2010 Hyundai Tucson: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2010 Hyundai Tucson: 4 recalls, 59 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #10V061000 · 2010 · 515 vehicles
What's wrong: Properly seated adult right front seat passengers weighing over approximately 240 pounds cause the passive occupant detection system (pods) module program to illuminate the "air bag" warning lamp.
Why it matters: If "air bag" warning lamp is illuminated, the passenger air bag will deploy if a crash of sufficient force to require front air bag deployment is experienced, and will not be deactivated if a child is seated in the right front seating position, which May increase the risk of injury to a child front…
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the pods module free of charge. Hyundai anticipates owners notification began by telephone on February 15 2010 and the notification was mailed on March 5, 2010.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #11V259000 · 2011 · 7,829 vehicles
What's wrong: 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment," for the photometry requirements of the rear reflector assemblies installed in the rear bumpers.
Why it matters: This could lead to reduced visibility of the rear of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V113000 · 2013 · 1,712,336 vehicles
What's wrong: Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 accent and tucson, model year 2007-2010 elantra, model year 2007-2011 santa fe, model year 2008-2009 veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis coupe, and model year 2011 sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of…
Why it matters: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'on' position, the transmission shifter May be able to be moved out of park without first applying the brake. This May lead…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles
What's wrong: The anti-lock brake system (ABS) module May leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (22): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (14), noise or vibration (5).
- Brakes (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Engine (7): the most common themes are warning light on (3), leaks (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson has 59 owner complaints, ranking #20 of 22 Tucson model years for complaints (well below the 286 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 45,602 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (18 complaints, 1 recalls), 2011 (124 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2010 Hyundai Tucson problems?
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (22), brakes (8), engine (7).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Hyundai Tucson get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2010 Hyundai Tucson repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.