2021 Hyundai TUCSON
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Hyundai TUCSON has 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 314. The most common issue is engine problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: severe hesitation when attempting to accelerate from a stop. car does not move, requires sveral attempts to press the accelerator before the car responds, extremely dangerous when entering an on ramp, merging onto a highway, or in heavy traffic. this has been an ongoing problem with this car, has n. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
101
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
36 complaints- • SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS N
- • RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE THAT THE POSSIBILITY EXIST THAT A BATTERY COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD HAPPEN. RECALL NOTICE ALSO STATED THAT VEHICLE SHOULD 'NOT BE PARKED INDOORS.' THE RECALL NOTICE ALSO STATED 'AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE ABS MODULE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.' SO WE DO
- • Recall Code 966 22-01-028H-1 Think and investigation is needed on these recalls. Apparently the engine can catch fire while the motorist is driving. I'm scheduled to drop my car off on the 9th and was told they may need to keep for 3-5 days. Thes vehicles should not be on the road at all and re
“SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS N”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Hyundai TUCSON
Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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.
High theft risk
The Hyundai TUCSON was the #17 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 5,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Hyundai TUCSON
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Hyundai TUCSON
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Hyundai TUCSON Service Intervals
Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner
These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2021 TUCSON, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 101 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. CAR DOES NOT MOVE, REQUIRES SVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING AN ON RAMP, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR, HAS N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON ON 1/1/2021. I FOUND OUT ON 1/10/2021 THAT THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON MY CAR. AFTER LOOKING THROUGH THE LAWS IT STATES THAT A CAR DEALERSHIP IS LEGALLY NOT ALLOWED TO SELL A CAR THAT HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY VERIFIED THAT THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: DEAR SIR: "HYUNDAI RECENTLY TOLD OWNERS OF NEWER TUCSON VEHICLES NOT TO DRIVE THEIR RECALLED SUVS IF THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, AND TO KEEP THE VEHICLES PARKED OUTDOORS SO THEY DON'T CATCH A HOUSE OR GARAGE ON FIRE."THIS PARTICULAR HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN QUESTION HERE H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS WON'T PERFORM RECALL ON DANGEROUS ABS ISSUE THAT CAUSES ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES. THEY SAY TO PARK OUTSIDE AND AWAY FROM STRUCTURES, BUT DEALERSHIPS SAY THEY ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO PERFORM 7 RECALLS A DAY BECAUSE THEY TAKE "4 HOURS" BUT THE RECALL PAPER WORK SAYS IT SHOULD TAKE LESS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Hyundai TUCSON — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 101
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 314
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Hyundai TUCSON