Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was serviced under Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-028H-1. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the following day, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was scary for the contact and her minor child who was a passenger in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under approval from the Manufacturer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed four days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for repair. The vehicle remained in its possession for a month before being returned to the contact. While the contact was driving home from the mechanic shop at an unknown speed, the engine shut off without warning. The contact initially towed the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who then informed her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the vehicle experienced engine failure. The results were sent to the manufacturer who informed the dealer that the failure was not a result of the recall and that they would only cover half the cost of a new engine. …
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V063000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure sensor switch, PCM module, and electrical fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after her husband made a right turn at a low rate of speed, the engine ceased without warning. The vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. Due to the failure, her husband had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer had been notified and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle; they offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was 121,600.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and diagnosed by an independent mechanic as engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Recall 181 - failure to complete repairs (defective oil pan seal/switch) as requested by owners, that resulted in a catastrophic, high speed stall, loss of control and engine failure. On Mon May 17, 2021 at 4pm EST our 23 year old daughter and 3 of her college graduate girlfriends were driving from Atlanta to Charleston, SC (65-70 mph) on Hwy I-26 when suddenly & without warning her 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine started knocking, smoking and ultimately exploded throwing a piston through the engine block creating a huge hole and completely seizing up. She couldn't see due to the intense smoke, lost control of the car but thankfully was able to steer it to the roadside. As the girls struggled to get out they saw fire underneath the car and highway shoulder. They called 911. …
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Engine complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 159 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, 60% of the model year's 266 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-063 (engine, Feb 5, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 10 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.