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Hyundai TucsonModel year report

2010 Hyundai Tucson Problems

Compared with other Hyundai Tucson years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

19/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
59filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
45,602miles, 39 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
26 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 31 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe transmission behavior: harsh downshifts, lurching, momentary loss of power and, in some cases, a shifter that will not move out of park. A second, later pattern involves the brakes, where owners describe grinding, ABS warning lights and, in several complaints, a long wait for recall parts. Engine concerns appear mostly at higher mileage, including reports of oil use or oil loss followed by knocking.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Harsh downshifts, lurching, loss of power

    • 20 complaints (34%)
    • median 21,416 mi at 1.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2020

    Complaints describe the automatic transmission downshifting abruptly as the vehicle slows, sometimes with a loud clunk and a lurch that owners liken to being hit from behind. Others report the RPMs rising and the vehicle briefly losing acceleration before engaging again, or the gearbox slipping into neutral while driving. Several owners say the dealer could not reproduce the problem, reset the transmission or replaced a solenoid, and the behavior returned. Often reported at low mileage, many under 30,000 miles, at highway and parking-lot speeds.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Drive at steady speed and then coast down from highway speed to feel for abrupt downshifts or a lurch; ask whether any transmission diagnostics or repairs were done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Sudden downshifting with loud clunk and lurching of vehicle at 35 MPH. Felt as if I had been hit from behind by another vehicle. Instinctively hit the brakes and pulled over to check for exterior damage, and found none. Continued down the road and experienced unusual increases in rpms. When I arrived at my destination, the vehicle would not go in reverse. Owned vehicle only 11 days. Incident occurred at 500 miles. Vehicle towed to dealership. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10332306, filed 2010-05, 500 miles

    “I have had my Hyundai Tucson for about 5 months, about two months after owning the car the car made a loud clunk and lurched forward,like I got hit from behind or like I hit an animal. I pulled over to see if I did but nothing was there. This happened about three times before I took it to the dealer. They checked it and said everything checked out fine. They reset the transmission, they told me the transmission learns your patterns and something might have gotten confused. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10361091, filed 2010-10, 11,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Brake noise, ABS warning lights, recall parts delays

    • 11 complaints (19%)
    • median 88,692 mi at 6.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2012–2026

    Complaints describe grinding or grating noises when braking, sometimes with the ABS warning light coming on and off. Some owners say repeated dealer visits did not resolve the noise, and others report having been notified of a brake-related recall but told the remedy parts were not yet available. Several describe the concern recurring after a switch was replaced. Mostly reported between about 25,000 and 130,000 miles, with several recent complaints about the recall remedy.

    Recall 23V651000

    What to check: Ask whether the ABS module recall has actually been completed on the vehicle, and listen for grinding during a test drive with the windows down.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On January 26, 2024, at AutoNation, I was requested to bring my 2010 Hyundai Tucson in to replace a part involving my ‘brakes.’ I’m the original owner, since 2021 my brakes would grind at least twice weekly and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop! Then, the AntiLock Brake System lights would just pop up out of nowhere and come on, then my brakes would work. So, I was told I needed a new switch. AutoNation never let me explain any of this, they cut me off anytime I tried to explain it. So, last January 2024, the switch was fixed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11642987, filed 2025-02

    “2010 Hyundai Tucson. Consumer writes in regards to brake problems the consumer stated for over a year, he and his wife have experienced a girding and grating noise when the brake was applied. With the vehicle under warranty, the vehicle was taken to the dealer repeatedly. On three occasions, the service technicians heard the noise and attempted to correct the problem. The repair attempts did not work and the noise is still present.”

    NHTSA complaint #10453046, filed 2012-03
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Shifter stuck or will not go into park

    • 16 complaints (27%)
    • median 42,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (14 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2020

    Owners describe the shift lever refusing to move out of park or into drive, sometimes requiring the shift-lock override to get moving. Several complaints tie this to the brake light switch or the shifter assembly, and some mention the ESC and downhill brake control lights coming on at the same time. According to the complaints, dealers sometimes replaced the shifter or switch and the problem recurred. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand to about 90,000 miles.

    Recall 13V113000

    What to check: With the engine running, cycle the shifter through all positions several times and confirm the brake lights work; ask whether the brake light switch or shifter has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The vehicle would not go into park from drive when stopped to park. I drove to another parking spot and still would not go into park. The car finally shut down. When attempting to restart, which unable to do the brake pedal was frozen and unable to push down. Luckily I was in a parking lot because if it had stalled on the highway I could of created a accident. The car just froze.”

    NHTSA complaint #10556785, filed 2013-12, 25,495 miles

    “I was at a gas station and positioning my vehicle for fueling. The transmission shift lever got stuck and I couldn't move it to anywhere but neutral. During this time the ESC and downhill brake control lights were on. Then I switched off the engine and restarted it, the problem seem to go off. Now it recurs very often at least 5 times a day even at low speeds ~25 MPH on a dry road.”

    NHTSA complaint #10555350, filed 2013-12, 47,000 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Door locks and electrical faults

    • 12 complaints (20%)
    • median 30,000 mi at 2.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2010–2022

    Owners report door lock actuators that stop working so that only some doors lock or unlock, and in one case a door opening while driving. Other complaints describe a battery drain that kept the vehicle from starting until a fuse was pulled, and a backup camera that works only intermittently. Dealers told several owners they could not reproduce the fault. Reported mostly above 50,000 miles, with some complaints filed without a mileage.

