Top 7 2021 Hyundai Tucson Problems: What to Watch Out For

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson might have a sleek design and impressive tech features but like every car out there it comes with its share of issues Here’s a look at the most common problems reported by owners and what you should know if you're considering this SUV for your garage

Engine Problems

If you're a car enthusiast like Alex Collantes you might be interested in the engine performance of any vehicle But what if that performance gets a little shaky? One of the most significant complaints about the 2021 Tucson revolves around its engine problems

1. Lack of Power

Many owners have reported that the Tucson can feel underpowered especially when merging onto highways or accelerating from a stop While this isn't exactly a deal-breaker if you're more focused on fuel efficiency it can be a bit frustrating for those who expect more get-up-and-go from their SUVs

“I wasn’t expecting a race car but it would be nice to not feel like I’m pushing a boulder up a hill every time I accelerate” says Alex Collantes a Tucson owner who's experienced this firsthand

2. Transmission Issues

What makes the engine situation even more interesting (or infuriating depending on how you look at it) is that transmission problems can exacerbate the issue Several owners have reported jerky gear shifts delayed shifting or even complete transmission failures

Transmission Slips: A Common Complaint

Some drivers have experienced their Tucson slipping out of gear without warning— a nerve-wracking experience if you're in the middle of traffic

"I thought I was in gear... turns out the car had other ideas" says Alex with a chuckle "It's like the Tucson wanted to be a manual transmission without asking me first"

Electrical System Issues

Cars today are filled with electronics but what happens when those systems start going haywire? The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has had its share of electrical problems and for some owners these can be more than just minor annoyances

3. Infotainment System Malfunctions

One of the biggest selling points for the Tucson is its tech features including the infotainment system Unfortunately many users have reported issues like screen freezing, unresponsive controls, or even the system rebooting itself while driving

System Restarts at the Worst Times

Imagine you're in the middle of navigating through an unfamiliar city and suddenly your navigation screen goes black and starts rebooting It’s like the Tucson decided it needed a break just when you needed it most

Alex chimed in on this one too: "It's like my Tucson is saying 'Hey you figure it out' every time I really need the GPS"

4. Battery Draining Issues

Some owners have also complained about battery issues that cause their Tucson to drain power more quickly than expected There are reports of vehicles not starting after being parked overnight which seems to happen randomly

It’s one thing to have a dead battery because you left the lights on but when it happens for no reason it's a little more than annoying

Suspension and Ride Comfort Concerns

While Hyundai aimed to make the Tucson a comfortable SUV it seems that not everyone is thrilled with how the suspension handles everyday bumps and bruises of the road

5. Rough Ride Quality

For a compact SUV you might expect a cushy ride but some Tucson owners have reported that the ride is surprisingly rough especially on uneven roads The suspension seems to struggle at times with absorbing bumps leading to a jarring experience for drivers and passengers alike

Bumpier than Expected

"I thought I was driving over potholes in a tank" says Alex remembering a particularly rough road trip "Every time I hit a bump I could hear my groceries clanging together in the back"

6. Steering Problems

Some drivers have also mentioned issues with the steering system including a loose feel when turning and a lack of responsiveness on highways

Wandering on Highways

A few Tucson owners have reported that their SUVs seem to wander on highways forcing them to make frequent corrections to keep the vehicle centered in its lane While this doesn’t sound too bad on a straight road it can get tiring on long drives

"It’s like my Tucson’s on a constant mission to explore the edges of the lane" Alex jokes "Maybe it just wants to get a better look at the scenery"

Brake System Glitches

Brakes are crucial for safety but what if they're giving you problems? The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has had several reported brake-related issues which range from minor annoyances to more serious concerns

7. Brake Pedal Feel

One of the most common complaints involves the brake pedal feel Some drivers have noted that the brake pedal can feel too soft requiring more effort to bring the car to a complete stop This could be particularly alarming in emergency situations where a fast stop is critical

Spongy Brakes? No Thanks

The problem doesn't seem to be widespread but it's still something to be mindful of Alex has this to say about the brakes "Sometimes it feels like I’m pressing a marshmallow instead of a brake pedal… not exactly confidence-inspiring"

Other Common Complaints

While the above issues are some of the more prevalent ones there are a few more 2021 Hyundai Tucson problems that owners have reported

Minor Interior Complaints

• Some owners have mentioned that interior materials feel a bit cheap compared to competitors
• There have been complaints about excessive road noise particularly at highway speeds
• The back seat while spacious could use more support for longer journeys

The Unfortunate Rattle

One owner likened the interior rattles to driving around with a small orchestra of squeaks and knocks Alex sums it up humorously “Sometimes I feel like I’ve got a percussion band in the back seat It’s free entertainment but not the kind I signed up for”

HVAC System Issues

Some owners have also mentioned problems with the air conditioning system including weak airflow or the system failing to cool the cabin properly in warmer weather

• Weak airflow despite setting the fan to maximum
• A/C system sometimes takes too long to start cooling

As Alex puts it “In the summer my Tucson feels like a sauna I didn’t need a gym membership”

Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Still Worth It?

Despite these problems it’s important to remember that no car is perfect and the 2021 Hyundai Tucson still offers a lot of value for the price If you're looking for an affordable compact SUV with a comfortable interior decent tech features and a good warranty the Tucson remains a solid option

Top Tucson Positives

• Affordable pricing compared to competitors
• Excellent safety features
• A generous warranty which covers many of the issues discussed here

What Owners Love

For all the complaints many Tucson owners are still happy with their purchase It’s a budget-friendly option in the SUV market and for some these issues are just minor bumps in the road rather than deal-breakers

“I like my Tucson despite its quirks” says Alex “Sure it has its moments but for the price I paid it’s hard to argue that it doesn’t offer a lot of bang for the buck”

Final Verdict: Quirky but Capable

If you can live with the occasional glitch or quirk and don’t mind a few bumps along the way (literally) the 2021 Hyundai Tucson could still be a great choice

Preventing Issues Before They Happen

One of the best ways to avoid some of the common problems with the 2021 Tucson is to stay on top of routine maintenance Regular oil changes brake checks and software updates can keep your SUV running smoothly for years to come

Essential Maintenance Tips

• Always ensure your engine oil is changed at the recommended intervals
• Get your brakes checked regularly especially if you notice any changes in pedal feel
• Keep your infotainment system updated to avoid software glitches
• Monitor your tire pressure to avoid excessive wear and rough ride quality

Common Owner Solutions

• If the transmission starts slipping take it to the dealer immediately especially if it's still under warranty
• For infotainment problems a quick system reset or even a software update might fix the issue
• If you experience any suspension concerns check your tire pressure as underinflated tires can worsen the ride quality

As always it’s a good idea to read reviews, test drive the vehicle, and consult with other Tucson owners if you're still on the fence

Wrapping it up

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson isn't without its flaws but it still offers a good balance of features performance and pricing Despite the quirky problems if you're aware of what you're getting into and stay on top of maintenance it can still be a reliable companion