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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

23 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Left rear door will not unlock. Numerous complaints of similar issue found online; youtube videos showing how to repair. Took our 2013 into Hyundai dealership and they wanted $800+ to repair (a known defect). Request NHTSA require Hyundai to recall the door locks and repair them at their expense.

NHTSA ODI #11454012

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2022
Unknown Or OtherVisibility

Spontaneous breaking of the sunroof. Second time this has happened

NHTSA ODI #11448273

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2021
Unknown Or Other

My rear passenger door will not open from inside or outside. Safety issue

NHTSA ODI #11443804

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Rear Passenger door latch does not open from interior and/or from exterior. Just suddenly happened, no minor malfunction neither signal. This is a safety risk because the passenger in danger need to open the door to escape the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11443006

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Without warning it lost acceleration while driving on the interstate going 80mph. Barely had time to make it to the shoulder as all the panel lights came on and then total power loss. Couldnt even power the emergency flasher lights. When roadside assistance showed up 4 hours later and got it restarted the engine had a loud clan…

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Without warning it lost acceleration while driving on the interstate going 80mph. Barely had time to make it to the shoulder as all the panel lights came on and then total power loss. Couldnt even power the emergency flasher lights. When roadside assistance showed up 4 hours later and got it restarted the engine had a loud clanking sound. Vehicle had to be towed from the side of the interstate. Shop is saying rod and bearing have failed and engine is a total loss. This same year model of the Santa Fe has been recalled for this EXACT PROBLEM!

NHTSA ODI #11426741

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2021
Unknown Or Other

We were taking a family trip to Disney, after an hour and a half trip on the turnpike. we arrived at the park. As we started to depart from the car, the rear passenger side door would not open. The door unlocked but when trying to open the door it wouldn't open. There was no warning that there was any problem, it worked fine whe…

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We were taking a family trip to Disney, after an hour and a half trip on the turnpike. we arrived at the park. As we started to depart from the car, the rear passenger side door would not open. The door unlocked but when trying to open the door it wouldn't open. There was no warning that there was any problem, it worked fine when we left for the park but it was broken when we arrived. I would consider this a very serious problem. If we had got into an accident something could have seriously gone wrong, the child wouldn't have been able to evacuate the car because the door wouldn't open.

NHTSA ODI #11426268

140,000 miles · May 14, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DINNER ON MAY 1, 2021 ON US HIGHWAY 75 TRAVELING NORTH MY CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MOMENTS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON , ALL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING IN MY DASHBOARD I PULLED OVER AND WITHIN SECONDS MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE!

NHTSA ODI #11416607

99,000 miles · Apr 9, 2021
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlFire

I WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 55 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A HIGH-SPEED STALL ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUSCON. I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND THEN ALL MY LIGHTS CAME ON (OIL,ENGINE,ETC.). I WAS SO SCARED AND MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THANK GOD. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I ALSO, SAW SMOKE SO I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS…

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I WAS DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED OF 55 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A HIGH-SPEED STALL ON MY 2013 HYUNDAI TUSCON. I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND THEN ALL MY LIGHTS CAME ON (OIL,ENGINE,ETC.). I WAS SO SCARED AND MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THANK GOD. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I ALSO, SAW SMOKE SO I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. SO I WAS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THEY TOWED ME TO THE MECHANICS SHOP IN MY TOWN. THE MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT THERE IS OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH AND THAT MY ENGINE IS SHOT! I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN VERY CARE OF MY VEHICLE, I STILL HAVE TWO YEARS OF CAR PAYMENTS ON IT! HE SAID IT LOOKS LIKE A ROD BROKE AND THERE IS A HOLE IN MY ENGINE! ALSO, SOME KIND OF METAL DEBRIS IN MY OIL. SO GLAD I AM SAFE AND MY 9 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IS SAFE. I AM SO UPSET. VERY SCARY SITUATION. STAY SAFE WITH THESE VEHICLES EVERYONE. NOT GOOD...

NHTSA ODI #11407201

80,000 miles · Dec 31, 2020
Unknown Or Other

MANY 2010S HYUNDAIS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH DOORS GETTING STUCK CLOSED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT ANY KNOWN CAUSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND HYUNDAI IS CHARGING $1000+ TO FIX IT. HERE IS A LINK WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/THREADS/REAR-PASSENGER-DOOR-WONT-OPEN.603329/ THIS I…

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MANY 2010S HYUNDAIS HAVE AN ISSUE WITH DOORS GETTING STUCK CLOSED ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT ANY KNOWN CAUSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND HYUNDAI IS CHARGING $1000+ TO FIX IT. HERE IS A LINK WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. HTTPS://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/THREADS/REAR-PASSENGER-DOOR-WONT-OPEN.603329/ THIS ISSUE COULD VERY EASILY TRAP A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI #11385796

144,000 miles · Aug 24, 2019
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS CAR JERKS AND REMOVES ITSELF FROM CRUISE CONTROL AND RPM GAUGE DROPS TO ZERO AND STAYS THERE (HAS OCCURRED WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ON AS WELL). WHEN THE CAR SLOWS DOWN TO 30 MPH OR LESS, OR WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY. HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES W/O PERSONAL MECHANIC BEING…

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WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS CAR JERKS AND REMOVES ITSELF FROM CRUISE CONTROL AND RPM GAUGE DROPS TO ZERO AND STAYS THERE (HAS OCCURRED WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ON AS WELL). WHEN THE CAR SLOWS DOWN TO 30 MPH OR LESS, OR WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY. HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES W/O PERSONAL MECHANIC BEING ABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. ONE TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ERROR CODE P0605 WAS IDENTIFIED. BATTERY WAS CHANGED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT AWAY, HOWEVER, THE VIOLENT JERKING OCCURRED LATER THAT SAME DAY EXHIBITING ALL THE SAME ISSUES AS PREVIOUS OCCURRENCES.

NHTSA ODI #11246219

Official recalls

3

23V651000 · 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

2

AQ23002 · 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.

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