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2013 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine and air bags. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Delayed recall repair with ABS module part unavailable.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #19V063000 · May 2, 2019

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V245000 · May 13, 2014

Issue: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 118.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Hyundai Tucson.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Delayed recall repair with ABS module part unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

31 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2026-04

“On September 22 2023, I checked to see if my car had a recall item on it, and there is a recall involving the antilock brake system. After 2 months the resolution is the following “REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.OWNERS CAN CONTINUE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES; HOWEVER, HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555833
“On 9/26/23 Recall #23V651000 was issued for my 2013 Hyundai Tucson. As of 2/9/24 the remedy is not available. How long does NHTSA give the auto maker to remedy the recall? Four months, to me, seems plenty of time to fix the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571075
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732950

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door will not open from inside or outside handle

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-03

“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door latch failed to unlock from outside the vehicle. Additionally, the passenger’s side rear door latch failed to unlock from inside or outside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574958
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side door would not open from either the inside or the outside of the vehicle without warning. The contact also stated that the trunk latch had once failed to open as needed without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438384
“Drivers side rear door. Quit opening by either outside or inside handle. Tried repeated locking unlocking, hitting door outside and inside. Safety issue as my wife in a wheelchair must ride in back seat. Now cannot get door open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485859

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure from connecting rod bearing wear

ENGINE

106 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733552
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606708
“I was driving on the freeway and my engine started making a knowing sound. Then my car died. I pulled over to the side and couldn't even brake and I had to put the emergency brake on. Then when I tried to start my car it made a loud screeching noise from the engine so I turned”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479262

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire during ABS recall repair delay

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2024-11

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624040
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, all warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, at which point the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556984
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562138

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shudder, hesitation, and slipping between gears

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665309
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598658
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled an anti-freeze odor throughout the vehicle. The contact then stated that the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed and”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

30 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

18

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2013 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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