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2021 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
72 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Has a "park it / park outside" recall — the most serious kind. Verify the fix was done before buying.
Engine problems dominate (47% of complaints, typically reported near 52k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (12) · Electrical system (11) · Fuel system (8) · Transmission & drivetrain (7)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
47%34 complaints · typically near 52k mi · 23 in the last 2 years
“2 years ago I had the engine replaced. Now on this new engine which has approximately 29k. The mechanic is telling me that I need a new engine. I called Hyundai and th…”
Brakes
17%12 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“It appears after breaking, the brakes stick and the car won’t accelerate when pressed on the gas pedal.”
Electrical system
15%11 complaints · 5 in the last 2 years
“The AC system on my vehicle stopped working with less than 55,000 miles on it. When replacing the compressor, condenser, all AC switches, and lines (the entire AC syst…”
Fuel system
11%8 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“I just got an oil change and the oil was completely gone although there was no leak found. Not even a week later my oil is low again. There is smoke coming from the ba…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Park itService Brakes, Hydraulic · 20V543000
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Hyundai TUCSON PLUG-IN HYBRID beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Tucson Plug-in Hybrid model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.