While driving on a major highway, my car went into limp mode topping out at 60 mph then decreasing before going back to 60. My check engine light was also blinking, not solid.
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 180.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 14 of 78 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
2 reportsWhat component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was running exceptionally well until a software update was applied at the dealership. Hyundai has no recalls / safety campaigns on file for my vehicle make and model and was adamant that no updates should have been applied.…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle was running exceptionally well until a software update was applied at the dealership. Hyundai has no recalls / safety campaigns on file for my vehicle make and model and was adamant that no updates should have been applied. On or shortly after this time, vehicle performance became really poor. mpg per tank dropped to around 22 / 23 mpg highway (normally 27-29 mpg), acceleration performance was reduced, and it felt as thought vehicle had issues accelerating at time. Shifting on hills became an issue as well as the vehicle did not appear to properly shift into the next gear when necessary. I was notified after purchase of the vehicle that it should be parked outside of my garage due to possible fire concerns even though my vehicle was supposedly not affected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lack of power / acceleration when needed affected getting onto the highway and shifting lanes. Vehicle rode almost like brake was being continuously applied and slowing down the vehicle at times. Lack of power and improper shifting almost caused an accident or two. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, dealer was unable to reproduce after a quick 10 minute test drive on flat land. I started keeping records and screenshots afterwards. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Hyundai refuses to contact me back regarding these issues. During this time, an email was sent globally indicating that Hyundai BlueLink would no longer support a feature that independently slowed / stopped vehicles in case of theft. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights have appeared on this vehicle.
Official recalls
120V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Sep 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
Illustration