CSR

Hyundai · NHTSA safety record

2013 Hyundai Tucson

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

266

Complaints

16

Crashes

18

Fires

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have filed 266 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2012 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 156 of them (59%). The typical failure was reported at 78,000 miles, the median across the 159 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 3 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (3)

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

19V063000 · February 5, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 120,000 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS

14V245000 · May 13, 2014

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Hyundai Motor Company · up to 137,500 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 266.

ENGINE 156 59%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 31 12%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22 8%
POWER TRAIN 16 6%
AIR BAGS 11 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 10 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 2%
STEERING 6 2%
STRUCTURE 6 2%
TIRES 5 2%
VISIBILITY 5 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 63.

2012 2019 2026
2012 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

3 injured · crash · towed · 43,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK PAIN. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BODY ACHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFANT CHILD LOCATED IN THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE CONTACT WAS CURRENTLY EN ROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE

NHTSA complaint 11196436, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 70,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SHALLOW TURN, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS TURNED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER AN EMBANKMENT, COLLIDED WITH A TREE, AND CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SUFFERED BROKEN BONES IN THE FOOT AND MODERATE BRUISING FROM THE CRASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE

NHTSA complaint 11014693, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING

1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 36,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, BUT THE WHEELS DID NOT TURN IN THE DIRECTION THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT FOOT, HAND, SPINE, AND NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL SALVAGE YARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AN UNKNOWN EXPERT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD

NHTSA complaint 11161390, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · fire · crash · 18,000 miles

I REAR ENDED A CAR INFRONT OF ME THAT HAD STOPPED ABRUPTLY, I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AND THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD I SLAMMED MY CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL, IT ENDED UP DOING 13,000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END BUT NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYTED.

NHTSA complaint 11270577. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 me because of the mileage.when i bought the car it was at 180 mileage. At this point i am not sure what to do with the car, i am hoping it can get fixed.

NHTSA complaint 11751801. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 same issue! Not happy

NHTSA complaint 11742565. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 coverage under the TXXM extended program citing incomplete Campaign 966 (KSDS software update) and improper maintenance. However, I never received any recall notices or campaign notifications. When inquiring about notices,

NHTSA complaint 11741013, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 towards Roanoke. By this time, the vehicle had completely lost power and was not able to move, so I shut it off. At this point, I was stranded on the side of [XXX] , and extremely busy highway. This was a great safety

NHTSA complaint 11733552, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

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 taken as ive spent a good bit of money having the garage confirm my parts are good trying to track that vibration and sound down. Now im seeing more and more people reporting this. The reviews on these tires are more of the

NHTSA complaint 11694101, quoted in part. 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
2012 254 3
2011 124 5
2010 57 4

Other 2013 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