    What to check: Test every door lock and the hatch with both the fob and the interior switch, and confirm the vehicle starts reliably from cold.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The right passenger door will not lock. The electronic locking system on the doors started clicking, when I stopped and put the car in park. I was able to get the other doors to lock, but the right door stopped working. Also the overhead night light is no working. The car istotally dark at night when I open the doors.”

    NHTSA complaint #11074871, filed 2018-02, 90,000 miles

    “Sometimes when my car is parked in my garage all of the doors lock without me using the fob.I did have the dealer look at this issue,but they were not able to recreate my issue.so when I get my oil change I make sure the driver's side window is down,so the car doesn't lock on the mechanic with the keys inside.I also feel that my car doesn't get enough miles to the gallon and it should of been included in the last recall.”

    NHTSA complaint #10549648, filed 2013-10
  5. Engine

    Oil loss and engine noise at high mileage

    • 6 complaints (10%)
    • median 159,000 mi at 11.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2014–2024

    Complaints describe the engine using or losing oil with no warning light, followed by knocking, stalling or loss of power. Several owners mention a check engine light or a diagnostic trouble code tied to engine bearings, and some say the vehicle stalled again after a dealer software update. A bulletin describes inspection and repair procedures for higher-than-expected oil consumption and for bearing-related noise. Generally reported at high mileage, in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 miles.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burning smell, ask for service records showing oil changes, and ask whether the knock sensor software update has been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The engine ran out of oil completely with no leaks no nothing and never had a light come on to show low oil or engine issues. It went from running great to engine knocking with no warning”

    NHTSA complaint #11502381, filed 2023-01

    “The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin Number: 21-01-023H-3 (Engine Monitoring Logic Update). However, two months later, the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Engine Monitoring Logic had failed and an unknown repair needed to be completed. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11488991, filed 2022-10, 168,000 miles

Buying note. A test drive that includes coasting down from highway speed and cycling the shifter will reveal the two most commonly reported problems. Ask for proof that the ABS module recall was completed and for engine oil service records before deciding.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 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 59 consumer complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 54% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,602 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 112 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Hyundai Tucson model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 19 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

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: Latches, locks and linkages (2), Suspension (2), Electronic stability control (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “I heard a clunk upon turning right, exiting a parking lot. The rear end of the car started to sway. Fearing a blown tire, I pulled off the road, only to find the left rear wheel pitched at a rather unhealthy angle. After towing the car to my local repair shop it was discovered that the rear cross member was rusted out. Apparently this is a fairly common occurrence in certain Hyundai models. Although out of warranty, it seems like Hyundai should be willing to address this issue of rust and stand by their vehicles.”

NHTSA complaint #11259109, filed 2019-09, 136,000 miles

Brakes: “Over the last week, my car has gotten stuck in park on 3 occasions. This is a problem with the brake switch. Apparently, Hyundai and kia have recalled 1.9m cars with this problem but the Hyundai Tucson is only recalled up to year 2009. Mine is a 2010 and not included in the recall. However, this is a serious problem, as the car might not come out of cruise if this happens while driving. All it has caused me so far is frustration and panic.”

NHTSA complaint #10532059, filed 2013-07, 57,000 miles

Engine: “I first noticed white smoke coming from the back of my SUV. I pulled into a store parking lot and tried to park. My main brakes failed. I then tried using my emergency brake. It too failed. White smoke started coming through the vents so I turned them away from me and tried shifting to park with no success. I then pressed the main brake again and was able to shift to park. Then someone in the parking lot yelled, your car's on fire! Get out! I grabbed my keys, cell phone and work badge and as I was getting out, black smoke began filling the cabin. …”

NHTSA complaint #11190038, filed 2019-03, 121,000 miles

Electrical system: “Every morning the car has to have a jump! We bought a battery! That didn't help! We took it to the shop, they couldn't figure it out but said it was something to do with the electrical but didn't know what, so we started digging on our own and you have to take the fuse out to the radio for the car to start! So after spending ALL that money that's what it is, we can't listen to music to start our every morning but now it is getting worse, something else is draining the battery! And no one knows what!”

NHTSA complaint #11437073, filed 2021-10

Mileage when problems were reported

54% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 90,000 miles.

18%0–1013%10–2523%25–508%50–7513%75–10010%100–15015%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (39 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 45,602 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

8’11’14’17’20’23’26
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.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2010 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 2WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic233126$2,600
Tucson 2WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed manual223025$2,700
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic212824$2,800
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed manual212824$2,800

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 2010 Hyundai Tucson → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

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. 112 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 112 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 2010 Hyundai Tucson?

Owners of this model year most often describe transmission behavior: harsh downshifts, lurching, momentary loss of power and, in some cases, a shifter that will not move out of park. The issues reported most often: Harsh downshifts, lurching, loss of power; Brake noise, ABS warning lights, recall parts delays; Shifter stuck or will not go into park.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have?

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 22 complaints (37% of the total), followed by brakes with 14.

Has the 2010 Hyundai Tucson been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Hyundai Tucson (Tucson 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Hyundai Tucson reported?

Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,602 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 90,000 miles; 54% 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. 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.