MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Hyundai Tucson

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
71Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI TUCSON

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.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

READ MORE REVIEWSExpert reviewsEdmundsCar and DriverCheck recalls at NHTSARead our full Tucson review

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15128

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record10.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Frontal impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side pole // NCAP // NHTSA

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE20V543000

Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: 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 se

Reported 2020-09-04

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

71 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
3reported fire
7reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 34Service Brakes 12Electrical System 11Unknown Or Other 9Fuel/Propulsion System 8Power Train 7

Other Tucson years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

2021 Tesla Model X 5-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Tesla Model X 6-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Tesla Model X 7-SeatSUV98Exceptional2021 Nissan MuranoSUV96Exceptional2021 Audi Q5 SportbackSUV95Exceptional2021 Mazda CX-3SUV95Exceptional
Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15128), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Tucson 2021. Class rank 50 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure