Most common 2009 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Tucson complaints by model year
Best Tucson years: 2011. Years to avoid: 2025, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023. Compare all years →
2009 Hyundai Tucson recalls (1)
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2009 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Air bags
my air bag light came on and I took it to a dealer and they said they repaired it by replacing a seat belt , a couple months later my car was in a hit and run and my front end was badly damaged and my air bags never deployed. they fixed my car and I got it back with the air bags light on again, took it back to the same dealer, they had the car and say they can't fix it, they said they looked around the country and can't find any replacement parts, they say there is no way to repair my car. My car is unsafe to drive and they say it can't be fixed and I did everything I was supposed to do with the car, took got care of it and its got low mileage for the year and now i'm being told it's out of warranty and it's my problem not the dealers or hyundia's. …
my air bag light is on again , my front end was hit bad and they air bags didn't deploy and after the car was fixed the light is always on again, Hyundia can't fix it or find parts to replace it
2009 Hyundai Tucson engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Hyundai Tucson a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Tucson rates better than average: 90% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tucson at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Hyundai Tucson?
The air bags — 6 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (2) and speed control & acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 Hyundai Tucson have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Hyundai Tucson, the most recent from April 1, 2013 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Tucson?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023. See the full Hyundai Tucson years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Hyundai Tucson problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 69% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.