Total Complaints
88 filings
HYUNDAI TUCSON · model year
88 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 recall campaign listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2021HYUNDAITUCSON carries 88 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2021 TUCSON is engine with 28 filings, followed by electrical system (9) and service brakes (9). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 1 NHTSA recall campaign listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2021 TUCSON, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
Total Complaints
88 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 28 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 3 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| AIR BAGS | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 1 |
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 caus
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure, loss of power, drivability issues, and repeated warning indicators. The vehicle is currently out of service while additional components, including oxygen sensors and spark plugs, are reported to be affected. The manufacturer is declining to replace the catalytic converter and is attributing the condition to oil consumption despite the prior unresolved emissions failure. The issue has been confirmed by dealership diagnostics and has resulted in prolonged loss of use of the vehicle. This appears to be a continuing engine and exhaust/emissions system defect that was not properly remedied when
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure, loss of power, drivability issues, and repeated warning indicators. The vehicle is currently out of service while additional components, including oxygen sensors and spark plugs, are reported to be affected. The manufacturer is declining to replace the catalytic converter and is attributing the condition to oil consumption despite the prior unresolved emissions failure. The issue has been confirmed by dealership diagnostics and has resulted in prolonged loss of use of the vehicle. This appears to be a continuing engine and exhaust/emissions system defect that was not properly remedied when
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure, loss of power, drivability issues, and repeated warning indicators. The vehicle is currently out of service while additional components, including oxygen sensors and spark plugs, are reported to be affected. The manufacturer is declining to replace the catalytic converter and is attributing the condition to oil consumption despite the prior unresolved emissions failure. The issue has been confirmed by dealership diagnostics and has resulted in prolonged loss of use of the vehicle. This appears to be a continuing engine and exhaust/emissions system defect that was not properly remedied when
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. In addition, the contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where white smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood, and the intensity was increasing while the smoke turned black. The local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The source of the fire was not identified. It was unknown if a Fire report was filed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not sought. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as it was majoily consumed by the fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Mileage: 65,000
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the certified vehicle, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, and the vehicle decelerated to 7 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the NOX sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but while leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who replaced a second NOX sensor and the catalytic converter. The contact stated that days after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the NOX sensor had failed for a third time, within several days of owning the vehicle. The vehicle was traded in. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,944.
Mileage: 28,944
I have been adding oil to this engine excessively for more than 3 years..I have had appointments with the dealer where they flat out told me bring it back when the engine fails.i finally got N appointment and was told the engine needed to be replaced.that was 2 weeks ago..they are now denying the claim...have had my car for 2 weeks..no loaner..and decided to deny what they told me
I left my house this am in below zero temperatures. I drove to my daughter's apartment complex 41 miles away. I pulled into her underground parking garage and then heard a loud pop, followed by the rear hatch window imploding into thousands of pieces.
Oil Consumption problems
I am the original owner of this car and in June 2025 I brought my car to Hyundai from noises and they told me it had no oil despite me being up to date with oil changes on the vehicle. They told me they were going to do an oil consumption test and once they did that the engine was denied. 6 months later 3 days after an oil change and no check engine light on, the engine fails while I’m on the side of the highway. This car is not safe. Check engine light was not on and I am always up to date with my cars maintenance.
Oil light comes on between changes at about 1500 miles before needing one, oil does not show on dipstick and have to repeatedly put on in engine. Chance of engine seizing or jumping time.
The issue started just before my vehicle had 60,000 miles on it and only occurred every once and a while but, now it happens more often. When braking at low speeds my car makes a hissing/buzzing noise and the pedal goes soft. We got to a dealership when it had 60,420 miles on it. The dealership had it for two weeks saying they have never experienced anything like this issue before. They even contacted Hyundai Tech to help them. No warning lights ever came on and that was my concern. Finally after two weeks they said my tone ring on my driver's front side was bad and causing a false 0 reading. When I asked why the warning lights didn't come on they told me everything was working like should. Then after I pointed out that they said it was reading a false zero they were like no that must have been a typo its reading four miles under the rest and that's causing the abs system to activate. I'm from Ohio so I know what my abs sounds and feels like when it activates. It's a pulsating feeling
We were driving and the engine light started flashing and buckling. The vehicle had been properly maintained with oil changes. We have oil changes receipts from our mechanic. Hyundai refuses to cover it under their warranty even though there are documented issues with the make and models of 2021 Hyundai Tuscons.
Engine started making a knocking sound, then the oil light came on followed by the check engine light. Accelerates and decelerates on its own. Was forced to immediately pull over across three lanes on Interstate 95. It’s been over two weeks and I’ve yet to hear if Hyundai is going to cover a replacement engine. However, what happened is exactly what they have listed on their website ⬇️ What to look out for check-engine Check Engine oil-light Engine Oil Pressure A knocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. Illumination of the “check engine” light in the instrument cluster. Illumination of the “engine oil pressure” warning lamp.
My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeared, RPMs spiked, and the vehicle suddenly lost all power—entering “limp mode” and unable to exceed 3,000 RPM or 50 MPH. The first failure occurred 9/14/25 while merging onto the interstate, forcing me to lose power mid-acceleration as surrounding vehicles slammed their brakes to avoid collision. 13 days later, it happened again in stop-and-go traffic, leaving me stranded on the shoulder. Both incidents occurred without warning or prior check-engine lights. The third—and most terrifying—incident was on October 17, 2025, when the engine completely died 300 miles from home on a busy highway. My children, ages 4 and 6, were terrified as cars sped by. We were extremely fortunate not to have been hit.
Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.
Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.
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. I then went to drive again to take the car home and I started to see smoke. Once the light changed I continued to drive to get the car home I happened to look through the rear view mirror and saw fire in the trunk , once I saw the fire I pulled over on a street and stopped the car and then all the sirens in the car started going off so I turned the car off got out and called 911.
While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.
While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.
While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.