2021 Hyundai Tucson: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Last gen-3 Tucson; far fewer complaints than 2016-2017 but it still shares the 2.0L oil-consumption and knock-sensor risk, verify engine health and service history. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson ranged from $23,700 to $32,050 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Last gen-3 Tucson; far fewer complaints than 2016-2017 but it still shares the 2.0L oil-consumption and knock-sensor risk, verify engine health and service history.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=tucso…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/hyundai/tucson
Known issues
-
ABS-module electrical short carrying a fire risk
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–55k miles · brake
-
Knock-sensor fault (code P1326) puts the engine in limp mode with reduced power
occasional · 18 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–90k miles · engine
-
Excessive engine oil consumption between service intervals without visible leaks
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · typically 25k–90k miles · engine
-
Sunroof or rear glass shattering without impact
isolated · 4 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=tucso…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Good real-world fuel economy
- Stylish, modern design
- Long factory warranty and good used-market value
Cons
- Underwhelming base-engine power
- Less cargo room than several rivals
- Serious risk of engine oil consumption and rod-bearing/seizure failure on the 2.0L
- Turbo 1.6L seven-speed dual-clutch can hesitate and lose power from a stop
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $23,700 | $29,450 | 2.0L I4 | — |
| Value | $25,150 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| SEL | $26,100 | $30,800 | 2.4L I4 | — |
| Sport | $28,250 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
| Limited | $29,400 | $39,425 | 2.4L I4 | — |
| Ultimate | $32,050 | discontinued | 2.4L I4 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-hyundai-tucson-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40854
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/hyundai-tucson-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($23,700). Higher trims started higher (up to $32,050), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 15% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/hyundai/tucson/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $850–900/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/hyundai/tucson/maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have?
Documented issue patterns include: ABS-module electrical short carrying a fire risk; Knock-sensor fault (code P1326) puts the engine in limp mode with reduced power; Excessive engine oil consumption between service intervals without visible leaks; Sunroof or rear glass shattering without impact. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Last gen-3 Tucson; far fewer complaints than 2016-2017 but it still shares the 2.0L oil-consumption and knock-sensor risk, verify engine health and service history.
How much did the 2021 Hyundai Tucson cost new?
Between $23,700 and $32,050 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Hyundai Tucson expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $850–900/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.