VehicleVerdict

2015 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 304 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 16 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 117 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

304

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

14

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11738%
Brakes6622%
Other2910%
Electrical System248%
Transmission196%
Fuel System134%
Speed Control93%
Body & Structure72%
Airbags52%
Latches & Locks31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Steering31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Lighting21%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2015 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

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

22V056000BrakesFebruary 3, 2022 · 357,348 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.

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 multi-fuse, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 218.

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.

“HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 16, 2019 · fire

“The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her son in the front passenger seat and her daughter in the rear seats, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle along with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 11, 2022 · fire

“HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 16, 2019 · fire

“HYUNDAI RECALL. I AM A 65 YEARS OLD, I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON NOV 2018 AND AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE FLOOR PANEL AND THROUGH THE VENTS. MY ENTIRE AREA WHERE THE GAS & BRAKE PEDAL ARE BURNED UP, THE RADIO AREA AND CONSOLE AREA IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 16, 2019 · fire

“THE VEHICLE LOSSES POWER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE. IT WILL ALSO NOT SHIFT IN GEAR WHEN SUPPOSE TO. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. OUT OF NOWHERE ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHEN TRAVELING HOME FROM A TRIP. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EVEN MAKE IT UP A HILL BECAUSE THE POWER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 18, 2021

2015 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2015 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 304 complaints put the 2015 model at #9 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (117 complaints), brakes (66 complaints), other (29 complaints).

Does the 2015 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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 2015 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 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.