MODEL
Hyundai Tucson
NHTSA safety across every Hyundai Tucson model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Hyundai Tucson we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2026 at 77. 23 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments in America. Aimed squarely at value-conscious families and urban commuters who want practicality without sacrificing refinement, the Tucson has evolved significantly across its 2019-to-2025 run, growing in technology and polish while carrying a safety record that deserves a careful, clear-eyed look before you sign anything.
MotorCaliber covers the Hyundai Tucson across model years 2019 through 2025, and the safety picture here is genuinely mixed. At its peak, the 2020 Tucson earned an 87 out of 100 on our NHTSA Safety Index, a strong-band result backed by five-star frontal and five-star side crash-test scores. The rollover rating lands at four stars, which is typical for a crossover of this ride height but worth noting for shoppers who prioritize that metric. Where the Tucson draws real scrutiny is its recall count. Eighteen recalls across the covered model years is a meaningful number for a single nameplate, and eight of those carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations. Those are the most serious classifications NHTSA issues, signaling risks serious enough that regulators advised owners not to garage the vehicle or operate it until a remedy was in place. That concentration of severe-level campaigns is something every Tucson shopper must verify against their specific VIN before purchase. Owner complaints total 1,425 across these years, with 94 reported crashes, 21 fire-related allegations, and 103 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but the fire-related complaint volume aligns with the character of some of those park-outside recalls and should not be dismissed. Bottom line: the Tucson can earn strong crash-test marks, but its recall and complaint history demands due diligence. Run the VIN, confirm all recalls are closed, and buy with eyes open.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Tucson as a well-rounded compact SUV that punches above its price point in interior quality and feature content. Most praise its comfortable ride and user-friendly technology. Opinions on driving dynamics are more measured, with reviewers tending to describe it as competent rather than exciting. The overall tone is positive, particularly for the post-2022 redesign.
- Eight of the Tucson's 18 recalls across 2019-2025 carried park-outside or do-not-drive designations, the most serious level NHTSA issues. Always run your specific VIN on NHTSA's recall database to confirm every campaign has been remedied before driving or storing the vehicle in an enclosed space.
- The 2020 Tucson represents the high-water mark in our covered range, posting an 87 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score in the strong band, with five-star frontal and five-star side crash-test results. Not every model year in this range matches that performance, so confirm the rating for the specific year you are considering.
- Owner complaints include 21 fire-related allegations across the covered years. These are unverified claims, but the pattern is consistent with the nature of some of the park-outside recall campaigns and is a meaningful signal for shoppers evaluating used examples.
- Rollover protection is rated four out of five stars, which is common for crossovers in this class but represents a step down from the five-star scores in frontal and side categories. Shoppers with a particular focus on rollover safety may want to compare this figure against rivals in the compact SUV segment.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Hyundai Tucson with 6 recalls.