2009 Hyundai Tucson: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Hyundai Tucson? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 18 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2009 Hyundai Tucson trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2009 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Hyundai Tucson has 18 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Tucson
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Seat Belt Issues
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Seat Belt Issues, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Hyundai Tucson
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, seat belt, and structural components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and seat belts before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, seat belt, and structural components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and seat belts before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Hyundai Tucson, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 18 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for a third of reports. Other concerns include seat belt, structural, and unintended acceleration complaints, though the low sample size limits confidence.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most frequently reported component, with 6 complaints.
- Crash-related complaints number 3, but no further details are available.
- Seat belt issues, structural problems, unintended acceleration, and electrical faults each have 2 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Seat Belt Issues
- Structural Problems
All 2009 Hyundai Tucson Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
my air bag light came on and I took it to a dealer and they said they repaired it by replacing a seat belt , a couple months later my car was in a hit and run and my front end was badly damaged and my air bags never deployed. they fixed my car and I got it back with the air bags …
my air bag light is on again , my front end was hit bad and they air bags didn't deploy and after the car was fixed the light is always on again, Hyundia can't fix it or find parts to replace it
Received 24T013 By email regarding car tires. And also a underbody body rust. From Thh8s agency. The car was brought into dealership. On Oct 2024 was told by a custom service rep that it was to bad off and a control arm was being order and in 3 days l would Received a call. Randy…
I had taken my car in to the dealership for oil change i was told by the mechanic not to drive my car unless it was absolulute necessary my whole undercarriage has rusted out i am unable to find out if there was ever a recall on this matter but dont understand why this has n…
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE LIGHT ON MEANS THE AIR BAGS ARE DISABLED AND THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS I MUST HAVE THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DONE WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT $125.00 IF THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH A MODULE TH…
CAR LOSING POWER WHEN WATER FROM RAIN SPLASHES UNDER AND HITS BELT. MECH. HAS CONFIRMED SPLASH SHIELD IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO COVER BELTS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAUSING POWER STEERING AND ALL TO BE LOST. IT DOES COME BACK ON. BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A FIX FOR ISSUE. HAVE…
MY AIRBAG STRAP CAME UNDONE THEY SAID IT WAS TO TIGHT. HAD TO BE DONE WHEN THE CAR WAS PRODUCED. I HAVE NO AIRBAG AT THIS TIME. HAPPY HYUNDAI WANTS ME TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. BUT ITS A CAR DEFECT. I HAVE CALLED CORP. TALKED TO [XXX] 2 WEEKS AGO NO RESPONSE .I ALSO CALLED THE NH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CLOCK SPRING ON THE AIR BAG FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION OR IN IDLE, CAR ENGAGES IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE BECAUSE THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE GOING FORWARD OR BACKWARD (DEPENDING ON THE POSITION OF GEAR.) SUDDEN AC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI TUSCAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND INTERFERED WITH THE AIR BAGS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE G4 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILUR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE STARTED THE ENGINE, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILU…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEM VALVE ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO…
I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ABOUT A MINUTE LATER THEY CAME BACK ON. I DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT THAT MUCH. ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN. ABOUT 1 YEAR LATER IT DID IT AGAIN. IT IS AGGRAVATING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO…
I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE HORN OPERATES MOST OF THE TIME, BUT NOT ALWAYS. IT MAY BE TEMPERATURE RELATED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES, BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I THINK THIS IS DANGEROUS IF I NEED TO USE THE HORN. THE DEALER DID CHANGE THE C…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 41 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELLING 52 MPH DROVE OVER THE CENTER LANE CRASHED HEAD-ON WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE; HOWEVER, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. IMMEDIATELY, EXTREME BODILY FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE…
THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FILLER NECKS OF THE HYUNDAI TUCSON SE MODEL I JUST PURCHASED. THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS HOW THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PLASTIC CONTAINER WAS MADE. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID LEAKS OUT ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR WHEN FILLED TO THE TOP OF THE FILLER NECK. *TR
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson.
2009 Hyundai Tucson Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Hyundai Tucson Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Hyundai Tucson reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 18 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2009 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Tucson?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #2: Seat Belt Issues (2 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Hyundai Tucson, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 18 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2009 Hyundai Tucson. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Tucson reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Hyundai Tucson based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.