Is the 2005 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Hyundai Tucson is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Hyundai Tucson have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Hyundai Tucson

● Typical for this model

2005 Hyundai Tucson
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:09:36.825Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 185
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2005: 185 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	185
2006	135
2007	65
2008	43
2009	18
2010	58
2011	124
2012	255
2013	266
2014	202
2015	229
2016	1,626
2017	1,092
2018	398
2019	383
2020	177
2021	80
2022	384
2023	136
2024	98
2025	292
2026	65

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

17% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and switch.

FIRE

Air bags

17% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. While driving 25 MPH, the preceding vehicle applied the brakes unexpectedly, causing the contact to rear end the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-16

My daughter rear-ended another vehicle at approximately 10 MPH the airbags did not deploy and the seatbelts did not lock. She hit her head and chest on the steering wheel. She now has severe whiplash and bruising.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-23

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was crashed into from the driver's side, near the door and the side air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-01

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

CRASHINJURY

Structure

11% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing body and hinge and attachments.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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!

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-16

Also filed under Suspension

Engine

10% · 18 reports

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2005-04-13Electronic stability control05V119000 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 may…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-07-29Parking brake05V315000 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 ratchet…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-09-12Parking brake05V342000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-01-29Air bags06V445000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-09-06Air bags07V197000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2009-01-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-24 Stop lamp switch failure
R

2009-06-29Exterior lighting09V122000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-09-02Exterior lighting09V280000 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 brake…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileElectronic stability control05V177000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (Esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Hyundai Tucson — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V177000 · Electronic stability control
Recall 05V119000 · Electronic stability control
Recall 05V315000 · Parking brake
Recall 05V342000 · Parking brake
Recall 06V445000 · Air bags
Recall 07V197000 · Air bags
Recall 09V122000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09V280000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Hyundai Tucson reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Hyundai Tucson is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Hyundai Tucson have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.