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Hyundai TucsonModel year report

2006 Hyundai Tucson Problems

Complaints
135filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
65,000miles, 108 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Sample complaints for this model year center on two things: airbag warning lights that stay on (often traced to seat sensors or the module), and rear subframe or frame corrosion found at high mileage. The remaining reports are a mix of brake-line and stop-lamp switch problems, occasional stalling or unintended acceleration concerns, and batteries going flat when parked. Mileage on the sampled complaints spans from near-new to nearly 200,000 miles.

  1. Air bags

    Airbag warning light stays on

    Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the airbag or passenger airbag indicator staying lit after startup or while someone is in the front seat. Several say a dealer or mechanic attributed it to the passenger seat weight sensor, seat belt buckle sensor, or the airbag module, with quoted repairs ranging from a couple hundred to several hundred dollars. In a few reports the light returned after recall work on the driver-side inflator was already done. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 100,000 miles, on vehicles of various ages.

    Recall 07V197000Recall 06V4450001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the airbag light goes out and stays out; ask whether any open airbag recall on the driver inflator was completed, and get the seat sensor or module diagnosis in writing if the light is on.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “After reading about the Hyundai sonatas probe (2006 - 2008), I believe the probe should expand to include my 2006 Hyundai tuscon. Since january of 2014, my passenger seat indicator light ( on the dash board) has been on saying passenger air bag off . Even when someone is present in the seat and the seat belt is fastened. I took the car to my Hyundai dealer and they told me a sensor in the buckle has gone out and the air bag will not deploy if needed. They told me the replacement cost in $600, which I can not afford to have replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10616538, filed 2014-07, 95,000 miles

    “Started in dec 2015 had problem starting car. All the lights came on then died. Finally started took it to the mechanic for a diagnostic test no problem was found. After a week same problem occurred, I was told to press on the gas for a while. Worked, however three months later, try to start car all lights came on then died. If the manufacturer is aware of a problem inform the customers. Obviously there is a problem. Help us identify and solve the problem. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10845865, filed 2016-03, 4,200 miles
  2. Engine

    Stalling, surging, or unintended acceleration

    • 29 complaints (21%)
    • median 71,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (27 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2024

    Complaints describe the engine stalling while slowing or coming to a stop, sometimes with loss of power steering, and in other reports the vehicle surging forward on its own at idle, while parking, or after hitting a bump with the brakes on. Several owners say dealers could not duplicate the problem; others report reset adaptive values or replacement of a rod without a lasting fix. Spread from about 21,000 to 198,000 miles, with several reports under 45,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Road-test at low speed in a parking lot and on a downhill stop, watching for idle surges or a stall; ask for any stored engine or transmission codes and whether the ECM/ESC reprogramming bulletins were applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 2006 Hyundai Tucson and twice now I have experienced sudden acceleration. The first time I was backing out of a parking space and the car surged backwards and I had to apply the brakes hard. The second time I had just pulled out of my driveway and touched the gas pedal and the car surged forward for a few feet before slowing down.”

    NHTSA complaint #10374701, filed 2011-01, 21,000 miles

    “I was preparing to pull into a parking space in a parking garage when the car suddenly went into rapid acceleration. It smashed into the cement wall of the parking space and surged for a few seconds before I could get the key turned off. The sudden rapid acceleration occurred again while in idle at a stop light and my foot was not on the throttle.this occurred several months later when the mileage registered approximately 36750. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10521729, filed 2013-06, 34,100 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Rear subframe and frame corrosion

    • 10 complaints (7%)
    • median 150,000 mi at 13.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2025

    Complaints describe rust through the rear subframe, rear axle, and frame rails, in some cases to the point that the rear subframe separated from the body or the handling became erratic. Owners report being told by dealers or the manufacturer that no recall applied to their vehicle, and some paid for repairs themselves or traded the vehicle. Mostly reported between roughly 110,000 and 180,000 miles; several mention winter-road or salt exposure.

    What to check: Have the underbody inspected on a lift, focusing on the rear subframe, axle, and frame rails for flaking or perforating rust, especially on a car from a salt-belt state.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We were driving the car when the rear end started swaying while making a left turn onto a busy main street. We had a mechanic shop look underneath and they found that the entire rear subframe had come apart due to corrosion.”

    NHTSA complaint #11218831, filed 2019-06, 117,702 miles

    “Rear subframe has collapsed and disconnected from the unibody suddenly due to excessive corrosion. Car is only 12 years old and only has 150,000 miles on it. Collapse is sudden and makes the car difficult to steer and can result in erratic movements in handling.”

    NHTSA complaint #11173379, filed 2019-01, 150,000 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Battery drains when parked

    • 9 complaints (7%)
    • median 61,900 mi at 6.6 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2007–2016

    Owners report the battery going flat overnight or after two to three days parked, sometimes with the alarm or locking system suspected and with repeat battery replacements. Some say dealers tested the vehicle and could not find the cause, while one report describes a short traced to a TPMS module under the center console that burned after a fuse replacement. Reported from about 16,000 to 95,000 miles, typically after a few days of sitting.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the battery holds charge after several days parked and, if a drain is suspected, have a parasitic draw test done rather than just replacing the battery.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Battery discharges overnight. Seems to have something to do with the alarm system, as when the vehicle is locked is when the battery is dead the next day. This happens even when a new battery has been installed. Dealership has been of no help, same problem I was having with my 2007 Hyundai entourage.”

