2021 HYUNDAI Tucson

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

This 2021 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 1 recall affecting the service brakes, hydraulic system.

Key Factor:service brakes, hydraulic recalls

📋Why This Matters

Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:critical safety systems
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Acceleration Issues
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.7)
    📝
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

89/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-2.55
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson

Model Year2021
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelTucson
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Apr20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

16 complaints (31% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 51 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
13(25%)
🟡Medium
13(25%)
🟢Low
25(49%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 20k-40k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 44,294 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 9 of 51 complaints (18% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (22%)
20k-40k
3 reports (33%)
40k-60k
1 reports (11%)
60k-80k
2 reports (22%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (11%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V543000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

51 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Tucson.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Acceleration Issues31%
Warning25%
Fire20%
Check Engine Light16%
Accident10%
Stall10%
Injury10%
Burn8%
Noise6%
Brakes🔶 Medium
SERVICE BRAKES

The issue started just before my vehicle had 60,000 miles on it and only occurred every once and a while but, now it happens more often. When braking at low speeds my car makes a hissing/buzzing noise and the pedal goes soft. We got to a dealership when it had 60,420 miles on it. The dealership had it for two weeks saying they have never experienced anything like this issue before. They even contacted Hyundai Tech to help them. No warning lights ever came on and that was my concern. Finally after two weeks they said my tone ring on my driver's front side was bad and causing a false 0 reading. When I asked why the warning lights didn't come on they told me everything was working like should. Then after I pointed out that they said it was reading a false zero they were like no that must have been a typo its reading four miles under the rest and that's causing the abs system to activate. I'm from Ohio so I know what my abs sounds and feels like when it activates. It's a pulsating feeling not a soft pedal. When my abs truly activates my traction control light comes on. As I stated no lights have ever come on. This issue causes longer stopping times. There hasn't been any accidents because my wife and I try not to drive it. It's going to a third shop to try and figure out the issue. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

We were driving and the engine light started flashing and buckling. The vehicle had been properly maintained with oil changes. We have oil changes receipts from our mechanic. Hyundai refuses to cover it under their warranty even though there are documented issues with the make and models of 2021 Hyundai Tuscons.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Engine started making a knocking sound, then the oil light came on followed by the check engine light. Accelerates and decelerates on its own. Was forced to immediately pull over across three lanes on Interstate 95. It’s been over two weeks and I’ve yet to hear if Hyundai is going to cover a replacement engine. However, what happened is exactly what they have listed on their website ️ What to look out for check-engine Check Engine oil-light Engine Oil Pressure A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE

My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeared, RPMs spiked, and the vehicle suddenly lost all power—entering “limp mode” and unable to exceed 3,000 RPM or 50 MPH. The first failure occurred 9/14/25 while merging onto the interstate, forcing me to lose power mid-acceleration as surrounding vehicles slammed their brakes to avoid collision. 13 days later, it happened again in stop-and-go traffic, leaving me stranded on the shoulder. Both incidents occurred without warning or prior check-engine lights. The third—and most terrifying—incident was on October 17, 2025, when the engine completely died 300 miles from home on a busy highway. My children, ages 4 and 6, were terrified as cars sped by. We were extremely fortunate not to have been hit. I am urgently requesting assistance for the immediate replacement of this vehicle’s engine. It is covered by Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty, clear evidence the company was aware of these issues. Service records from the previous owner-that I was told about by Hyundai show ongoing engine problems and recalls since 2022 further proof this vehicle should have been retired from service As a parent, I’m very alarmed that Hyundai refuses to act until “catastrophic damage” occurs. This policy is irresponsible and endangers entire families. There’s at least 50 NHTSA complaints describing identical issues; stalling, power loss, and bearing failure linked to defective connecting rod bearings. Yet, Hyundai has denied a replacement, insisting on waiting for further damage and failures in operation. I beg you to intervene and prioritize my family’s safety before tragedy inevitably strikes. My children should not be put at risk due to corporate negligence, greed and absence of accountability.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.

Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 to see smoke. Once the light changed I continued to drive to get the car home I happened to look through the rear view mirror and saw fire in the trunk , once I saw the fire I pulled over on a street and stopped the car and then all the sirens in the car started going off so I turned the car off got out and called 911.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.

Body/Interior⚠️ High
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving on the freeway my sunroof suddenly imploded sending glass everywhere. No warning whatsoever it was like a bomb went off out of nowhere. Nothing hit the car and temps were not high and it just imploded This is a serious matter and extremely dangerous. The pain and ringing in my ears is awful, glass went all over this is serious issue that can cause death and injury

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

When going through Auburn, AL with speed limit of 70 mph my car engine started blinking on and off then my car dropped down only allowing me to go 60 Mph.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

On [XXX], the vehicle was involved in a complex multi-impact accident. It was struck by a vehicle on the passenger (right) side and, simultaneously, by another vehicle on the driver's (left) side. (Police Report). During this sequence of collisions, and despite the magnitude of the impact, I must express my extreme concern that the left side airbag (driver's side) did not deploy. This failure caused Mr. [XXX] , the undersigned, to suffer a neck injury as a direct consequence of the incident. Even more seriously, the right-side passenger, Ms. [XXX] , sufferedsevere internal injuries, including three small intestine perforations, according to medical reports. These injuries resulted from improper pressure or malfunction of the seatbelt for that seat. These combined failures, the non-deployment of an essential airbag in impact, and the serious internal injuries caused by the seatbelt represent unacceptable deficiencies in the vehicle's safety systems. We believe that these injuries could have been avoided or mitigated if the safety components had functioned properly, as expected in an accident situation of this magnitude. Therefore, I am at a loss to understand: 1. Why the left side airbag did not deploy during the impact. 2. Why the right passenger seatbelt caused such serious internal injuries, including the three diagnosed intestinal perforations. We also require that concrete and immediate action be taken to address and compensate for the serious injuries suffered by the vehicle's occupants, as this has caused psychological and work- related harm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson?

Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE.

Is the 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson safe to drive?

The 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local HYUNDAI dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V543000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your HYUNDAI dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.