MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 121 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

2Recalls
121Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

For the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, two open recalls for potential fires while parked outside demand immediate attention from prospective owners. Despite this concern, the Tucson earned an overall Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong category. This score reflects a solid performance in federal crash testing. The vehicle also benefits from a complete suite of standard crash avoidance technologies.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA frontal crash-test rating according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson ranks 98 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 Hyundai Tucson safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index82 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk17.4%
Recalls on file2 (includes park-outside)
Owner complaints121 (unverified allegations)
Class rank98 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Tucson?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson moved the NHTSA Safety Index one point forward to 82/100 from the 2022 model's 81/100, both within the Strong band. That incremental gain is modest but consistent, and the index breakdown explains where the score is grounded: crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, a strong result, and the avoidance technology category earns a full 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard. The area holding the score back is the defect record, which scores only 6 out of 20, a direct consequence of the two park-outside recall campaigns attached to this model year. The powertrain transmission pump recall is particularly significant because it was issued specifically for 2023 Tucson units, not just a broad multi-year sweep. The 121 owner complaints, while unverified, include 11 alleged crashes and 4 alleged injuries, and the concentration of reports around Forward Collision Avoidance and Vehicle Speed Control is notable given that this vehicle's crash-avoidance tech score is otherwise perfect. That tension between strong standard equipment and complaint volume around those same systems is the defining safety story for this specific model year.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Tucson perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV AWD achieved an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in frontal and side impact protection was exceptional, with both categories earning a full 5 out of 5 stars. Rollover resistance, however, was assessed at 4 stars, reflecting a 17 percent rollover risk. The vehicle did not tip during the dynamic tip test.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 17.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17106

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record6/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?

Yes, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson carries two recalls, and both are classified as park-outside campaigns, the most serious designation in MotorCaliber's tracking. The first involves the powertrain automatic transmission fluid pump, affecting certain 2023 Tucson vehicles. The second covers trailer hitch wiring harnesses on certain 2022 through 2024 Tucson models equipped with an optional Mobis tow hitch harness. Shoppers must verify remedy completion by VIN before driving.

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.
TRAILER HITCHES25V893000

Risk: Nonfunctioning trailer lights can increase the risk of a crash. A short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will remove the trailer wiring harness and install a dust cap over the wiring receptacle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 290. Vehicle Identification Numbers (

Reported 2025-12-19

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V526000

Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Reported 2023-07-27

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Tucson?

NHTSA has logged 121 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Tucson. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other issues (30 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (25), Electrical System (23), Engine (21), Service Brakes (18), and Vehicle Speed Control (16). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

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

11reported crash
1reported fire
4reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 30Forward Collision Avoidance 25Electrical System 23Engine 21Service Brakes 18Vehicle Speed Control 16

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Tucson?

Two active recalls, each carrying a "park outside" severity rating from NHTSA, raise significant safety concerns for the 2023 Tucson. Both the transmission pump recall and the trailer hitch wiring harness recall require immediate attention. For any used Tucson from this model year, prospective buyers must verify in writing that these critical safety remedies have been completed by an authorized dealer.

  • Two park-outside recall campaigns are attached specifically to the 2023 model year: one for the electronic control unit governing the automatic transmission fluid pump and one for optional Mobis tow hitch wiring harnesses spanning 2022 through 2024 Tucson production.
  • The defect record sub-score of 6 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 2023 Safety Index of 82, directly reflecting those two active park-outside campaigns and distinguishing this year's safety profile from a cleaner recall history.
  • NHTSA received 25 unverified complaints specifically alleging problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component that otherwise earns a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance technology scoring because it is standard equipment, creating a notable contrast worth monitoring.
  • The 2023 Tucson's rollover risk is measured at 17 percent with a No Tip result in dynamic testing, and the overall 4-star NHTSA rating reflects that rollover performance rather than any weakness in frontal or side protection, both of which scored 5 stars.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Tucson places

FAQ2023 Hyundai Tucson safety questions

Was the 2023 Hyundai Tucson crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Tucson, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2023 Hyundai Tucson crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 Hyundai Tucson earned 4 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 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Tucson have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Hyundai Tucson?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 121 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Tucson. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Tucson years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Safest SUV rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Tesla Model X Later Release100/100not rated0
2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Buick Envision96/1005 of 51
2023 Lexus Rz 450e96/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17106), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Tucson 2023.
  • 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 98 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
  • 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.