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#BS-2021-HYUTUC-345E2021 Hyundai TucsonProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 114 owners and 1 recall for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 114 complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 recalls.
Top reported problems
front collision warning system
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles
1 complaints • Severity 4/10
dangerous delay in acceleration
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
42 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 9K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (12 reports) • Median: 9K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (42 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Hyundai Tucson: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 37% of all reports filed for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, with 42 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 9,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 9K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 7% of all reports filed for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (1 recall)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Hyundai Tucson NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
The worst model year for the Hyundai Tucson is the 2017 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is transmission.
2021 Hyundai Tucson vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
114
Class avg
207
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 114 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 1 recall found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Hyundai Tucson Model Years
View all Hyundai Tucson years →2021 Hyundai Tucson: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
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Get the Full 2021 Hyundai Tucson Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 114 owner reports. Know before you buy.