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2007 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Hyundai Tucson has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear subframe corrosion and frame perforation.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Hyundai Tucson.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear subframe corrosion and frame perforation

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2024-08

“The rear passenger control arm broke off of the subframe due to severe corrosion despite Hyundai applying a corrosion preventative under recall 17-01-013 on 12/1/2015”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11610450
“MY 2007 TUSCON FAILED PA STATE INSPECTION DUE A LARGE HOLD IN THE LEFT REAR FRAME. ADVISED TO HAVE FRAME REPAIRED BUT COST IS MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH AT THIS TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11300982
“COMPLETE RUSTING OUT OF REAR SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY AND ATTACHED COMPONENTS THAT RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT TO ALLOW ME TO MAINTAIN PROPER OF VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241272

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stop lamp switch failure and brake light malfunction

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2016-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BECAUSE THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10726198
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10704871
“TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND NOTICED THAT THEY RECOMMENDED CHANGING ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS. VERIFIED THAT ALL BRAKES LIGHTS WERE OUT AND ESC LIGHT ON. WENT ON NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FOR THAT VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10545406

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination from wiring faults

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2024-06

“Check engine light came on. Had Advanced Auto check and informed it's an airbag module and I've not struck anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592829
“FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHTS LIT CONSTANTLY. HAD COMPUTER CHECKED AND CODES CLEARED, WITH SAME RESULT. NOW ADVISED BY DEALER CAR NEEDS NEW AIR BAG HARNESS AFTER TOOL DIAGNOSTICS DONE AT COST OF $2,265.00”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853529
“AIR BAG SYSTEM TOTALLY DISABLED. FAULTY SENSOR IN SEATBELT CAUSES TOTAL SHUTDOWN OF ALL AIRBAGS. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX 45 DAYS BEYOND WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490966

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal and rear impacts

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2007-09 → 2022-09

“I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF MY 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON AT ABOUT 25-30MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10222456
“STRUCK THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN THE REAR, COMPLETELY CRUSHING THE FRONT MY VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED! SUSTAINED BRUISES TO CHEST FROM SEAT BELT, STIFF AND SORE NECK AND BACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10203885
“I WAS IN A HEADON COLLISION IN MY 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE AIRBAGS SIS NOT DEPLOY AND I ENDED UP GETTING HIT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO MY CHEST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10249521

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake sticking or locking during driving

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2021-10

“WAS DRIVING AND BRAKES LOCKED UP, TOWING COMPANY LITERALLY DRAGGED THE CAR ONTO TOW TRUCK. SPOKE WITH MECHANIC AND HE SAID THEY HAVE AN 05 IN SHOP FOR SAME THING, THEY ARE PRETTY SURE IT IS THE HECU WHICH CAUSED A RECALL IN HYUNDAI GENESIS, BUT NO RECALL ON OTHER MAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11300460
“BRAKES ARE VERY HARD TO PUSH, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ROLL ON ITS OWN AND BRAKE NEEDS TO BE REAPPLIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112552
“The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph when the contact noticed smoke coming from the front driver's side brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437345

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and torque converter solenoid failure

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2020-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS SIMULTANEOUSLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART SOON AFTER FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354971
“AFTER 2 HOURS OF HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 70 MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I DRIVE FOR ANOTHER HOUR AND THEN HAVE THE CODE SCANNED. THE CODE READER SAYS "TORQUE CONVERTER SOLENOID"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10705793
“MY 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON KEEPS STALLING AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE ENGINE STALLS OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10328971

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration at idle and low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2015-09

“2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON WITH ONLY 22,000 MILES ON IT IS NOW EXPERIENCING SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HYUNDAI IS IN TOTAL DENIAL AND SQUIRTED SOME LUBRICANT ON A LINKAGE AND SENT ME ON MY WAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10369631
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10326596
“THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS TURNING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY WITH MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR ACCELERATED AT FULL THROTTLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778297

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 1990–2024

How the 45 occupant deaths break down

33

driver deaths

12

passenger deaths

45

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Hyundai Tucson reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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