2013 Hyundai Tucson.

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 19 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Tucson year is 2021.

34Lemon Index · 100 = average car

One of the most reliable. 2.9× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2021 · Worst year 2016

Photo shows a Hyundai Tucson. Jengtingchen, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Most common problemAirbags32% of owner complaints Recalls3Free fix at any dealer Better year to buy20214.2× fewer complaints than average Government investigation1 openOwners reported enough to trigger one

Owner complaints19first 3 years

Fuel economy21–25 mpgcombined, EPA

Crash test★★★★☆NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 266 owner complaints, owners reported:

16crashes

10injuries

18fires

35tows

Under government investigation 119 repair notes from Hyundai

Every Hyundai Tucson year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.

20051361.4× the complaints 2006791.3× fewer complaints 2007–few complaints 2010482.1× fewer complaints 2011512× fewer complaints 2012551.8× fewer complaints 2013342.9× fewer complaints 2014422.4× fewer complaints 2015492× fewer complaints 20166266.3× the complaints 20172452.5× the complaints 201895about average 20191321.3× the complaints 2020721.4× fewer complaints 2021244.2× fewer complaints 20221951.9× the complaints 202372early read · 1.4× fewer complaints 202483early read · 1.2× fewer complaints 2025309early read · 3.1× the complaints

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

airbags32%

transmission & drivetrain21%

wheels21%

tires21%

visibility11%

Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.

Transmission problems in every Hyundai Tucson year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 78K

0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 54K to 106K miles on the car (159 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

engine complaints mostly came at 70K–108K miles

Recalls 3

brakes 2023
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
engine 2019
The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
airbags 2014
In the affected vehicles, the air bag assembly installed in the steering wheel may come loose from its mounting.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Hyundai told dealers about

Hyundai sent dealers 119 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

The shift lever on some 6-speed vehicles may intermittently not shift out of park
Before installing an automatic transmission, check the depth of the torque converter in the…
The shift lever on some 6-speed vehicles may intermittently not shift out of Park

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Government investigations

OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Safety

Stability controlStandard

Collision warningNot offered

Lane departure warningNot offered

NHTSA front crash test of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson — Front crash test · NHTSA

Crash test details

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆

Fuel cost and engines

About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.

Quick answers

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Tucson year by this measure is 2021.

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (32%), transmission & drivetrain (21%) and wheels (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have?

3 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson get?

21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson safe?

NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.

At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems start?

Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 54,000 and 106,000 miles. The middle report was at 78,000 miles, from 159 complaints.

Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 21% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson cost in fuel a year?

About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have?

2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.

What Hyundai Tucson year is better than the 2013?

By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2021, 2013 and 2014.

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works