    NHTSA complaint #10876555, filed 2016-06, 65,000 miles

    “Car will intermittently not start have inside lights and trys to turn over or some times no power at all .following have been checked battery ok alternator ok starter ok cables and fuses but have had to jump every day for three weeks this sucks and very frustrating. Dealer keeps telling me nothing is wrong with car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10616696, filed 2014-07, 58,800 miles
  5. Electrical system

    Brake lights out and ESC light from stop lamp switch

    • 17 complaints (13%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2024

    Owners report the brake lights failing to come on, or staying lit after the pedal is released, together with the ESC or ESC OFF light on the dash. Several say repeated stop lamp switch replacements were needed, and some were told a recall existed but did not cover their particular vehicle. Reported from around 28,000 to 140,000 miles, sometimes recurring every few months.

    Recall 13V113000Recall 09V280000Recall 09V1220002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Have someone watch the brake lights while you press and release the pedal, check that the ESC light behaves normally, and ask whether the stop lamp switch recalls were completed for this vehicle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When I put on my brake to shift the car into gear, the ESC off light illuminates. This is caused by a faulty brake switch. When the brake switch is faulty, I have no brake lights at all. I have had three brake switches replaced in this car. Today was the latest incident and the car is now at the dealership for switch #4. This occurs about every 6 months.”

    NHTSA complaint #10234038, filed 2008-07, 27,800 miles

    “The ESC off light comes on the dash. Also when the lights are off and the brake is pressed the dash lights come on. Took the car to the shop today. They replaced, the switch assy-stop, the code was c1513. Problem is not fixed. There is a recall but they are telling me my car is not under the recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #10492310, filed 2013-01, 90,870 miles

Buying note. Check the underbody for rear subframe corrosion before anything else, confirm which open recalls have actually been completed on that vehicle, and verify the airbag light goes out and the brake lights work. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop is worth the cost on a vehicle of this age.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 135 consumer complaints for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson. 108 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 49 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (9), Electronic stability control (8), Seat belts (8), Transmission and drivetrain (8), Fuel system (6), Equipment (4), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “After reading in the papers about 2006-200 sonatas having an issue with the air bag sensor inside the seat belt buckle, I believe it should also include the tuscan. I've had this issue for some time now and was told by the dealership that it was not covered under warranty. The air bag will not deploy in an event of an accident on the passenger side. This seems to be a sensor issue I am sure Hyundai is aware about.”

NHTSA complaint #10618104, filed 2014-08, 100,000 miles

Electrical system: “The power windows on the vehicle were not working. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who found a blown fuse. The fuse was replaced, and almost immediately, the tire pressure monitor computer located under the center console started to burn. The mechanic disconnected the fuse and cut the wires to the TPMS module. I then took the car to the dealership to explain the problem. At first they acted like they didn't have any idea what I was talking about. I left the car with them. …”

NHTSA complaint #10350125, filed 2010-08, 65,364 miles

Brakes: “At around 80,000 miles a brake line ruptured while my wife was braking to avoid a truck that had cut in front of her. The brake pedal went to the floor and the entire brake system subsequently failed. The Tucson eventually came to a stop. The driver's front brake line had ruptured. The vehicle had to be towed to a qualified mechanic. We've now replaced all the brake lines however now the brake pedal is spongy and does not stop as well.”

NHTSA complaint #11092615, filed 2018-05, 79,995 miles

Other or unknown: “The vehicle while foot on brake or while in park accelerates on its own! I almost got into an accident because my foot was all the way on the brake for car to stop but engine was still inching forward while in stopped position! …”

NHTSA complaint #11351770, filed 2020-08, 129,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

37% of the 108 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,474 and 105,000 miles.

9%0–108%10–2519%25–5019%50–7514%75–10016%100–15014%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (108 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 65,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’06’09’1216’15’18’21’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Tucson · sedan FWD/AWDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 17.9% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Hyundai Tucson version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Tucson 2WD2.0L 4-cyl4-speed automatic192522$3,050
Tucson 2WD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual202522$3,050
Tucson 2WD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182420$3,350
Tucson 4WD2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manual192421$3,200
Tucson 4WD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172319$3,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 49 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 49 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Tucson

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026641,6825528Too new to compareToo new
20252956,5006528Too new to compareToo new
20249919,0004528Too new to compareToo new
202313617,12024–52881 · MoreToo new
202238826,10034–529100 · MoreRising
20218026,972152532 · FewerRising
20201798,600152572 · MoreStable
201938521,400152694 · MoreStable
201839931,962152665 · MoreStable
20171,09526,2533527100 · MoreStable
20161,62629,7505527100 · MoreFalling
201522969,336242525 · FewerFalling
201420278,605242518 · FewerFalling
201326678,000342535 · FewerStable
201225583,000342550 · TypicalStable
201112472,1005—2549 · TypicalRising
20105945,6024—2619 · FewerStable
20091829,0001—22—Stable
20084344,9521—220 · FewerStable
20076588,0005—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200613565,0005—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200518557,0008—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Hyundai Tucson model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Hyundai Tucson?

Sample complaints for this model year center on two things: airbag warning lights that stay on (often traced to seat sensors or the module), and rear subframe or frame corrosion found at high mileage. The issues reported most often: Airbag warning light stays on; Stalling, surging, or unintended acceleration; Rear subframe and frame corrosion.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Hyundai Tucson have?

NHTSA recorded 135 consumer complaints for the 2006 Hyundai Tucson as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Hyundai Tucson is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 37 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 16.

Has the 2006 Hyundai Tucson been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Hyundai Tucson get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Hyundai Tucson (Tucson 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Hyundai Tucson reported?

Among the 108 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,474 and 105,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.