2021 Hyundai Tucson: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Hyundai Tucson? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 63 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 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.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2021 Hyundai Tucson SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.2% 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson has 63 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Tucson
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 63
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes before purchase.
- Check for any electrical system issues during test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes before purchase.
- Check for any electrical system issues during test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson are concentrated in engine problems, with 32 reports, and brake system issues, with 12 reports. A recurring theme appears to be electrical faults and fuel/propulsion system concerns, each with 7 or more complaints. Crash-related complaints are low at 2, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to the single model year and limited sample size.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints (32 out of 63).
- Brake system complaints are the second most common (12 complaints).
- Electrical faults and fuel/propulsion system issues each have 7 or more complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Hyundai Tucson Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 32 | β | 2 | β | |
| Brake System | 12 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | β | 1 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
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 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
I just got an oil change and the oil was completely gone although there was no leak found. Not even a week later my oil is low again. There is smoke coming from the back pipes and the gas is burning out quickly. I just purchased the car last year
I already replaced 3 catalytic converters and I am at 31000 miles. They finally decided to do an oil consumption test but it passed. The other day my car started shaking and my ignition coil and spark plugs were also bad which somehow is related to my engine issues.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to various independent mechanics and was informed that the engine β¦
While driving on the freeway, my 2021 Hyundai Tucson SE (72,021 miles) suddenly and without warning lost power and entered limp mode. I was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder and exit the freeway. The check engine light came on and is currently flashing. I took the vehicle tβ¦
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service β¦
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, an abnormal clicking sound was coming from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where white smoke was notβ¦
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the certified vehicle, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while her grandson was driving approximately 65 MPH, and the vehicle decelerated to 7 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the local dealβ¦
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 arβ¦
I left my house this am in below zero temperatures. I drove to my daughter's apartment complex 41 miles away. I pulled into her underground parking garage and then heard a loud pop, followed by the rear hatch window imploding into thousands of pieces.
Oil Consumption problems
I am the original owner of this car and in June 2025 I brought my car to Hyundai from noises and they told me it had no oil despite me being up to date with oil changes on the vehicle. They told me they were going to do an oil consumption test and once they did that the engine waβ¦
Oil light comes on between changes at about 1500 miles before needing one, oil does not show on dipstick and have to repeatedly put on in engine. Chance of engine seizing or jumping time.
The issue started just before my vehicle had 60,000 miles on it and only occurred every once and a while but, now it happens more often. When braking at low speeds my car makes a hissing/buzzing noise and the pedal goes soft. We got to a dealership when it had 60,420 miles on it.β¦
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 aβ¦
Engine started making a knocking sound, then the oil light came on followed by the check engine light. Accelerates and decelerates on its own. Was forced to immediately pull over across three lanes on Interstate 95. Itβs been over two weeks and Iβve yet to hear if Hyundai is goinβ¦
My familyβs safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which Iβve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashing engine light appeaβ¦
Engine started making a knocking sound, light came on. Accelerates and decelerates on it's own. Dealership will not provide a diagnosis in any way, but says complete engine replacement is the answer. Car has been at dealership for almost a month.
I was trying to defrost my windows and my air was on so I clicked the air off so the heat could come on and I started smelling a matalicky smell. I drove to a stop light and when I stopped the back windshield popped and then shattered. I then went to drive again to take the car hβ¦
While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.
While driving on the freeway my sunroof suddenly imploded sending glass everywhere. No warning whatsoever it was like a bomb went off out of nowhere. Nothing hit the car and temps were not high and it just imploded This is a serious matter and extremely dangerous. The pain and riβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 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.
2021 Hyundai Tucson Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 63 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (32 complaints). #2: Brake System (12 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 63 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 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 2021 Hyundai Tucson?βΎ
The 2021 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 2021 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.