Common problems · Hyundai
Hyundai Tucson common problems and recalls
8 sourced problems across the Tucson's generations since 2012, plus 7 DVSA recalls. Enter a registration to see the ones that apply to your exact car.
Free · no signup · recalls, MOT data and researched problems
Tucson Mk4 (NX4) (2020 on)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · HyundaiBrakes
Recall: brake assistance can be lost (software)
Tucsons built September 2022 to September 2023 were recalled because brake assistance can be lost. The footbrake still works, but like a car with no brake servo, so it needs far more effort. The fix is an engine control unit software update.
Applies to: Tucson Mk4 (NX4) built September 2022 – September 2023
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
- Recall · HyundaiBody & corrosion
Recall: side curtain airbag may be fitted twisted
Some Tucsons built 2020–2023 were recalled because a side curtain airbag could have been assembled twisted. Dealers check the installation and refit or replace the airbag.
Applies to: Tucson Mk4 (NX4) built October 2020 – August 2023
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
- Recall · HyundaiElectrics
Recall: immobiliser software on hybrids
Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid models built 2020–2022 were recalled twice because the immobiliser might not work correctly due to incorrect software. The fix is a software update to the hybrid control unit.
Applies to: Tucson Mk4 (NX4) Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid built October 2020 – October 2022
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
- Recall · HyundaiBrakes
Recall: faulty right-hand rear brake caliper
Tucsons built October to December 2021 were recalled because a manufacturing defect in the right-hand rear brake caliper could impair braking. Dealers check the batch code and replace affected calipers.
Applies to: Tucson Mk4 (NX4) built October – December 2021
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
Nothing reported that met our bar of two independent publishers.
DVSA recalls for the Tucson Mk4 (NX4)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENTR/2021/014 · 22/02/2021
The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Remedy: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
Listed for: SANTA FE, I20, TUCSON, KONA · built 2020
- Subject vehicles may experience a loss of brake assistance and brake performance may be reducedR/2023/157 · 10/07/2023
Subject vehicles may experience a loss of brake assistance and brake performance may be reduced.�
Remedy: Inspect and remove the vacuum pump oil passage mesh if installed.
Listed for: I30PDE, TUCSON TLE · built 2018–2020
- The ABS/ESC control unit may short circuitR/2021/035 · 08/03/2021
The ABS/ESC control unit may short circuit.
Remedy: ABS/ESC control unit wiring to be reworked together with amended amp fuses. Depending on specification the control unit software may also be updated.
Listed for: TUCSON · built 2015–2020
- Certain Tucson vehicles equipped with rear door power windows may experience a malfunction of the anti-pinch function during its operation.R/2023/184 · 07/08/2023
Certain Tucson vehicles equipped with rear door power windows may experience a malfunction of the anti-pinch function during its operation.
Remedy: Both left-hand and right-hand rear door power window regulator motors will be replaced.
Listed for: TUCSON NX4E · built 2023
Show 1 more
- Some vehicles may have an instrument cluster operational concern whilst driving the vehicleR/2026/147 · 02/04/2026
Some vehicles may face a concern where the instrument cluster panel may reboot during vehicle operation potentially resulting in a blank instrument cluster display screen.
Remedy: To correct this an ‘Over the Air ‘ software update to the vehicles will be deployed remotely.
Listed for: TUCSON · built 2025
Measured at MOT: how a 2023 Tucson fails more often
Based on 36,499 first MOT tests of this model at 3 years old (cars first used 2021–2022), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
Tucson Mk3 (TL) (2015–2020)
Acknowledged by the manufacturer
Recalls, extended warranties, compensation schemes, service actions and statements.
- Recall · HyundaiBrakes
Recall: ABS/ESC control unit can short-circuit
Tucsons built 2015–2020 were recalled because the ABS/ESC (anti-lock brake and stability control) unit can short-circuit. Dealers rework the unit's wiring and fit lower-rated fuses, and update its software on some versions. The recall covers more than 117,000 UK cars.
Applies to: Tucson Mk3 (TL) built April 2015 – November 2020
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
- Recall · HyundaiBrakes
Recall: vacuum pump fault can cut brake assistance
Some i30, Tucson, Kona and i40 models built 2018–2020 were recalled because the brake vacuum pump can lose its oil supply through a blocked mesh filter or a worn drive belt. The brakes still work but need much more pedal effort. Dealers remove the mesh and check the pump and its belt, replacing them if damaged.
Applies to: i30 Mk3 and Tucson Mk3 built October 2018 – 2020; Kona Mk1 built December 2018 – June 2020; i40 built December 2018 – May 2019
The recall notices do not name the engine. Only cars in the recall VIN ranges are affected; a Hyundai dealer can check a VIN.
2 sources
- Recall · HyundaiBody & corrosion
Recall: weak secondary bonnet catch
Early Tucsons were recalled because, if the bonnet was not shut properly on its main catch, the secondary catch was not strong enough to hold it, and at motorway speed it could fly up. The bonnet-open warning light also did not work as intended. Dealers fitted a stronger catch and updated the instrument software.
