2010 Hyundai Tucson
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
- Complaints
- 58
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2010
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 58 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.
Power train
38% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
2010 Hyundai Tucson ltd fwd - approx 14,000 miles. Car suddenly accelerated while driver was parking the car. Driver's foot on the brake and car lurched forward, stopping only when it hit a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-07-11
Transmission problems persisting. Causing very hard downshifts, making seat belt tensioners lock.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-19
No accident yet, but worrisome. Have a 2010 Hyundai Tucson limited awd. On several occasions now. When slowing down (Such as a highway on or off ramp), without foot on the gas. Car violently downshifts.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-04
Service brakes
22% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I first noticed white smoke coming from the back of my SUV. I pulled into a store parking lot and tried to park. My main brakes failed. I then tried using my emergency brake. It too failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-19
Also filed under Engine
On three separate occasions this vehicle experienced unintentional acceleration while either braking or slowly attempting to park.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-30
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Engine
12% · 7 reportsElectrical system
10% · 6 reportsAir bags
9% · 5 reportsShow complaint excerpts
A truck pulled in front of me and I smashed the whole front of my car into them and my air bag did not deploy..updated 05/30/14 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-20
The passenger seat airbag system warning light is on and stays on, there is an active recall but my vin is not yet included
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-02
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-16
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2010-03-05Air bags10V061000 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…
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…
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2011-05-20Exterior lighting11V259000 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…
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…
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2013-04-22Exterior lighting13V113000 Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra…
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's…
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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2024-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic23V651000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell,...
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Hyundai Tucson — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10V061000 · Air bags
- Recall 11V259000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 13V113000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Hyundai Tucson is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Tucson?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have?
- 4 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.