2021 Hyundai Tucson: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 76 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (45% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 7 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“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 Collison Avoidance). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,493.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
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“2 years ago I had the engine replaced. Now on this new engine which has approximately 29k. The mechanic is telling me that I need a new engine. I called Hyundai and their telling me that is not under warranty anymore. What can be done?”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“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 continously caused the vechile to randomly brake, it's going to get someone seriously injured or killed if they don't address it.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · May 2026
“I just got an oil change and the oil was completely gone although there was no leak found. Not even a week later my oil is low again. There is smoke coming from the back pipes and the gas is burning out quickly. I just purchased the car last year”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2026
“I have been adding oil to this engine excessively for more than 3 years..I have had appointments with the dealer where they flat out told me bring it back when the engine fails.i finally got N appointment and was told the engine needed to be replaced.that was 2 weeks ago..they are now denying the claim...have had my car for 2 weeks..no loaner..and decided to deny what they told me”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“My car is burning oil. I have returned multiple times to have it serviced and checked for leaks, but no leaks have been found. Before reaching the recommended 3,000-mile oil change interval, the oil level drops below the minimum mark on the dipstick. In addition, my engine has started making a knocking noise, which is very concerning.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“I am the original owner of this car and in June 2025 I brought my car to Hyundai from noises and they told me it had no oil despite me being up to date with oil changes on the vehicle. They told me they were going to do an oil consumption test and once they did that the engine was denied. 6 months later 3 days after an oil change and no check engine light on, the engine fails while I'm on the side of the highway. This car is not safe. Check engine light was not on and I am always up to date with my cars maintenance.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2025
“Oil light comes on between changes at about 1500 miles before needing one, oil does not show on dipstick and have to repeatedly put on in engine. Chance of engine seizing or jumping time.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tucson by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
NHTSA has 76 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The most complained-about area is engine (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Hyundai Tucson problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 28,944 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.