Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 139 | 52% |
| Service brakes | 28 | 11% |
| Unknown or other | 14 | 5% |
| Power train | 8 | 3% |
| Air bags | 7 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2% |
| Power train | 4 | 2% |
| Structure | 4 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I was driving on the highway going 65 mph and scared when the engine started clicking and shaking a tiny bit. Plus it was slowing down no matter what i did. Well in a 4 lane highway. There was No engine light, no p
NHTSA complaint: Engine
left front latch assembly. There is a recall on this for every other model except mine, yet I cannot get in my car because the cables have stretched and the latch will not open the door. I have to crawl in from the other
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
My 2013 Hyundai Tucson with 89,417 miles experienced complete engine failure due to severe rod knock from connecting rod bearing wear. This vehicle was brought to our local Hyundai dealership with confirmed diagnosis.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Dear NHTSA, I am the owner of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. On March 28, 2026, my husband took our vehicle to Keyes Hyundai Van Nuys dealership for a recall repair. However, the repair was not completed because a required par
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car w
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The driver side front sidewall developed a shake then a crack appeared in the sidewall about 4 inches long. The other tires show signs of dry rott. They have worn away to nothing in 21k miles less than a year. Can provid
NHTSA complaint: Tires
Driver's rear passenger door. Locked and unable to open. Was functional then won't open. No safety lock engaged. I can hear the locks when trying to unlock with keyfob. Door handles are attached but can not use to open.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving and exceeding 30 MPH, the transmission was slipping out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer located
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will inspect for an oil pan leak, replacing it if necessary, and install an updated oil pressure switch, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Ow
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured January 3, 2011, through December 23, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.
Risk: An air bag assembly that is not properly mounted may result in an increased risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts that secure the driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai cust
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, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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, 2
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 79 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 139 of them (52%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2013 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 70/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.