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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-HYUNDAI-TUCSON NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Hyundai

2013 Hyundai Tucson problems

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 266 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson has 266 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 144 complaints, typically surfacing around 93,200 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Hyundai Tucson owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2010 Tucson 57 2
2011 Tucson 124 1
2012 Tucson 253 0
2013 Tucson (this page) 266 1
2014 Tucson 200 1
2015 Tucson 225 0
2016 Tucson 1,613 3
2013 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: SsmIntrigue / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Hyundai Tucson
0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Tucson?
Avoid — the engine

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall

Overall 4/5
Frontal crash 4/5
Side crash 5/5
Rollover 4/5

Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.

Buying a used 2013 Hyundai Tucson? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 93,200 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2013 Hyundai Tucson

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2013-hyundai-tucson/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2013 Hyundai Tucson reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2013-hyundai-tucson/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2013 Hyundai Tucson reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
144 reports · fails ~93,200 mi · avg $3,100
severe
brakes
37 reports · fails ~109,171 mi · avg $450
severe
electrical
19 reports · fails ~39,918 mi · avg $850
severe
powertrain
15 reports · fails ~70,530 mi · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
9 reports · fails ~27,448 mi · avg $1,100
severe
steering
6 reports · fails ~48,333 mi · avg $700
severe
body
4 reports · fails ~82,000 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
tires
4 reports · fails ~10,033 mi · avg $150
severe

Your road ahead on this 2013 Hyundai Tucson

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~75,009 mipowertrain~$2,500
  2. ~87,000 miengine~$3,100
  3. ~140,000 mibrakes~$450

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 Tucson's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 Tucson?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Tucson · brakes
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
2013 Tucson · electrical Fire
I was driving on the highway and was notified by passing motorists that there was smoke coming from my vehicle, I proceeded to pull to the shoulder and parked my vehicle. When parked, I noticed flames coming from the engine compartment and under the vehicle. I proceeded to get…
2013 Tucson · brakes Fire
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
12/27/2023 · at 157,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11562138.0 · see brakes pattern →
2013 Tucson · wheels
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tuscan. The contact stated that the air pressure in all four tires had continued to leak causing the tire air pressure warning to display. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that all four wheel air valves were faulty and…
12/27/2022 · at 60,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11499038.0
View all 266 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Hyundai Tucson? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V063000 February 5, 2019

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 181.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

AQ Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 266 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the engine; Brakes: 37 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 66,715–151,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 144 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 93,200 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Tucson a good used car to buy?

It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 266 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 93,200 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 144 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 93,200 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 93,200 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Tucson has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 266 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Tucson. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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