VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 102 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.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 36 reports (35% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

102

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3635%
Brakes1212%
Electrical System1111%
Other99%
Fuel System88%
Driver Assistance77%
Transmission77%
Airbags22%
Seat Belts22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Body & Structure22%
Latches & Locks11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

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

20V543000BrakesSeptember 4, 2020 · 652,024 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

“The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where white smoke was noticed leaking from…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 3, 2026 · fire

“WE GOT THE RECALL NOTICE ON BLUE LINK CALLED FLETCHER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET TO US SOMETIME THAT THE PART WAS BACKORDERED HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM SINCE WHEN I CALLED GOT THE SAME SPEECH ASK ABOUT FIRES AND THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT WE STILL DRIVE IT BECAUSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 7, 2021

“WE GOT THE RECALL NOTICE ON BLUE LINK CALLED FLETCHER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET TO US SOMETIME THAT THE PART WAS BACKORDERED HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM SINCE WHEN I CALLED GOT THE SAME SPEECH ASK ABOUT FIRES AND THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT WE STILL DRIVE IT BECAUSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2021

“I was trying to defrost my windows and my air was on so I clicked the air off so the heat could come on and I started smelling a matalicky smell. I drove to a stop light and when I stopped the back windshield popped and then shattered. I then went to drive again to take the car home and I started…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 26, 2025 · fire

“SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 31, 2020

2021 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 2021 model at #17 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (36 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 5 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.