This page covers 7 recalls, 57 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson.
24 mpg combined
9.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant pattern in 2010 Tucson complaints centers on the powertrain, which draws the most reports by a wide margin. Owners most commonly describe transmission and drivetrain problems, including shuddering, hesitation, and loss of power while driving. Engine complaints follow, with owners reporting sudden loss of motive power, loud noises from under the hood, and temperature gauge fluctuations, sometimes without any warning lights illuminating beforehand. A smaller cluster of electrical complaints rounds out the picture. Brake-related reports also appear across multiple filings, with owners describing grinding brakes, a pedal that feels unresponsive, and ABS warning lights activating during or after braking events, sometimes with the brakes returning to normal function once the light comes on.
57
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson has 7 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk that can occur even while the vehicle is parked: brake fluid can leak into the ABS control module, cause a short circuit, and ignite.
On the engine side, a separate recall affecting vehicles with the 2.4L engine updates the engine control module to catch problems before the engine fails outright; without the update, the engine can cut out without warning and not restart, raising both crash and fire risk. There is also a concern with the passenger seat sensor: on certain vehicles, a properly seated adult passenger weighing over roughly 240 pounds can cause the system to misread the seat as occupied by a child, which means the passenger airbag may not deactivate when it should and could deploy incorrectly in a crash. Two recalls address the same rear reflector issue: the reflectors on certain vehicles do not meet brightness requirements, making the back of the vehicle harder to see in the dark and raising the risk of a rear-end collision.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid may leak into the antilock brake system control module, causing an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS module fuse to prevent brake fluid contamination and electrical failure.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may not detect developing problems in 2.4L MPI engines, potentially leading to sudden engine failure and loss of power with no ability to restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software to detect potential engine problems before failure occurs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may not detect engine problems early enough, potentially leading to sudden engine failure and loss of power with inability to restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software to enable early detection of engine problems.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear reflectors don't meet safety standards for brightness and light reflection. This makes your vehicle harder for other drivers to see at night.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear reflectors with compliant ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear reflector assemblies in the bumper don't meet brightness standards, reducing visibility of the vehicle to other drivers at night or in low light.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new rear reflector assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The airbag detection system incorrectly activates the airbag warning light when an adult passenger weighing over approximately 240 pounds sits in the right front seat.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the airbag detection system at no cost to correct the warning light issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
