NHTSA has received 80 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, or 13.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical (complaint index 0.34, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #29 of 85 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Hyundai models its rate is 74% lower; against other Compact SUVs it is 77% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2021-01-11 and 2026-10-10. Median delay from incident to filing: 23 days.
80Complaints
13.8Complaints per year on the road
0.34Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls · ⚠ 1
6.2%Share involving a crash or fire
34Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2020) drew 26.2 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 105.7 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 19 complaints, 69% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (52.5% of complaints), followed by Electrical (11.2%) and Brakes (11.2%). Engine complaints are 2.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 5 reports (6.2%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 48 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (38% of incidents). In the last 12 months 34 new complaints were filed, versus 13 in the 12 months before — up 162%.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 1 NHTSA investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires” (audit query, opened 2023-11-17, still open).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.34
vs. other Hyundai models0.26
vs. other 2021 models0.36
vs. other Compact SUVs0.23
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (19)0.31
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated.
Engine · 2026-02-05 · ODI 11715856 · Fire
I was trying to defrost my windows and my air was on so I clicked the air off so the heat could come on and I started smelling a matalicky smell. I drove to a stop light and when I stopped the back windshield popped and then shattered.
Unspecified or other · 2025-10-03 · ODI 11691247 · Fire
loss of info system loss of all dash lights when I turn the engine off most of the time I loose all electrical systems (will not start for at least 15 minutes) if doors lock I can only unlock the drivers door with the auxiliary key.
Electrical · 2026-10-10 · ODI 11770328
I took my car in to Allen Samuals Hyundai dealership to have the 9C2 recall update completed on May 15th 2026. Ever since then my vehicle has had a rough hesitation or sputtering when driving.
Engine · 2026-09-23 · ODI 11766298
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.
Unspecified or other · 2026-07-22 · ODI 11752252
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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.
AQ23002 · audit query · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Opened 2023-11-17 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021
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…
