Most common 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems
Share of the 266 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 →
2013 Hyundai Tucson recalls (3)
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2013 Hyundai Tucson:
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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 Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2013 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Engine & cooling all 159 →
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle engine failed. When driving with the cruise control set at 70 mph, the engine emitted a loud knocking sound and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle powered off and the vehicle rolled onto the road shoulder. The contact was able to open the hood and smoke emitted from under the hood and emitted an engine oil burnt odor. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or mechanic to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
I recently had a car accident, which has made dealing with my car issues even more stressful. On April 23rd, I went for a recall appointment at Kerry Hyundai in Florence. While the anti-rust recall was covered, the mechanic informed me that the remedy for my specific issue wasn't available. This was surprising, as I received a letter stating that the remedy for my Tucson, identified by its VIN, was available as of April 3, 2024. This seems like clear negligence, and I need assistance from www.safercar.gov. Here is the message I sent and the responses from the Kerry representative. Unfortunately, I can't attach the screenshot. …
Brakes all 41 →
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into the rear of another stopped vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was damaged, and coolant started leaking due to the collision. The contact's son and the other driver did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle could not be driven and was towed to an auto collision shop. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
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 repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact's father was driving the vehicle at approximately 65 MPH when numerous warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her father had observed smoke being emitted from under the hood. The father pulled the vehicle off the highway and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that her father opened the hood and saw that a fire had started in the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames with water. The fire was confined to the engine compartment. …
Electrical system all 22 →
I recently had a car accident, which has made dealing with my car issues even more stressful. On April 23rd, I went for a recall appointment at Kerry Hyundai in Florence. While the anti-rust recall was covered, the mechanic informed me that the remedy for my specific issue wasn't available. This was surprising, as I received a letter stating that the remedy for my Tucson, identified by its VIN, was available as of April 3, 2024. This seems like clear negligence, and I need assistance from www.safercar.gov. Here is the message I sent and the responses from the Kerry representative. Unfortunately, I can't attach the screenshot. …
The contact called on behalf of his father who owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his father was taking the vehicle out of the car wash, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and was not able to restart. The vehicle was left at the location until the following day. The next day the contact attempted to connect a new battery to the vehicle; however, there was white smoke coming from the battery compartment. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's father received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the contact stated the local dealer refused to repair the vehicle under the recall. The contact stated the local dealer was in active communication with the manufacturer to find a solution. …
2013 Hyundai Tucson engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson a good car?
Based on 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Tucson rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Tucson at the same age. It is one of the Tucson years we suggest avoiding. 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
The engine & cooling — 159 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the brakes (41) and electrical system (22).
How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, the most recent from September 22, 2023 (control unit/module). 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 23% 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.