CSR

Hyundai · NHTSA safety record

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

57

Complaints

3

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have filed 57 safety complaints with NHTSA between March 2010 and February 2026. The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 22 of them (39%). The typical failure was reported at 43,801 miles, the median across the 38 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 4 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (4)

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

23V651000 · September 22, 2023

Park outside until repaired

The defect
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 1,649,478 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

13V113000 · April 1, 2013

The defect
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
The risk
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Hyundai Motor Company · up to 1,712,336 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

11V259000 · April 26, 2011

The defect
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.
The risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY · up to 7,829 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

10V061000 · February 25, 2010

The defect
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MODULE PROGRAM TO ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP.
The risk
IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD IS SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEATING POSITION, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD FRONT PASSENGER.
The remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Hyundai Motor Company · up to 515 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

AQ23002

Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023

the hydraulic brakes

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.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

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 complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 57.

POWER TRAIN 22 39%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 14%
ENGINE 7 12%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 11%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5 9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 9%
AIR BAGS 4 7%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3 5%
STRUCTURE 3 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 5%
EQUIPMENT 2 4%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 2 4%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2010 at 8.

2010 2026
2010 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · 45,602 miles

A TRUCK PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND I SMASHED THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY CAR INTO THEM AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY..UPDATED 05/30/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK BACK AND HIPS. UPDATED 06/06/2014 *JS

NHTSA complaint 10592719. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

fire · 121,000 miles

I FIRST NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF MY SUV. I PULLED INTO A STORE PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO PARK. MY MAIN BRAKES FAILED. I THEN TRIED USING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT TOO FAILED. WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE VENTS SO I TURNED THEM AWAY FROM ME AND TRIED SHIFTING TO PARK WITH NO SUCCESS. I THEN PRESSED THE MAIN BRAKE AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK. THEN SOMEONE IN THE PARKING LOT YELLED, "YOUR CAR'S ON FIRE! GET OUT!" I GRABBED MY KEYS, CELL PHONE AND WORK BADGE AND AS I WAS GETTING OUT, BLACK SMOKE BEGAN FILLING THE CABIN. STORE EMPLOYEES TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WITH NO SUCCESS. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE FRONT HALF OF THE SUV WAS ENGULFED IN

NHTSA complaint 11190038, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

crash · 14,000 miles

2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON LTD FWD - APPROX 14,000 MILES. CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVER WAS PARKING THE CAR. DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND CAR LURCHED FORWARD, STOPPING ONLY WHEN IT HIT A TREE. BODY WORK BEING DONE NOW AND THEN OFF TO DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS OF BRAKES AND SENSORS. *TT

NHTSA complaint 10411838. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · 28,000 miles

ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION WHILE EITHER BRAKING OR SLOWLY ATTEMPTING TO PARK. DURING EACH INCIDENT THE AUTO ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE AUTO FROM PROCEEDING FORWARD EVEN WITH BOTH FEET HEAVILY APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. EACH TIME I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO MANEUVER TO AVOID HITTING ANY PEDESTRIANS IN MY PATH AND FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO HUMAN INJURIES DURING ANY OF THESE OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, TWO OF THE INCIDENTS DID RESULT IN A COLLISION. THE FIRST WAS A MINOR REAR END CRASH RESULTING FROM THE INABILITY TO STOP THE AUTO WHEN IT UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKING FOR A RED LIGHT. THE

NHTSA complaint 10607156, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving under normal conditions, the panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered without warning. There was no impact from road debris, no prior cracking, and no abnormal use of the sunroof. The failure occurred spontaneously and created a safety hazard due to falling glass and the risk of driver distraction or injury. This vehicle is equipped with the factory panoramic roof that has been the subject of a prior class action lawsuit and Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 19-BD-007H (Panoramic Roof Moving Glass Warranty Extension, code TXXE). The failure I experienced is consistent with the known defect described in that settlement and TSB. Hyundai extended coverage for this defect to 10

NHTSA complaint 11716644, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my ABS lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! Since April 20, 2025…. My brakes are GRINDING SERIOUSLY and PROHIBITING me to fully stop at times. I’ve had several near misses… I want them fixed now!! My car is no longer safe!!! Still doing it today @ 12:18pm with mileage of 130,605… please help!

NHTSA complaint 11674545. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
On January 26, 2024, at AutoNation, I was requested to bring my 2010 Hyundai Tucson in to replace a part involving my ‘brakes.’ I’m the original owner, since 2021 my brakes would grind at least twice weekly and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop! Then, the AntiLock Brake System lights would just pop up out of nowhere and come on, then my brakes would work. So, I was told I needed a new switch. AutoNation never let me explain any of this, they cut me off anytime I tried to explain it. So, last January 2024, the switch was fixed. I’d prefer NOT to go back there again!! It hasn’t been inspected by anyone. NHTSA may inspect it as soon as you would like. Except now, my ABS lights are

NHTSA complaint 11642987, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

towed · 199,996 miles

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood and the temperature gauge fluctuated. The vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, an unknown engine part was fractured, and several unknown parts had detached and were leaning on the driver's side of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact received

NHTSA complaint 11590400, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint 11583647. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, hydraulic ); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated that the manufacturer will contact them via email when a remedy for the vehicle is ready.

NHTSA complaint 11578309. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Hyundai Tucson

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 56 5
2025 271 6
2024 90 4
2023 130 2
2022 371 3
2021 76 1
2020 175 1
2019 371 1
2018 390 1
2017 1,081 3 1
2016 1,616 5
2015 226 1
2014 200 2
2013 266 3
2012 254 3
2011 124 5

Other 2010 Hyundai models

Every Hyundai on this site — 201 vehicles, 276 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst