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Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

2010 Hyundai Tucson — Known Issues & Recalls

4 Recalls57 Owner Complaints12 Categories Affected
57
Total Complaints
4
Open Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries

Complaints from Jan 2012 to Dec 2010

The most reported issue is power train problems (16 complaints). 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fire.

Open Safety Recalls (4)

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Jan 2013

NHTSA Campaign: 13V113000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 11V259000

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.

Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 10V061000

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MODULE PROGRAM TO ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP.

Risk: IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD IS SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEATING POSITION, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A CHILD FRONT PASSENGER.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Safety RecallFREE FIX AT DEALER
Invalid Date

NHTSA Campaign: 23V651000

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

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.

Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 57)

Engine3 issues
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jan 2023

Your engine lost all its oil without any visible leaks, and the oil warning light never came on to alert you. The engine suddenly started making knocking sounds with no prior warning signs. The fix will likely involve checking the oil level regularly, inspecting for internal oil consumption issues, and possibly replacing the engine oil pressure sensor or warning system if it's faulty.

NHTSA #: 11502381
criticalENGINE
Filed: Nov 2020

Your car's oil pump failed, which caused severe damage to the engine. Without proper oil circulation, the engine components couldn't be lubricated, leading to internal damage. The engine will likely need to be replaced or completely rebuilt.

NHTSA #: 11377062
highENGINE
Filed: Oct 2022

Your 2010 Hyundai Tucson stalled suddenly while stopped, even though no warning lights appeared. This happened about two months after the dealer applied a software update for engine monitoring. When towed to the dealer, they found the engine monitoring system had failed, but the exact repair needed wasn't clear. Hyundai agreed to cover only half the repair cost, so the vehicle wasn't fixed. The repair will likely involve engine computer diagnostics and possibly reprogramming or replacement of the engine control module.

NHTSA #: 11488991
Unknown Or Other3 issues
criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2021

Your car suddenly pulls sharply to the right on its own, even when you're not turning the steering wheel. This happens without warning and your mechanic couldn't identify the cause. The dealership has stated the part needed to fix this issue is no longer in production, so the vehicle cannot be repaired, and Hyundai declined to help. This could involve diagnosing and replacing the steering system component that's causing the unwanted pull.

NHTSA #: 11426713
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

Your panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving without any impact or prior warning, creating a safety hazard from falling glass and potential driver distraction. This failure matches a known defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 19-BD-007H and a previous class action settlement, though Hyundai denied your claim because the time limit expired despite your mileage still being within coverage. Fixing this will require replacing the panoramic sunroof glass assembly and investigating why it failed spontaneously.

NHTSA #: 11716644
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2023

Your backup camera works intermittently and doesn't function reliably, making it unsafe to back up your vehicle. The dealership says they need to observe the problem occurring to diagnose it, but it only happens sometimes. The issue may involve the camera connection, wiring, or the display system.

NHTSA #: 11526787
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3 issues
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Apr 2024

You received a recall notice for your 2010 Hyundai Tucson's brake system, but when you contacted the dealer, they said there was no recall on file for your vehicle's VIN number. The replacement parts needed for the recall haven't been made available yet, and you're concerned that the manufacturer has taken too long to provide them. The fix will likely involve replacing brake system components once the manufacturer makes the parts available.

NHTSA #: 11583647
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Mar 2024

Your 2010 Hyundai Tucson is part of a safety recall affecting the hydraulic brake system, but the replacement parts aren't currently available from your dealer. You haven't experienced any brake problems yet, but Hyundai has notified you that they'll contact you by email once the repair parts arrive and are ready to install.

NHTSA #: 11578309
highSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Jan 2024

Your 2010 Hyundai Tucson is subject to a recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V651000) for a potential hydraulic brake system issue, but the replacement parts aren't yet available from the manufacturer. You've notified your dealer and Hyundai has confirmed the delay. The fix will likely involve replacing brake components once parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11568011
Electrical System3 issues
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2022

Your car is experiencing multiple electrical issues: the engine dies and won't restart after shutting off, the backup camera doesn't work even when the fuse is present, and the radio doesn't work. These problems appear to be wiring-related and may require a full electrical system diagnostic to identify where the fault is occurring.

