2013 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
137
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Median mileage
94,950 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 69 of 137 complaints (50%).
  • Brakes (39) and electrical system (14) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 94,950 mi.
  • Owners reported 1 crash, 11 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 3 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 11th of 22 Hyundai Tucson model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 36% more complaints than the 2012 model year (101).

2013 Hyundai Tucson problems by category

  • Engine
    69 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    39 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    20 complaints
  • Electrical System
    14 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    6 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine66
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Unknown or other19
Electrical system14
Service brakes8
Power train6
Structure:body5
Fuel/propulsion system4

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k2460k–100k14100k–150k10150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2013 Hyundai Tucson complaints that list mileage.

2013 Hyundai Tucson recalls (3)

  • Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 19V063000Feb 5, 2019120,000 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 14V245000May 13, 2014137,500 vehicles
    AIR BAGS

    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.

    Risk: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    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, …

  • DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023

    Loss of Motive Power

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2013 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2013 Hyundai Tucson complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jul 21, 2026MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I was driving on the highway going 65 mph and scared when the engine started clicking and shaking a tiny bit. Plus it was slowing down no matter what i did. Well in a 4 lane highway. There was No engine light, no previous issues. The car drove great until this issue. I had the car only 3 months. Now i am afraid to drive it because i had seen theres an engine recall online for my car. Once i saw the recalls i tried calling alot of my local Hyundai dealer ships and they denied…
    NHTSA complaint #11751801 · source
  2. Filed Jun 7, 2026IDOther / Unknown
    left front latch assembly. There is a recall on this for every other model except mine, yet I cannot get in my car because the cables have stretched and the latch will not open the door. I have to crawl in from the other side to open the driver's door. If this is a known issue and there are recalls on all other models, why would I have to spend $800-$1000 to get this repaired? I want this on the recall list so I can get it repaired. P.S. My Kona N is starting to have the…
    NHTSA complaint #11742565 · source
  3. Filed May 30, 2026LAEngine
    My 2013 Hyundai Tucson with 89,417 miles experienced complete engine failure due to severe rod knock from connecting rod bearing wear. This vehicle was brought to our local Hyundai dealership with confirmed diagnosis. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect in the 2.4L Theta II engine. This vehicle was bought 10/28/205 with 29,494 miles. The vehicle was properly maintained with regular oil changes from time of purchase- records attached. Hyundai denied warranty…
    NHTSA complaint #11741013 · source
  4. Filed Apr 24, 2026VAEngine
    On Monday, [XXX], I was traveling northbound on [XXX] headed towards Roanoke from Salem at an approximate speed of 65 MPH. At approximately mile marker [XXX], before the exit to [XXX] , the vehicle started to lose power rapidly, and the car began to go into what I perceived as "limp mode" and was shaking. In an attempt to not be stranded on one of busiest and most dangerous highways in VA, I was able to get the vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the on ramp of [XXX] going…
    NHTSA complaint #11733552 · source
  5. Filed Apr 22, 2026CABrakes
    Dear NHTSA, I am the owner of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. On March 28, 2026, my husband took our vehicle to Keyes Hyundai Van Nuys dealership for a recall repair. However, the repair was not completed because a required part (brake fuse) was not available and had to be ordered. It has now been several weeks, and we have made multiple follow-up calls, but we have not received any update or callback. Because of this delay, my vehicle registration is now suspended, which is causing…
    NHTSA complaint #11732950 · source
  6. Filed Feb 3, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine
    I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car when in drive. I don’t feel safe driving this car sometimes.
    NHTSA complaint #11715376 · source
  7. Filed Oct 17, 2025WVWheels & Tires
    The driver side front sidewall developed a shake then a crack appeared in the sidewall about 4 inches long. The other tires show signs of dry rott. They have worn away to nothing in 21k miles less than a year. Can provide mechanic reports of the validity of my car's parts cause ive had a horrible vibration and sound. Turns out the tires are coming apart. And they are refusing to fix it. Said too much of the tires worn away. I have proof that all possible precautions were…
    NHTSA complaint #11694101 · source
  8. Filed Sep 4, 2025AZOther / Unknown
    Driver's rear passenger door. Locked and unable to open. Was functional then won't open. No safety lock engaged. I can hear the locks when trying to unlock with keyfob. Door handles are attached but can not use to open. Poses a safety issue in case of emergency child can not exit through the door. Will have to use other door to exit.
    NHTSA complaint #11685106 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology