2010 Hyundai Tucson
The Verdict
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson has 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (22 complaints) and electrical (10 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 85/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Tucson, consider the 2009 model year which has 68% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2009 has 68% fewer complaints
View the 2009 Hyundai Tucson dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
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 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. PROPERLY SEATED ADULT RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING OVER APPROXIMATELY 240 POUNDS CAUSE THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (...
Risk
IF "AIR BAG" WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT FORCE TO REQUIRE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS EXPERIENCED, AND WILL NOT BE DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD...
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. HYUNDAI ANTICIPATES OWNERS NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 15 2010 AND THE NOTIFICATION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY ...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "L...
Risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 59 | 12 | 54 | 49 | 11 |
| 2006 | 36 | 15 | 50 | 27 | 7 |
| 2007 | 25 | 6 | 19 | 11 | 4 |
| 2008 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 2 |
| 2009 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 22 |
| 2011 | 26 | 25 | 4 | 46 | 19 |
| 2012 | 27 | 23 | 13 | 168 | 16 |
| 2013 | 36 | 34 | 18 | 160 | 11 |
| 2014 | 20 | 46 | 9 | 117 | 3 |
| 2015 | 26 | 52 | 12 | 120 | 6 |
| 2016 | 570 | 36 | 147 | 450 | 408 |
| 2017 | 157 | 35 | 50 | 631 | 199 |
| 2018 | 35 | 32 | 20 | 241 | 55 |
| 2019 | 35 | 108 | 18 | 199 | 8 |
| 2020 | 40 | 42 | 16 | 68 | 3 |
| 2021 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 40 | 2 |
| 2022 | 74 | 19 | 38 | 199 | 29 |
| 2023 | 45 | 16 | 20 | 32 | 10 |
| 2024 | 41 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 1 |
| 2025 | 143 | 34 | 57 | 12 | 12 |
By Category
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Worst Problems
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See how the 2010 Hyundai Tucson stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
While driving under normal conditions, the panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered without warning. There was no impact from road debris, no prior cracking, and no abnormal use of the sunroof. The failure occurred spontaneously and created a safety hazard due to falling glass and the risk of driver distraction or injury. This vehicle is equipped with the factory panoramic roof that has been the subject of a prior class action lawsuit and Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 19-BD-007H (Panoramic Roof Moving Glass Warranty Extension, code TXXE). The failure I experienced is consistent with the known defect described in that settlement and TSB. Hyundai extended coverage for this defect to 10 years or 120,000 miles; however, Hyundai has denied assistance because the time limit has expired, even though the mileage remains within the coverage threshold. Given the known defect and safety implications, this failure should be addressed regardless of warranty expiration. This issue presents a safety concern due to sudden glass shattering while driving and should be investigated further.
This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my ABS lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! Since April 20, 2025…. My brakes are GRINDING SERIOUSLY and PROHIBITING me to fully stop at times. I’ve had several near misses… I want them fixed now!! My car is no longer safe!!! Still doing it today @ 12:18pm with mileage of 130,605… please help!
On January 26, 2024, at AutoNation, I was requested to bring my 2010 Hyundai Tucson in to replace a part involving my ‘brakes.’ I’m the original owner, since 2021 my brakes would grind at least twice weekly and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop! Then, the AntiLock Brake System lights would just pop up out of nowhere and come on, then my brakes would work. So, I was told I needed a new switch. AutoNation never let me explain any of this, they cut me off anytime I tried to explain it. So, last January 2024, the switch was fixed. I’d prefer NOT to go back there again!! It hasn’t been inspected by anyone. NHTSA may inspect it as soon as you would like. Except now, my ABS lights are basically stuck on. This started back again June 2024. No grinding of my brakes now, I just want them fixed properly.
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood and the temperature gauge fluctuated. The vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, an unknown engine part was fractured, and several unknown parts had detached and were leaning on the driver's side of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 199,996. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 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 dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 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 local dealer was not 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated that the manufacturer will contact them via email when a remedy for the vehicle is ready.
The contact owns a 2010 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the driver's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
UNKNOWN. Since I purchase this vehicle in 2010, the backup camera does not always work. I took it in to the dealership and they stated that in order to diagnose it, it must happen while I am there. At this time, the backup camera only works sometimes and it is not safe to back up. Is there a manufacturer recall?
