NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 71 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, yet its overall Safety Index stands one point below the 2020 model. While avoidance technology scores a full rating, a single recall requiring the vehicle to be parked outside, alongside a modest sub-score in defect records, contributes to this slight reduction.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson ranks 50 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.2% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 71 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 50 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2021 Tucson sits one point below the 2020 model's 87/100 index, a small but real regression driven primarily by its defect-record sub-score of 10.25 out of 20. That sub-score reflects the weight of the antilock and traction-control module recall, which was initiated in September 2020 and later expanded to cover this model year. Crash protection, at 66 out of 70, is essentially a ceiling-level result, and the avoidance-tech score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. What distinguishes this specific model year from neighboring years is the combination of near-perfect crash and tech scores alongside a defect-record penalty that pulls the overall index down. The park-outside designation on the brake-control recall is the single most consequential safety data point for any 2021 Tucson on the used market today. The 71 owner complaints, with engine components accounting for nearly half of all reports, add a layer of allegation that prospective buyers should note, even though those reports remain unverified allegations under NHTSA's complaint framework.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Tucson perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2021 Tucson five stars overall, five stars for frontal protection, and five stars for side protection. Rollover is the relative weak point at four out of five stars, with NHTSA measuring a 16 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, which is a positive outcome within that four-star rollover band.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15128
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
The 2021 Tucson carries one recall campaign, and it is serious enough to warrant a park-outside advisory. The recall covers the antilock and traction-control module in certain 2019 through 2021 Tucson vehicles. Because this campaign is flagged as a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, owners should verify remedy completion by VIN before operating or storing the vehicle in an enclosed space.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
Owners have filed 71 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is the engine, cited in 34 reports, followed by service brakes at 12 and the electrical system at 11. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported claims of 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 7 injuries.
71 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
A park-outside advisory related to the brake control system means any 2021 Tucson with an open recall should not be stored in an enclosed space until the remedy is completed. This critical safety recall warrants immediate attention from prospective owners. It is imperative that the VIN of any 2021 Tucson under consideration be checked against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the status of this and any other outstanding safety campaigns.
- The 2021 Tucson carries a park-outside brake-control module recall covering certain 2019 through 2021 Tucson vehicles, making VIN-specific recall verification the single most urgent safety step for any used-market buyer.
- The defect-record sub-score of 10.25 out of 20 is the primary reason the 2021 index dropped one point versus the 2020 model's 87, signaling that this year's recall history carries measurable weight in the safety profile.
- NHTSA recorded 71 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with engine-related allegations leading at 34 reports and service brakes second at 12, a pattern that overlaps with the recall's brake-system focus.
- Rollover protection earned four out of five stars with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, meaning rollover is the only crash-test category where the 2021 Tucson falls short of a perfect five-star mark.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Tucson places
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Tucson safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Tucson crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Tucson crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Tucson earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Tucson have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 71 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tucson years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15128), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Tucson 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 50 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.