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KLUNK

2005 Hyundai Tucson

The Verdict

57 Proceed with Caution

The 2005 Hyundai Tucson has 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (59 complaints) and electrical (54 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 57/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Tucson, consider the 2009 model year which has 90% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2009 has 90% fewer complaints

View the 2009 Hyundai Tucson dashboard →

57

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 8

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

05V342000 PARKING BRAKE

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PARKING LEVER RATCHET PAWL WAS NOT PROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND MAY DAMAGE THE TEETH OF THE PARKING LEVER RATCHET. DAMAGED PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET TEETH MAY PRE...

Risk

THE INABILITY TO ENGAGE OR THE INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER, MAY ALLOW YOUR VEHICLE TO ROLL WHILE IT IS PARKED AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

06V445000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DURING STATIC AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTING CONDUCTED BY NHTSA USING FIFTH PERCENTILE FEMALE DUMMIES INDICATED IF A SMALL STATURED ADULT DRIVER, NOT WEARING A SEAT B...

Risk

THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 29, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH SIX MAILINGS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

05V119000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP), THE YAW RATE SENSOR MAY BECOME TOO SENSITIVE AND MAY RECALIBRATE INACCURATELY. WHILE DRIVING THE ESP PROGRAM MA...

Risk

BRAKE APPLICATION CAUSED BY INADVERTENT ESP ACTIVATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ESP HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

09V280000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAK...

Risk

ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

05V177000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP), THE YAW RATE SENSOR MAY BECOME TOO SENSITIVE AND MAY RECALIBRATE INACCURATELY. WHILE DRIVING THE ESP PROGRAM MA...

Risk

BRAKE APPLICATION CAUSED BY INADVERTENT ESP ACTIVATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ESP HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

09V122000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECT...

Risk

ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

07V197000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, STATIC AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TESTING CONDUCTED BY NHTSA USING FIFTH PERCENTILE FEMALE DUMMIES INDICATED THAT A SMALL STATURE ADULT DRIVER NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND INVOLVED IN A...

Risk

THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER UNDER CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE WITH ONE THAT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN INCREASED MARGIN OF COMPLIANCE FOR LOW RISK DEPLOYMENT FOR SMALL STATURE ADULTS WHO ARE NOT PROPERLY WEARING T...

Reported Aug 5, 2007

05V315000 PARKING BRAKE

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET PAWL WAS NOT PROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND MY DAMAGE THE TEETH OF THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHET. DAMAGED PARKING BRAKE LEVER RATCHE...

Risk

THE INABILITY TO ENGAGE, OR THE INADVERTENT RELEASE OF, THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER MAY ALLOW YOUR VEHICLE TO ROLL WHILE IT IS PARKED AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Reported Jul 7, 2005

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20055912544911
2006361550277
200725619114
20081777102
200980820
20109910722
2011262544619
201227231316816
201336341816011
2014204691173
20152652121206
201657036147450408
20171573550631199
201835322024155
201935108181998
2020404216683
202112117402
202274193819929
20234516203210
2024411414151
202514334571212

By Category

Body
59
Electrical
54
Engine
49
Brakes
12
Transmission
11

By Severity

1
75
2
93
3
2
4
15

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2005 Hyundai Tucson stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 4

Caught on fire. Started under passager floor board. Burnt completely up

32mo ago
Electrical 1

I acquired my vehicle as a used car. Although, to my knowledge my vehicle air bags have not deployed, the air bag light is illuminated on my dash panel and this issue is preventing me from obtaining an updated vehicle registration in my state of residence (Delaware). Since the year make and model are listed under the "recall" section of the NHTSA website, specifically for an airbag issue, I am requesting information regarding what nest-steps I nay take to have this problem repaired by Hyundai without any cost to me.

35mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front passenger side air bag wiring harness; however, the part was discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 75,880.

36mo ago
Engine 2

This car accelerates while unattended. Most likely due to an ECM malfunction and unable to properly respond/send signals to the motor. On 4 occasions, the car has accelerated, even if in park. It will go 25mph on its own and to stop I had to put it in neutral. I’ve seen that my car isn’t the only one experiencing this. Considering it’s an ECM issue there should be a recall because that is not a part you change during the life of a car.

