2021 Hyundai Tucson: What to check before buying

Sudden power loss at highway speed is the dominant failure. The check engine light flashes, the engine knocks or rattles, and the car drops into limp mode, sometimes capped near 50 mph. Dealers often diagnose rod bearing failure and call for a new engine. Many reports describe heavy oil consumption first, with oil missing from the dipstick between changes. Owners say warranty claims were denied after oil consumption tests, or that their car did not qualify for the existing recall. Two reports involve fires under the hood, one with injuries.

Most reports concern the recall for the anti-lock brake module, which can short internally and start an engine compartment fire. Owners describe back-ordered parts, dealers booked for months, and instructions to park outdoors and away from structures while they wait. A smaller set describes real braking faults: a hissing noise and soft pedal at low speed near 60,000 miles traced to a bad tone ring, weak vacuum assist after shutdown that makes starting difficult, and brakes that seem to stick and block acceleration. In the tone ring case, no warning light came on.

A flashing check engine light for the knock sensor sends the car into limp mode at highway speed, even after sensor updates and replacements. Many other reports concern the anti-lock brake module fire recall, citing back-ordered parts, cars sold with the known flaw, and dealers who never told buyers to park outside. Also reported: an air conditioning compressor that stops engaging under 55,000 miles despite major part replacement, poor fuel economy and shifting after a software update, and a rear camera that is unusable at night.

Delayed or missing response to the gas pedal is the common thread. The car hesitates or stalls when pulling away from a stop, sometimes for about 5 seconds, and drivers must press the pedal repeatedly while merging or crossing intersections. Near rear-end collisions are reported. Some cars show a check engine light, rough idle, and shaking while coasting, while others give no warning at all. Dealers often cannot find a cause. A report at 36,300 miles adds stalling in reverse with a BCW system warning and sparking noises in the cabin.

The driver-side airbag fails to deploy in a crash, according to both reports. Both crashes caused injuries, and one involved a multi-vehicle side impact with neck injuries and severe internal injuries to a passenger. Two complaints are too few to show a broad pattern, but the failure is the same in each case and the consequences are serious. Non-deployment on the driver's side is the specific concern.

The panoramic sunroof shatters suddenly at highway speed with no warning. Reports describe a bang like a gunshot, glass spraying through the cabin, and having to pull over on the highway to clear debris. One complaint includes an injury, with ear pain and ringing afterward. One driver states nothing hit the car and temperatures were not high. Another says many other Tucson owners report the same failure.

The wheel stays locked, or power assist fails to engage, after the car is started and put in gear. Drivers describe near collisions with walls and other cars while backing out or pulling away. Dealers have not reproduced the problem despite video recordings from owners. One report also describes a slow electronic parking brake release and the parking brake engaging on its own while driving. Both complaints describe repeated incidents.