Applies to: Tucson Mk3 (TL) built January 2015 – March 2016
Only cars in the recall's VIN range are affected. A Hyundai dealer can check a VIN and the work is free.
Reported by owners and the motoring press
Problems at least two independent publishers report, that the maker has not acknowledged. They describe the model, not every car.
- Reported by 3 publishersClutch & flywheel
Manual gearbox: clutch judder and early clutch wear
Manual Tucsons of this generation, diesels especially, can suffer clutch judder when pulling away, and several owners have reported excessive clutch wear or dual-mass flywheel faults leading to costly repairs, even under warranty. A redesigned clutch is available for the judder. Check that the clutch pedal operates freely and does not slip.
Applies to: Tucson Mk3 (TL) with a manual gearbox, 2015–2020 — Auto Express singles out the diesels
DVLA does not record the gearbox; automatic Tucsons do not have this clutch.
DVSA recalls for the Tucson Mk3 (TL)
Listed by DVSA for this model during these build years. Not every car is affected — check yours by VIN on GOV.UK.
- IN THE EVENT OF eCALL TRIGGER THE VIN NUMBER INFORMATION MAY NOT BE SENTR/2021/014 · 22/02/2021
The vehicle VIN information may not be registered correctly within the eCall unit.
Remedy: Register the VIN information within the vehicle by resetting the E-call unit and updating.
Listed for: SANTA FE, I20, TUCSON, KONA · built 2020
- Vehicles equipped with smart key system may have an immobiliser malfunctionR/2021/295 · 13/09/2021
Vehicles equipped with smart key system may have an immobiliser malfunction.
Remedy: Apply update to the hybrid control unit to correct the immobiliser operation.
Listed for: TUCSON NX4E HEV/PHEV · built 2020–2021
- The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted conditionR/2021/220 · 12/07/2021
The side curtain airbag could potentially be assembled in a twisted condition.
Remedy: Affected vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the airbag is correctly installed. If the airbag is twisted it will be removed and reinstalled correctly.
Listed for: TUCSON · built 2020–2021
Measured at MOT: how a 2018 Tucson fails more often
Based on 33,758 first MOT tests of this model at 8 years old (cars first used 2016–2017), compared against every car of the same age and fuel.
Nothing stands out. No category fails clearly more often on this model than on cars of the same age and fuel.
How to read this
These are MOT outcomes for other cars of the same model, age and fuel — not a prediction about this one, and not a fault diagnosis. A high rate means the category is worth checking, not that this car has a problem.
A comparison is only shown where it survives its own margin of error. Where a model is only slightly above average, both rates are shown and no multiple is given, because the data cannot tell the difference.
MOT results reflect how a car has been used and maintained as much as the model itself. High mileage, short journeys and deferred servicing all show up here.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Failure rates derived by FindServiceHistory from the DVSA anonymised MOT test and failure-item extracts.
MOT failure rate: the Tucson against vehicles its age
In our analysis of DVSA's anonymised MOT data for 2024 and 2025, 18.3% of 269,223 initial MOT tests on the Hyundai Tucson failed at the first attempt — about as often as vehicles of the same ages and fuel types, which failed 19.0%.
TucsonCars of the same age and fuel (all makes)
| Age | Tests | Bars | Tucson | Same age & fuel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | 119,840 | 14.1% | 13.5% | About the same | |
| 6–9 years | 140,111 | 20.2% | 22.2% | 8% lower | |
| 10–14 years | 1,292 | 33.9% | 35.3% | About the same | |
| 15–19 years | 7,980 | 46.4% | 42.9% | 6% higher |
These describe the model, not one car: how vehicles are used and maintained shows up as much as how they were built. Differences are the conservative end of a 95% confidence interval.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Rates and comparisons are FindServiceHistory's own analysis, not DVSA figures.
These describe the model, not one car. Plenty of cars never have the problems their model is known for, and a recall may already have been done on yours. Every problem links to its sources; a reported problem needs two independent publishers before we list it.
Recalls are listed by DVSA for the model around its build date — check a specific car by VIN at GOV.UK. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What are the most common Tucson problems?
For cars built from 2012, the problems at least two independent publishers report include: Manual gearbox: clutch judder and early clutch wear. Which apply depends on the generation and engine — they are listed generation by generation above, each with its sources.
Has the Tucson been recalled?
Yes. DVSA lists recalls for the Tucson built from 2012, shown above by generation. A recall covers a range of chassis numbers, so not every car is affected — check a specific car by VIN on GOV.UK, or by registration with our checker.
Does my Tucson have these problems?
Not necessarily. These describe the model; many cars never have them, and a well-maintained car is less likely to. Enter your registration above to see the problems for your exact generation and engine, and whether DVSA records an outstanding recall on it. Whether a known problem was fixed is what a service history check shows.
Has this Tucson had the work done?
A known problem matters far less on a car whose dealer records show it was fixed. A service history check returns the manufacturer's own dealership records for a specific car — and there's no charge if we find nothing.
Check a Hyundai service history