A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Tucson electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Tucson | 6 |
| 2011 Tucson | 9 |
| 2012 Tucson | 11 |
| 2013 Tucson (this page) | 19 |
| 2014 Tucson | 12 |
| 2015 Tucson | 17 |
| 2016 Tucson | 159 |
| 2017 Tucson | 65 |
1crash
5fires
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. Campaign 9A8 has also been released to provide a revised software update to certain 2018 model year Elantra vehicles. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software under Campaign 993, Hyundai is offering customers an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector to be installed on their vehicle. This Dealer B
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector to be installed on their vehicle. This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilize
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic and 2) Install two anti-theft decals for the front windows. Additional decals may also be installed in the rear windows at customerâs discretion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Tucson's electrical system shows multiple chronic failure patterns. Most alarming: ABS module brake fluid leaks that create engine compartment fire hazards, both parked and while driving. Hyundai issued recall #23V651000 in August 2023, but as of April 2024, no actual fix exists at dealerships—only a proposed temporary fuse downsize. Owners report being told to park outside away from structures, experiencing multi-month delays, and receiving insufficient compensation ($100 in one case). Two owners report their vehicles caught fire and were destroyed; one occurred at 37,125 miles.
Door lock failures trap occupants: rear passenger doors and driver doors won't open from inside or outside despite being electronically unlocked, creating emergency egress hazards. Power window switches fail across multiple doors, leaving windows operable only from the driver's master switch or stuck in one position. The touchscreen navigation/radio goes completely black in cold weather while remaining functional underneath—dealers quoted $600 for replacement on what some owners fixed by waiting for warmth. Instrument panel lights black out while driving. Check Engine lights recur with self-clearing but persistent codes; push-to-start buttons fail intermittently.
Power loss events occur at low speeds; engines stop responding to throttle, then regain power unpredictably. One owner reports engine revving uncontrollably with foot off the pedal. A rear-end collision at 30 mph produced no airbag deployment. Key fobs fail completely, and power seat and hatchback controls malfunction.
Same Hyundai Tucson electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
ABS module brake fluid leak / engine compartment fire risk
ABS module leaks brake fluid internally, causing electrical short that creates fire hazard in engine compartment while parked or driving. Hyundai issued recall #23V651000 (ABS Fuse Replacement) but remedy has been delayed for months with no fix available, only fuse downsizing proposed as interim measure rather than fixing root cause.
When: Recall issued August 2023; remedy supposedly available as of April 3, 2024, but not actually available at dealer visits in April 2024. Owners report waiting since November 2023 with no resolution.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment while parked or driving; Flames visible in engine compartment and under vehicle; Vehicle fully engulfed in fire; Brake fluid leakage in engine bay; Electrical short conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai proposed temporary fix: install smaller fuse to prevent excessive current. No permanent repair available. One owner received $100 offer from corporate. Some vehicles destroyed by fire; insurance claim filed citing electrical short.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #23V651000 (NHTSA #23V651000) - ABS Fuse Replacement announced August 2023. Remedy listed available April 3, 2024 but not actually available at dealerships as of April 2024. Hyundai instructed owners to park vehicles away from structures and homes. Hyundai offered $100 compensation in at least one case. No permanent fix timeline provided.
Power door locks and manual door opening failures
Rear passenger doors and driver door fail to open from inside or outside, even when doors are unlocked and child lock is off. Multiple doors affected on same vehicle, trapping occupants and creating emergency egress hazard.
When: First occurrence several years before complaint; subsequent failures occurred recently on different doors
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger door won't open from inside or outside; Driver door won't open from outside; Doors remain locked mechanically even when electronically unlocked; Child lock not activated but door still won't open
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership acknowledged issue but will not repair without charging customer. No parts or costs specified.
Power window switch failures
Power window switches malfunction or fail completely. Passenger-side windows and rear window switches stop working; windows may operate only from driver's master control or fail to raise/lower.
When: Multiple occurrences reported; one owner had main window switch fail twice
Symptoms owners cite: Power window switches on passenger doors non-responsive; Windows only operable from driver's master control; Window won't roll up or rolls down only; Rear passenger windows inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs or parts specified in narratives.