42mo ago
Electrical 2

ESP off ligh comes on and off have to turn suv off to ture light off Had report it to nhtsa twice but no one replied 2/28/22 # 05V119000 2/14/22 #11454471

42mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the RPM failed to raise, and the vehicle failed to respond. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

44mo ago
Electrical 1

Air bag light on dashboard Esp light comes on and off

49mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning light disappeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

53mo ago
Electrical 2

Brake light no coming on when brake pedal is being push

54mo ago
Engine 1

INITIAL ISSUES ON VEHICLE PRESENTED IN JANUARY 2021 WITH VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES INCLUDING P0133. ALTHOUGH VEHICLE PASSED EMISSIONS IN 2020, VARIOUS CHECK ENGINE CODES FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, OXYGEN SENSORS, MISFIRE FOR VARIOUS CYLINDERS. AFTER REPLACING INDICATED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, OXYGEN SENSORS INDICATED VIA OBD II TOOL, BATTERY, ALTERNATOR (MORE THAN ONCE), BOTH FRONT CV BOOTS, HEAD GASKET SEALS FOR BOTH CYLINDER BANKS, MORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ISSUES APPEAR ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE. CURRENTLY ANOTHER CYLINDER MISFIRE CHECK ENGINE CODE HAS APPEARED AFTER ALL SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH OEM RECOMMENDED BRAND REPLACEMENTS (NKG PRE-GAPPED SPARK PLUGS). THE MISFIRE CODE HAS CLEARED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT CHECK ENGINE CODE FROM THE OBD II TOOL IS ERROR CODE FOR DRIVE TRAIN DRIVEABILITY P0420 REGARDING CATALYST SYSTEM OPERATING BELOW THRESHOLD AT BANK 1. I HAVE UTILIZED LOCAL STORE CATALYTIC CLEANER LIQUIDS TO CLEAN THE SYSTEM, WHICH HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2021, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CLOSEST LOCAL DEALSHIP FOR A LARGE MAJORITY OF THESE REPAIRS INCLUDING A $150 DEALERSHIP FEE JUST TO HAVE THESE CODES REVIEWED AND ADDITIONAL FEES FOR THE LABOR TO ADDRESS FOR EACH ISSUE FOR EACH REPAIR.

63mo ago
Engine 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE NOX, PURGE VALVE, FUEL TRIM AND CAMSHAFT SENSORS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, TEN DAYS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. LAUREL HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 998 EISENHOWER BLVD, JOHNSTOWN, PA 15904 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

63mo ago
Transmission 1

VEHICLE WILL START MOVING IF ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN PARK. DEALER HAS ADJUSTED SHIFTER CABLE SEVERAL TIMES AND KEEPS RETURNING TO THE BEING ABLE TO PUSH THE CAR WHILE IN PARK CONDITION 9-12 MONTHS LATER. THEIR APPEARS TO BE NO FIX.

63mo ago
Electrical 2

DRIVER AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON WILL NOT TURN OFF HEAD LIGHT SLIVER MELTED

66mo ago
Body 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VISION HYUNDAI WEBSTER (755 RIDGE RD, WEBSTER, NY 14580, (585) 787-2111) FOR AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN FOR CORROSION ON THE REAR SUBFRAME. THE DEALER TOOK PHOTOS TO SUBMIT TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR REPAIR APPROVAL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN 80% CHANCE THAT THE SUBFRAME COULD FRACTURE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE UNDRIVABLE. THE DEALER OFFERED NO GUARANTEES THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE CONTACT IF THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED BEYOND REPAIR AND WOULD CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR FURTHER REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND CASE MANAGER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT CALLED BACK AND THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY UNREPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

71mo ago
Body 4

REAR SUBFRAME IS ROTTED. MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SHE LOST CONTROL, IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC.THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED AND SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR 2 MONTHS AS I CAN NOT FIND THIS PART! MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A RECALL WITH THESE CARS.

73mo ago
Body 2

FRONT RIGHT CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 40 MPH, CAR SWERVED OFF THE ROAD. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. MECHANIC STATED IT BROKE DUE TO RUST AND ROT. BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. CAR HAS 115K MILES. OTHER COMPLAINTS FOUND FOR SAME ISSUE. APPEARS TO BE NO RECALL FOR THIS. IF TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, IT COULD OF BEEN A MUCH WORSE ACCIDENT. *TR

74mo ago
Electrical 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,842.

78mo ago
Body 1

SEVERELY RUSTED REAR SUB-FRAME. NYS INSPECTION STATION ADVISED THE VEHICLE WILL LIKELY NOT PASS THE NYS SAFETY INSPECTION IN 2020.

80mo ago
Body 2

I WANT TO HAVE A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT SERVICE COMPLETED. THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN INVITED ME BACK TO VIEW THE UNDERSIDE OF MY VEHICLE. WHAT I SAW WAS VERY DISTURBING. THE WHOLE REAR LEFT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE IS RUSTED SOMETHING AWFUL. THIS SUBFRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED THROUGH AND THROUGH. I ALSO RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE RUSTED OUT LOWER CONTROL ARMS.

81mo ago
Transmission 1

WELL TRANMISSION ITS SHAKING WHEN I GO OVER 65MPH AND THIS IS NOT NORMAL.

82mo ago

185 total

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