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2021 Hyundai Tucson: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

76 NHTSA owner complaints · 1 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
Hyundai Tucson
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · open the model page
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Owner complaints: 76 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 15.2

Engine37Service Brakes12Electrical System11Unknown Or Other10Fuel/Propulsion System8Power Train7

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine blew. No warning lights were illuminated. There was white smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
This vehicle burns oil at an alarming rate. I am getting oil changes every 3K miles, and when I take it in, the dipstick is dry. I receive no oil lights to tell me it is low. I just had to get spark plugs and the mechanic at the garage told me this was due to the oil consumption issue in these vehicles. I am at 71,000 miles.
Forward Collision Avoidance Assist is on and will not go off. Only has 16,900 miles and is newly out of warranty except for 5yr 50,000 bumper warranty. Dealer at Allen Turner says noat way they will cover this because my Vin is not listed in the latest recall. This vehicle was purchased new and has been maintained as required by manufacture . So, I am [XXX] and have purchased new Hyandais before. I do not at thi…

Recalls: 1 campaigns (1 severe)

2020
CampaignComponentSummary
20V543000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/TractHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the…

True cost of ownership

Fuel (your region) $0
Maintenance band (your region) $917$1,840
Estimated running cost this year (age 5) $1,840

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$3,690vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Engine (37 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is CAUTION with a reliability score of 69/100, computed from 76 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

Does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, 1 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 04/09/2020. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

What will a 2021 Hyundai Tucson really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

69RELIABILITY / 100
CAUTION
  • 76 NHTSA complaints on record (15.2/yr of exposure)
  • 1 recall campaigns, 1 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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