Touchscreen infotainment display cold-weather blackout
Touchscreen navigation/radio display goes completely black in cold weather despite functional backlight and operational radio underneath. Screen remains responsive to touch but invisible. Issue intermittent and temperature-dependent.
When: Occurs during cold weather; resolved after vehicle driven several hours on warmer day
Symptoms owners cite: Display screen black in cold weather; Radio audio functional; Channels change when screen touched (proving underlying functionality); Screen eventually illuminates after vehicle warms up
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $600 for screen replacement. Owner found TSB #14-01-031-1 that may address issue. Screen was still functional a week after replacement was quoted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #14-01-031-1 may apply (NHTSA ID #10060593)
Instrument panel and dashboard lighting failures
Instrument panel fails to illuminate while driving, making gauges and warning lights invisible to driver. Related to fuse failures in electrical system.
When: Occurred at approximately 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel lights go out while driving 40 mph; Dashboard lights dark and unreadable
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as fuse failure. Dealership repaired by replacing fuse.
Check Engine light and intermittent engine start/stop failures
Check Engine warning light illuminates repeatedly. Push-to-start button fails intermittently, preventing engine start or shutdown. Fault codes registered but clear themselves, though failures recur.
When: Failure mileage approximately 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates multiple times; Push-to-start button won't start engine intermittently; Push-to-start button won't shut off engine intermittently; Unknown diagnostic codes registered
Codes mentioned: Unknown code (self-cleared but recurred)
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair noted; code cleared but failure recurred multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Loss of power while accelerating / limp mode conditions
Vehicle loses all power while driving, engine goes unresponsive to throttle input, then regains power when accelerator pedal is depressed. Condition recurs multiple times. Also reported as vehicle failing to accelerate after shifting into Drive despite engine running.
When: Occurred while driving at low speeds (5 mph); failure mileage approximately 19,000 and 8,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Check Engine light illuminates during power loss; Vehicle unresponsive to accelerator pedal initially; Engine regains power after accelerator depression; Failure recurs multiple times; Vehicle won't accelerate after shifting into Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but could not offer assistance
Engine revving and uncontrolled RPM surging
Engine revs and RPM meter shoots up unexpectedly even when driver's foot is off accelerator pedal. Described as defective acceleration behavior creating unsafe driving condition.
When: Occurs while vehicle in operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs without accelerator input; RPM gauge spikes up; Unintended acceleration behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states vehicle unsafe to drive and likely cannot be repaired.
Power seat control failure
Power controls for driver's seat stop working, leaving seat stuck in uncomfortable and non-adjustable position.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Power seat adjustment controls non-responsive; Seat stuck in single position
Keyless entry system complete failure
Key fob stops working entirely despite battery replacement. Door lock system requires manual key operation; centralized locking inoperative.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob completely non-functional; Fob unresponsive with new battery; Power locks require manual key insertion
Hatchback latch failure
Power hatchback won't open; owner forced to climb into rear cargo area and manually operate emergency latch behind interior panel to open it.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Hatchback won't open using power switch; Emergency manual override required to access
Airbag non-deployment in collision
In moderate-speed rear-end collision at 30 mph with significant damage (13,000 dollars to front end), no airbags deployed. Owner sustained chest trauma from steering wheel impact.
When: Occurred during rear-end collision at 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite collision impact; Owner struck steering wheel without restraint; Significant damage to front end ($13,000)
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 as far away from the car and that when the fire became enraged and fully engulfed my vehicle. The fire department arrived…
While this Recal has been announced since August, the Manufacturer and Dealerships have not fixed this issue nor do they have a projected date for a fix. In the mean time, they have stated that the vehicle could catch fire and should be parked outside away from structures. This has placed our family at risk, devalued our vehicle and has us considering purchasing another safer vehile putting our…
I am writing about the recall on the Hyundai vehicles that apparently are at risk for catching fire. Hyundai sent a letter that told us to park it away from our house and garage structures. We got this letter in early November and I called customer service as well as emailed to find out when we would hear about a fix. First of all, to get to a human being takes a minimum of 4 minutes. Then,…
Locks, windows and hatchback all quick working correctly. You have to manually unlock all doors after you unlock driver door with the key. Only driver window button works, you have to open hatchback by climbing in the back to open with emergency latch behind interior panel. Key phob doesn't work at all with or with out a new battery.
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 39,918 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Tucson.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.