2013 Hyundai Tucson: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Hyundai Tucson? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 263 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 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. 6 trims analysed.
2013 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.6% 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 263 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Tucson
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 263
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2013 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and hydraulic components.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for any signs of problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and hydraulic components.
- Test drive to check for transmission or drivetrain issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 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 263 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, issues appear concentrated in the engine, with 157 complaints. Brake system and hydraulic components also show notable complaint counts. Crash-related complaints total 16, but the data is consumer-submitted and does not confirm defects.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints (157 out of 263).
- Brake system complaints total 41, with hydraulic issues comprising 31 of those.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues are also reported, with 22 and 16 complaints respectively.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Hydraulic
All 2013 Hyundai Tucson Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 157 | 2 | 10 | — | |
| Brake System | 41 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 31 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 "…
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 …
I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car when in drive. I don’t feel safe driving this car sometimes.
The driver side front sidewall developed a shake then a crack appeared in the sidewall about 4 inches long. The other tires show signs of dry rott. They have worn away to nothing in 21k miles less than a year. Can provide mechanic reports of the validity of my car's parts cause i…
Driver's rear passenger door. Locked and unable to open. Was functional then won't open. No safety lock engaged. I can hear the locks when trying to unlock with keyfob. Door handles are attached but can not use to open. Poses a safety issue in case of emergency child can not exit…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 30 MPH, the transmission was slipping out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer located in Canada, where it was diagnosed that the transmission sens…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time …
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure occurred 72 miles after the recall was repaired. The contact stated that while …
FIRSTOF ALL I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALLS WHICH NEED TO BE COMPLETED. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY THE ENGINE BLEW UP AND CAR BROKE DOWN. THERE IS A HOLE IN THE ENGINE, I TOWED THE CAR TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THE ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE OCCURED BECAUSE THE RECAL…
I recently had a car accident, which has made dealing with my car issues even more stressful. On April 23rd, I went for a recall appointment at Kerry Hyundai in Florence. While the anti-rust recall was covered, the mechanic informed me that the remedy for my specific issue wasn't…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was serviced under Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-028H-1. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the following day, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning ligh…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The …
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact’s mother 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 contacted. The contact stated that th…
The electrical in my car is slowly failing, causing problems opening 3 out of 4 windows in the vehicle. My car is currently unsafe to drive (I am a mother with a young child and I will not risk their safety). I also fear the acceleration in the vehicle is also defective, as when …
The contact owns a 2013 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and shuddered while attempting to change gear. There was no warning light ill…
The contact called on behalf of his father who owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his father was taking the vehicle out of the car wash, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was not able to restart. The vehicle was left at the location until the following d…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery failed to hold charge. The contact stated that the engine, oil, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f…
The contact owns a 2013 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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson.
2013 Hyundai Tucson Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. 3 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.
2013 Hyundai Tucson Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 263 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson?▾
#1: Engine Problems (157 complaints). #2: Brake System (41 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 18 fire reports out of 263 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 3 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson?▾
The 2013 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 Engine Problems 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 2013 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.