2010 Hyundai Tucson: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Hyundai Tucson? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 57 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2010 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2010 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. 4 trims analysed.
2010 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 RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 2010 Hyundai Tucson has 57 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Tucson
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 57
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2010 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 2010 Hyundai Tucson
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 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
Complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and brake system, with a moderate number of engine and electrical issues. Crash-related complaints are few, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the single model year and limited sample size.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Brake system complaints are the second most common category.
- Engine problems and electrical faults are also notable but less frequent.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Brake System
- Engine Problems
All 2010 Hyundai Tucson Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 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 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
While driving under normal conditions, the panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered without warning. There was no impact from road debris, no prior cracking, and no abnormal use of the sunroof. The failure occurred spontaneously and created a safety hazard due to falling glass …
This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my ABS lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! Since April 20, 2025…. My br…
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 S…
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood and the temperature gauge fluctuated. The vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able…
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no reca…
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, hydraulic ); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacture…
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of …
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. T…
UNKNOWN. Since I purchase this vehicle in 2010, the backup camera does not always work. I took it in to the dealership and they stated that in order to diagnose it, it must happen while I am there. At this time, the backup camera only works sometimes and it is not safe to back…
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
The car dies, unknown, mechanics don't know! It's in the wires somewhere, the backup camera doesn't work, the radio doesn't work! Even with the the fuse in and everything working the backup camera still doesn't work, and as soon as you shut the car off it doesn't start up again! …
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…
Door actuators are not working so the locks only work on two of the five doors. Safety and security of the passengers is at risk.
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…
THE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING
Yesterday, my wife car, suddenly started to sharply to the right, when her hold on steering wheel relaxed. I tested it. It is not an alignment problem. It is a sudden and obvious taking over of the steering by the car. I took it to my mechanic. He told me that he and none of hi…
OIL PUMP WENT OUT AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE
SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH. IT IS A BIG HASSLE TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS. I GOT THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKING SYSTEM STARTED TO MALFUNCTION WITH THE REAR HATCH AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR NOT OPENING WITH THE REMOTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD BE THE ACTUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT…
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 TH…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson.
2010 Hyundai Tucson Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Hyundai Tucson Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Hyundai Tucson reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 57 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 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 2010 Hyundai Tucson?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (22 complaints). #2: Brake System (13 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (7 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 57 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2010 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 2010 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.