix it or find parts to replace it”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 24, 2025 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEM VALVE ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 28, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE G4 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 1, 2013

2009 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2009 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (6 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2009 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.