2021 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints: 79
Recalls: 1
Crashes: 2
Fires: 3
Injuries: 7
Median mileage: 26,972 mi

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 42 of 79 complaints (53%).
Brakes (12) and electrical system (11) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 26,972 mi.
Owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has 1 recall on file.
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
It ranks 14th of 22 Hyundai Tucson model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 56% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (178).

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
Engine	39
Electrical system	11
Unknown or other	10
Service brakes	9
Power train	8
Fuel/propulsion system	8
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking	3
Engine and engine cooling	3

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Hyundai Tucson complaints that list mileage.

2021 Hyundai Tucson recalls (1)

Recall 20V543000Sep 4, 2020652,024 vehiclesPark outside
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.

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, …

Recent 2021 Hyundai Tucson complaints

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

Filed Sep 23, 2026TNEngine
I took my car in to Allen Samuals Hyundai dealership to have the 9C2 recall update completed on May 15th 2026. Ever since then my vehicle has had a rough hesitation or sputtering when driving. On May 18th Hyundai released a statement stating there was an issue with the update completed on the 9C2 campaign. However no resolution at the moment and to allow the car to warm up prior to driving it. I have only had my car for a little over 2 years and maintained everything a…
NHTSA complaint #11766298 · source
Filed Aug 11, 20267,800 miFLTowedEngine
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blew. No warning lights were illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
NHTSA complaint #11756204 · source
Filed Jul 22, 2026PAOther / Unknown
This vehicle burns oil at an alarming rate. I am getting oil changes every 3K miles, and when I take it in, the dipstick is dry. I receive no oil lights to tell me it is low. I just had to get spark plugs and the mechanic at the garage told me this was due to the oil consumption issue in these vehicles. I am at 71,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11752252 · source
Filed Jul 18, 2026COEngine
I was driving down [XXX] from my house.My engine light started to flash.I tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.I got Home 2 minutes later.There was major knocking.I had the car towed to [XXX], Hyundai, the only code that is showing up on the diagnostics, is P1326 there is an open class action lawsuit for this exact code. For the rod bearing failure, Hyundai is denying the claim, saying there's a gap in maintenance history on a car. I didn't own yet when I…
NHTSA complaint #11751238 · source
Filed Jul 10, 202644,807 miCOTowedEngine
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road before being driven to the residence. The contact’s neighbor checked the oil level and informed the contact that the oil pan was empty. The oil level was topped off. The contact stated…
NHTSA complaint #11749638 · source
Filed Jul 1, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist is on and will not go off. Only has 16,900 miles and is newly out of warranty except for 5yr 50,000 bumper warranty. Dealer at Allen Turner says noat way they will cover this because my Vin is not listed in the latest recall. This vehicle was purchased new and has been maintained as required by manufacture . So, I am [XXX] and have purchased new Hyandais before. I do not at this time in my life have the means to fix this issue. Is there any…
NHTSA complaint #11747598 · source
Filed Jun 25, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
Forward crash avoidance system keeps activating causing the car to brake on it's own. This was previously fixed on my car once back in 2022 and now in 2026 it is happening again. I have been trying to communicate with Hyundai regarding additional years to current recall but their not going to even though they have known for years this was an issue and included older models than their current recall. This is not a one time issue this is the second time and until fixed it…
NHTSA complaint #11746359 · source
Filed Jun 11, 202669,493 miOHDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle on several occasions, the message "Check the Forward Collison System" was displayed, and a collision warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the forward-looking camera had experienced an open circuit, and unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V316000 (Forward…
NHTSA complaint #11743425 · source

Compare the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with another vehicle →

Other 2021 Hyundai models

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