VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 317 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Tucson years to avoid. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 50% of all reports (158 of 317), far ahead of brakes at 41. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

317

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

20

Crash-involved

27

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine15850%
Brakes4113%
Other248%
Electrical System237%
Transmission165%
Airbags113%
Tires & Wheels103%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Steering62%
Body & Structure62%
Fuel System52%
Speed Control31%
Latches & Locks21%
Driver Assistance10%
Seats10%
Suspension10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

19V063000EngineFebruary 5, 2019 · 120,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14V245000AirbagsMay 13, 2014 · 137,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2021 · fire

“I was driving on the highway and was notified by passing motorists that there was smoke coming from my vehicle, I proceeded to pull to the shoulder and parked my vehicle. When parked, I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment and under the vehicle. I proceeded to get as far away from the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 25, 2023 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2021 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED BACK AFTER THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN PARK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2015 · crash

2013 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 317 complaints put the 2013 model at #7 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (158 complaints), brakes (41 complaints), other (24 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.