NHTSA #: 11493379
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2022

Your car's door lock actuators aren't working properly, so only two of your five doors can lock and unlock. This is a security concern since passengers can't properly secure all the doors. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the faulty door lock actuators on the affected doors.

NHTSA #: 11461883
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2021

Your car needs a jump start every morning even though you replaced the battery. You discovered that removing the radio fuse allows the car to start, suggesting the radio is draining the battery overnight. The shop couldn't identify the root cause, and the problem appears to be getting worse with additional electrical components now draining power as well. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the electrical system to find what's causing the parasitic drain and repairing or replacing the faulty component.

NHTSA #: 11437073
Exterior Lighting,wheels,service Brakes1 issue
criticalEXTERIOR LIGHTING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2025

Your car is making a clicking noise under the tires, and your brakes are grinding severely, making it difficult to stop completely. Your ABS warning light comes on when this happens, and you've experienced several near-miss incidents. This ongoing problem has been occurring since at least April 20, 2025, and your car no longer feels safe to drive. The issue likely involves worn brake pads, a faulty ABS sensor, or a brake system component that needs inspection and replacement.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11674545
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,engine1 issue
criticalSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
Filed: May 2024

While driving at 40-45 mph, your Tucson made a loud noise from under the hood, the temperature gauge went up and down, and the engine suddenly lost power with no warning light. You safely pulled over and had it towed home. When you opened the hood, you found a fractured engine part and several detached parts loose inside the engine bay. The dealer scheduled a diagnostic but hasn't completed the repair, and you were notified of a brake system recall (Campaign 23V651000) but the required parts aren't available yet. The repair will likely require replacing the fractured engine components and completing the pending brake system recall work.

NHTSA #: 11590400
Power Train1 issue
criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2020

Your gear shift gets stuck and won't move, especially after braking or when you need to shift into reverse. The problem is caused by a faulty backlight switch that typically lasts only 2-3 years, and you've had to restart the engine multiple times (sometimes up to 3 times) and wait several minutes for it to reset before the gear shift works again. This has created dangerous situations where you couldn't move the car when needed. The fix will likely involve replacing the backlight switch in the gear shift assembly.

NHTSA #: 11319863
Structure,latches/locks/linkages1 issue
criticalSTRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Sep 2019

Your car's remote lock system is malfunctioning — the rear hatch and front passenger door won't open when you use the remote key. On one occasion, the front passenger door unexpectedly opened while driving at 70 mph, which is a serious safety hazard. The problem likely stems from a faulty door lock actuator that needs to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11258935
Service Brakes1 issue
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2025

Your brakes have been grinding at least twice a week since 2021, and your ABS (anti-lock brake system) warning light keeps turning on and off unexpectedly, making you worried you won't be able to stop. A switch was replaced in January 2024, but as of June 2024, the ABS light is now staying on constantly. The grinding has stopped, but the warning light issue suggests the brake system may need further diagnosis and repair.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11642987
Air Bags1 issue
highAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2023

Your driver's side airbag warning light came on when you started your vehicle. This warning indicates a potential problem with your airbag system that needs diagnostic attention. A mechanic will need to scan your vehicle's computer to identify what triggered the warning and determine if repair or replacement of airbag components is needed.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11550275
Structure1 issue
highSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2021

Your hood unexpectedly flew open while you were driving. This can be dangerous because it blocks your view of the road ahead. The hood latch or release mechanism may not be holding securely, and will need to be inspected and repaired to prevent this from happening again.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11433342
Suspension,power Train1 issue
highSUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Sep 2019

You heard a clunking noise while turning right out of a parking lot, and your car's rear end started swaying. When you checked, the left rear wheel was tilted at an unusual angle. A mechanic found that the rear cross member had rusted through, which can affect suspension alignment and stability. Addressing this issue will likely require replacing the rusted rear cross member.

NHTSA #: 11259109

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