High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2013-hyundai-tucson

2013 Hyundai Tucson Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

← Compare All Tucson Years
Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
266
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
34
16 Crashes • 18 Fires
Advertisement

2013 Hyundai Tucson Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 54.1%
144 reported failures
Braking System 13.9%
37 reported failures
Electrical System 7.1%
19 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 5.6%
15 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 5.6%
15 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 3.4%
9 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2013 Hyundai Tucson (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #19V063000 Component: Engine & Cooling

Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

Safety Hazard: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

NHTSA Campaign #14V245000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Safety Hazard: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Free Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 Component: Braking System

Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Safety Hazard: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Free Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Advertisement
🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11751801 • Engine & Cooling 07/21/2026

"I was driving on the highway going 65 mph and scared when the engine started clicking and shaking a tiny bit. Plus it was slowing down no matter what i did. Well in a 4 lane highway. There was No engine light, no previous issues. The car drove great until this issue. I had the car only 3 months. Now i am afraid to drive it because i had se..."

ODI #11742565 • Unknown Or Other 06/07/2026

"left front latch assembly. There is a recall on this for every other model except mine, yet I cannot get in my car because the cables have stretched and the latch will not open the door. I have to crawl in from the other side to open the driver's door. If this is a known issue and there are recalls on all other models, why would I have to spend $80..."

ODI #11741013 • Engine & Cooling 05/30/2026

"My 2013 Hyundai Tucson with 89,417 miles experienced complete engine failure due to severe rod knock from connecting rod bearing wear. This vehicle was brought to our local Hyundai dealership with confirmed diagnosis. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect in the 2.4L Theta II engine. This vehicle was bought 10/28/205 with 29,494 miles. ..."

ODI #11733552 • Engine & Cooling 04/24/2026

"On Monday, [XXX], I was traveling northbound on [XXX] headed towards Roanoke from Salem at an approximate speed of 65 MPH. At approximately mile marker [XXX], before the exit to [XXX] , the vehicle started to lose power rapidly, and the car began to go into what I perceived as "limp mode" and was shaking. In an attempt to not be stranded on one ..."

ODI #11732950 • Braking System 04/22/2026

"Dear NHTSA, I am the owner of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. On March 28, 2026, my husband took our vehicle to Keyes Hyundai Van Nuys dealership for a recall repair. However, the repair was not completed because a required part (brake fuse) was not available and had to be ordered. It has now been several weeks, and we have made multiple follow-up calls,..."