Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Hyundai Tucson owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery failed to hold charge. The contact stated that the engine, oil, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the battery. The battery was replaced by the mechanic. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving on the highway and was notified by passing motorists that there was smoke coming from my vehicle, I proceeded to pull to the shoulder and parked my vehicle. When parked, I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment and under the vehicle. I proceeded to get as far away from the car and that when the fire became enraged and fully engulfed my vehicle. The fire department arrived and distinguished the fire.
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding a safety issue with my Hyundai vehicle, and the apparent lack of resolution from Hyundai despite repeated attempts to seek assistance. Last year, I received a notification from Hyundai about a critical safety issue concerning the EMERGENCY FIRE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULES, which could potentially leak brake fluid internally and lead to an electrical short over time. This electrical short poses a significant risk of engine compartment fires, both while the vehicle is parked and during operation. Naturally, upon receiving this alarming notice, I expected Hyundai to promptly address and rectify this potentially life-threatening issue. Unfortunately, my concerns have only heightened as my local mechanic recently discovered a leakage in my vehicle, which aligns with the exact problem outlined in the aforementioned notification. …
While this Recal has been announced since August, the Manufacturer and Dealerships have not fixed this issue nor do they have a projected date for a fix. In the mean time, they have stated that the vehicle could catch fire and should be parked outside away from structures. This has placed our family at risk, devalued our vehicle and has us considering purchasing another safer vehile putting our family in a financial strain. Furthermore, the only "fix" we are hearing about is to install a smaller value fuse that will not allow excessive current to ignite the leaking brake fluid. IN other words, they do not appear to bee fixing the rooot cause of the the issue: Leaking Brake Fluid! Leaking brake systems are a saftey concern of the highest magnitude, right up there with Tires and Steering. This is just insane. …
The door opening mechanism on three doors. Once in the past we were not able to get in or out of the rear passenger door because it would not open from the inside or out even though it was unlocked. Which in case of emergency is a safety hazard if you can't get out of the car. Now the other rear passenger door is doing the same thing. You cannot open door from the inside or outside, and the drivers door you cannot open from the outside. In my opinion this is a major safety issue and from what I read online many people are having the same issues. I feel Hyundai should be responsible to replace/fix these issues with quality parts. I've never had a vehicle that you were not able to open the door either from the inside or outside of the vehicle. Until this Tucson. The first occurrence was a few years ago. The two doors now just happened.
The electrical in my car is slowly failing, causing problems opening 3 out of 4 windows in the vehicle. My car is currently unsafe to drive (I am a mother with a young child and I will not risk their safety). I also fear the acceleration in the vehicle is also defective, as when I'm driving it will revv the engine and shoot the RPM meter up (even when my foot is off thr pedal). I do not believe my vehicle can be repaired at this point and I cannot go without a vehicle any longer. I cannot afford to have it towed to get inspected, and I cannot drive it to a dealership.
Rear passenger door not opening even with door lock in the unlocked position. Child lock was is not activated. I've seen multiple Hyundai fourms regarding this. With door unable to open, presents a safety risk in an accident if the other doors become unoperable. My Hyundai service department has acknowledged the issue, but will not fix without charging.
I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car when in drive. I don't feel safe driving this car sometimes.
Electrical complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, 8% of the model year's 266 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Tucson electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Tucson electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.