The engine ran out of oil completely with no leaks no nothing and never had a light come on to show low oil or engine issues. It went from running great to engine knocking with no warning
The car dies, unknown, mechanics don't know! It's in the wires somewhere, the backup camera doesn't work, the radio doesn't work! Even with the the fuse in and everything working the backup camera still doesn't work, and as soon as you shut the car off it doesn't start up again! Nothing was replaced it's still everything from the factory so you tell me what's wrong!!
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin Number: 21-01-023H-3 (Engine Monitoring Logic Update). However, two months later, the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Engine Monitoring Logic had failed and an unknown repair needed to be completed. The dealer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer who informed the dealer that they would cover half of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact contacted the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a live agent. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Door actuators are not working so the locks only work on two of the five doors. Safety and security of the passengers is at risk.
Every morning the car has to have a jump! We bought a battery! That didn't help! We took it to the shop, they couldn't figure it out but said it was something to do with the electrical but didn't know what, so we started digging on our own and you have to take the fuse out to the radio for the car to start! So after spending ALL that money that's what it is, we can't listen to music to start our every morning but now it is getting worse, something else is draining the battery! And no one knows what!
THE HOOD FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING
Yesterday, my wife car, suddenly started to sharply to the right, when her hold on steering wheel relaxed. I tested it. It is not an alignment problem. It is a sudden and obvious taking over of the steering by the car. I took it to my mechanic. He told me that he and none of his certified mechanics have ever seen this problem, and did not know what was wrong and I should contact Hyundai as perhaps there was a recall or service bulletin on this condition. I did that, but was told that I would have to bring it there to be diagnosed. My concern is not so much for my car. I don't know if I want to spend dealership type money to fix the car. My concern is the safety of others. My wife was traveling about 20 mph when this happened, and was able to avid hitting another car. If it happened when she was traveling 60 mph on a four lane highway, it would have been a major disaster. I felt that I needed to bring the problem to your attention, to possibly protect others. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE PART NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS NO LONGER IN PRODUCTION; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE.
OIL PUMP WENT OUT AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE
SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE THE GEAR SHIFT GETS STUCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH. IT IS A BIG HASSLE TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS. I GOT THE RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE BACKLIGHT SWITCH IN 2012, BUT WHY MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED? THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CHARGING ME EVERY SINGLE TIME I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THIS CONSTANT PROBLEM. I ALMOST GOT KILL BY THE TRAIN BECAUSE OF THIS BACKLIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I GOT STUCK A FEET AWAY FROM THE RAIL TRACKS TWO WEEKS AGO, THERE WAS A CAR AT FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT TO REVERSE. THE CAR DECIDED TO MOVE AT THE LAST MINUTE AND I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. THE CONTENTION BAR WAS OVER MY WINDSHIELD SO I COULDN'T MOVE FORWARD AND I COULDN'T MOVE BACKWARDS BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WASN'T MOVING. I HAVE BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR FIVE TIMES AND THE LAST TWO TIMES, THEY HAVE KEPT MY CAR THERE, BUT THEY HAVEN'T EVEN TOUCHED IT. THEY HAVEN'T TOLD ME THE REASON WHY, BUT I JUST FOUND IT OUT. IT IS BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT LISTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. DRIVING A CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM ONCE YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THE GEAR SHIFT WON'T WORK. NEITHER IN CASE YOU HAVE TO PARK OR MAKE A TURN. PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL IS A BIG PROBLEM BECAUSE ONCE I PARK, THE GEAR SHIFT DOESN'T MOVE DOWN, SO I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF UP TO THREE TIMES AND WAIT EACH TIME TWO TO THREE MINUTES UNTIL THE ENGINE RESETS ITSELF. DRIVERS BEHIND ME GET SO FRUSTRATED. WOULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME TO LIST MY VIN NUMBER? I AM VERY CONCERNED DRIVING THIS CAR WITH MY FAMILY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOCKING SYSTEM STARTED TO MALFUNCTION WITH THE REAR HATCH AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR NOT OPENING WITH THE REMOTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD BE THE ACTUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED THREE TIMES ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 213,000.
I HEARD A CLUNK UPON TURNING RIGHT, EXITING A PARKING LOT. THE REAR END OF THE CAR STARTED TO SWAY. FEARING A BLOWN TIRE, I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, ONLY TO FIND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL PITCHED AT A RATHER UNHEALTHY ANGLE. AFTER TOWING THE CAR TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED OUT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE IN CERTAIN HYUNDAI MODELS. ALTHOUGH OUT OF WARRANTY, IT SEEMS LIKE HYUNDAI SHOULD BE WILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OF RUST AND STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES.
57 total