2021 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 49%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,904miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, 49% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,904 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 don't dare park the car in our garage since it is located beneath our home, thereby leaving a new car out in the elements at all times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11413920, filed 2021-04, 1,100 miles“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 not been rectified , Hyundai refuses to acknowledge the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11398545, filed 2021-03, 10 miles“My car is burning oil. I have returned multiple times to have it serviced and checked for leaks, but no leaks have been found. Before reaching the recommended 3,000-mile oil change interval, the oil level drops below the minimum mark on the dipstick. In addition, my engine has started making a knocking noise, which is very concerning.”
NHTSA complaint #11743079, filed 2026-06“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”
NHTSA complaint #11712752, filed 2026-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11699481, filed 2025-11Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11037434Sep 16, 2026Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11031416Apr 14, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated…
- 11030625Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
- 11030619Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 3% |
| 2025 | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 | 14 | 14% |
| 2023 | 23 | 17% |
| 2022 | 115 | 30% |
| 2021 | 39 | 49% |
| 2020 | 73 | 41% |
| 2019 | 201 | 52% |
| 2018 | 244 | 61% |
| 2017 | 602 | 55% |
| 2016 | 424 | 26% |
| 2015 | 120 | 52% |
| 2014 | 110 | 54% |
| 2013 | 156 | 59% |
| 2012 | 160 | 63% |
| 2011 | 40 | 32% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 12% |
| 2007 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 12 | 9% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
12 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology