I was driving on the highway going 65 mph and scared when the engine started clicking and shaking a tiny bit. Plus it was slowing down no matter what i did. Well in a 4 lane highway. There was No engine light, no previous issues. The car drove great until this issue. I had the car only 3 months. Now i am afraid to drive it because i had seen theres an engine recall online for my car. Once i saw the recalls i tried calling alot of my local Hyundai dealer ships and they denied me because of the mileage.when i bought the car it was at 180 mileage. At this point i am not sure what to do with the car, i am hoping it can get fixed.
2013 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
159 complaints (60% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 159
- of this car's complaints
- 60%
- typical mileage
- 87,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Tucson engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 69Knocking 44Check engine light 31Stalling 31Loss of power 21Won't start 6
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Tucson vehicles. The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V063000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
What 2013 Hyundai Tucson owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2013 Hyundai Tucson with 89,417 miles experienced complete engine failure due to severe rod knock from connecting rod bearing wear. This vehicle was brought to our local Hyundai dealership with confirmed diagnosis. This is a well-documented manufacturing defect in the 2.4L Theta II engine. This vehicle was bought 10/28/205 with 29,494 miles. The vehicle was properly maintained with regular oil changes from time of purchase- records attached. Hyundai denied warranty coverage under the TXXM extended program citing incomplete Campaign 966 (KSDS software update) and improper maintenance. However, I never received any recall notices or campaign notifications. When inquiring about notices, Hyundai cited an address that I have not lived at for over 10 years. This sudden engine failure has left me without a vehicle with Hyundai refusing to address this known problem with their engines. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue as well as Hyundai's inadequate notification practices.
On Monday, [XXX], I was traveling northbound on [XXX] headed towards Roanoke from Salem at an approximate speed of 65 MPH. At approximately mile marker [XXX], before the exit to [XXX] , the vehicle started to lose power rapidly, and the car began to go into what I perceived as "limp mode" and was shaking. In an attempt to not be stranded on one of busiest and most dangerous highways in VA, I was able to get the vehicle pulled onto the shoulder of the on ramp of [XXX] going towards Roanoke. By this time, the vehicle had completely lost power and was not able to move, so I shut it off. At this point, I was stranded on the side of [XXX] , and extremely busy highway. This was a great safety concern, as the shoulder was very narrow and cars were moving through 2 lanes of traffic with many drivers exceeding 75 mph. My own personal safety was greatly jeopardized with the failure occurring with absolutely no warning and shutting off the car while on [XXX]. The vehicles failure was catastrophic and was undriveable. The vehicle was then towed to a nearby shop. There were no warnings whatsoever before this failure occurred. No engine lights were on beforehand, and the car drove completely fine and has been comprehensively maintained its entire life. The problem of a rod-bearing failure has been confirmed with a local service center, One Stop Automotive in Vinton. The Service Department at Southern Hyundai based in Roanoke VA is refusing to look at the vehicle and submit a claim to Hyundai USA , even though the failure has already been confirmed by a licensed mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am having issues with the main window switch for the second time. 1 out of 3 windows goes down but not back up. Also I took it for a check up and found nothing but the engine is making a loud noise and shakes the car when in drive. I don’t feel safe driving this car sometimes.
Firstof all I was never notified about the recalls which need to be completed. While I was driving on a highway the engine blew up and car broke down. There is a hole in the engine, I towed the car to a mechanic who told me that the issue with the engine occured because the recall was not completed. I towed the car to hyundai in paramus where I bought the car. This dealer does not want to fix my car claiming I need to pay a diagnostic fee of $800. I advised them that I should not be responsibe for this fee as the engine failed due to manufacurer issue. They have my car for 2 weeks now and everytime I call they ask for money and hang up the phone. Recalls should be for free, its the law.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was serviced under Technical Service Bulletin: 22-01-028H-1. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the following day, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was scary for the contact and her minor child who was a passenger in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the knock sensor failure. The contact was informed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under approval from the Manufacturer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed four days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the software update on older Hyundai vehicles was causing the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer informed the contact that the repair was not eligible for coverage under Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.
I recently had a car accident, which has made dealing with my car issues even more stressful. On April 23rd, I went for a recall appointment at Kerry Hyundai in Florence. While the anti-rust recall was covered, the mechanic informed me that the remedy for my specific issue wasn't available. This was surprising, as I received a letter stating that the remedy for my Tucson, identified by its VIN, was available as of April 3, 2024. This seems like clear negligence, and I need assistance from Here is the message I sent and the responses from the Kerry representative. Unfortunately, I can't attach the screenshot. **Recall Notice:** - Date: 2024-04-03 - Manufacturer recall issued - the federal safety agency: #23V651000 - Recall: #251 ABS FUSE REPLACEMENT (VARIOUS MODELS) - Status: Remedy Available I urgently need an appointment before 9 am at the soonest available time for my 2013 Tucson recall. Despite my visit for another recall and this recall on April 23rd, the agent's responses were negligent. They claimed the Tucson is not under Hyundai Recall Number: 251 as of April 23, 2024, which contradicts the recall notice. Here are the responses: - "So I just checked it will still stay on there because there's no fix for this vehicle yet." - "It's only for the Sonatas and Santa Fe Sport." - "The vehicle listed in this is how we can proceed but the Tucson is not yet available."
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery failed to hold charge. The contact stated that the engine, oil, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the battery. The battery was replaced by the mechanic. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
the federal safety agency campaign number 19V063000 Engine oil leaks
Questions about the 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine
Does the 2013 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?
Owners have filed 159 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Hyundai Tucson, 60% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Hyundai Tucson engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V063000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Tucson have bad engine?
The Hyundai Tucson model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (619 complaints), 2016 (430 complaints) and 2018 (250 complaints).
Other 2013 Hyundai Tucson problems
Brakes 41Electrical 22Transmission 16Airbags 11Visibility 8Body 6Fuel system 6Steering 6Tires 5Wheels 5Acceleration 3Driver assistance 2Locks 2Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 Hyundai Tucson?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history