IllustrationI OWN A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON WITH 70,000 MILES ON IT. I MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY, USE SYNTHETIC OIL REGULARLY, BUT THE ENGINE SEIZED YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. HYUNDAI KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR ENGINES AND I AM HOPING MY ACTION TODAY WILL LEAD TO A RECALL OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.
2013 Hyundai Tucson
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 180.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
1825–50K
3550–75K
4075–100K
37100–150K
11150K+
159 reports with mileage · 107 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports18 fire reports10 injury reports
Engine complaints
156 reportsSINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 2013, THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS SHREDDED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50-70 MPH. THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES DUE TO A CONTINUOUS OIL LEAK SATURATING THE BELT OVER EACH PERIOD OF 6-9 MONTHS, WATER PUMP PULLEY DEFECT AND THE ALTERNATOR SEIZING AFTER IT WAS REPLACE…
Read full complaint
SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN 2013, THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS SHREDDED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50-70 MPH. THE SERPENTINE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES DUE TO A CONTINUOUS OIL LEAK SATURATING THE BELT OVER EACH PERIOD OF 6-9 MONTHS, WATER PUMP PULLEY DEFECT AND THE ALTERNATOR SEIZING AFTER IT WAS REPLACED 90 DAYS PRIOR. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS. EACH TIME THE BELT SHREDDED, THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A TOW TRUCK (TWICE)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V226000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.
WHILE DRIVING, ON DIFFERENT ROADS (I.E. - INTERSTATE, CITY,) THE ENGINE REVS OVER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT MY CHANGING GAS PEDAL PRESSURE. MY CAR IS ON CRUISE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. SPEED CAN VARY, AS ON THE INTERSTATE OR ON A CITY STREET. I PLACED A DATE WHEN IT PROBABLY STARTED, AS IT HAS BE…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING, ON DIFFERENT ROADS (I.E. - INTERSTATE, CITY,) THE ENGINE REVS OVER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT MY CHANGING GAS PEDAL PRESSURE. MY CAR IS ON CRUISE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. SPEED CAN VARY, AS ON THE INTERSTATE OR ON A CITY STREET. I PLACED A DATE WHEN IT PROBABLY STARTED, AS IT HAS BEEN GOING ON A LONG TIME. HYUNDAI TODAY TOLD ME THERE IS A REVVING ISSUE, BUT NOT THAT APPLIES TO MY VEHICLE; HOWEVER, I AM ON THE PHONE TELLING HIM IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE A LONG TIME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED MULTIPLE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE PUSH TO START FAILED INTERMITTENTLY TO START OR SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN CODE REGISTERED AND CORRECTED I…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED MULTIPLE TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE PUSH TO START FAILED INTERMITTENTLY TO START OR SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN CODE REGISTERED AND CORRECTED ITSELF HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Official recalls
323V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 22, 2023
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
19V063000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Feb 5, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
14V245000 · Air Bags
May 13, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
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.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · 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.