2010–2015 Hyundai Tucson: what to inspect before you bid at auction

Before you bid: what to have checked

Issues documented for this generation. They are patterns for the model, not findings about any specific car, and many depend on the engine, mileage and service history. Confirm on the unit you are bidding on.

• Connecting rod bearing wear leading to engine knock, check-engine light with DTC P1326, limp mode, stalling or seizure; some NHTSA complaints also describe engine fires verified source
  System: Engine (major) · Applies to: 2.4L MPI|2.0L GDI|2.4L GDI · Documented around: carcomplaints.com engine-failure averages 105,750 mi (2012), 97,500 (2013), 95,800 (2014) and 92,000 (2015) · About: median 7 years from model year to NHTSA filing (middle half 6-9 years, 312 reports)
  Reported signs: engine knock or abnormal noise; check-engine light with DTC P1326; limp mode or loss of power; stalling while driving; no crank/no start or seizure
  Source: Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 (Nov 2022), NHTSA document MC-10227316; Hyundai Dealer Best Practice 22-01-023H-2 (Engine II Class Action Settlement) (Jul 11, 2023), NHTSA document MC-10240082; Hyundai TSB 19-01-005H (Feb 2019), NHTSA document MC-10154681; NHTSA complaints API (pulled 2026-10-22), keyword match on seize/rod bearing/knock/P1326/engine replacement with VIN 8th-character split; carcomplaints.com engine_failure pages 2012-2015 (fetched 2026-10-22)
• Recall 19V063000 (certain 2011-2013 Tucson): "The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage." NHTSA recall 19V063000 consequence: "A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash." verified source
  System: Engine (minor) · Applies to: 2.4L MPI|2.0L MPI · Documented around: not stated in the recall · About: 2011-2013 model years
  Source: NHTSA recall 19V063000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V063000), report received 05/02/2019, 120000 units potentially affected per NHTSA (Hyundai no. 181; recall began Aug 19, 2019); NHTSA complaints API (pulled 2026-10-22), 41 complaints with text matching 'oil pan' (case-insensitive keyword match)
• ABS fire recalls. 23V651000 (2010-2013 Tucson among others): "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." 22V056000 (2014-2015 Tucson among others): "The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire." NHTSA consequence for both: "An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury." verified source
  System: Brakes · Applies to: all · Documented around: any · About: any
  Reported signs: engine compartment fire while parked or driving
  Source: NHTSA recall 23V651000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V651000), report received 22/09/2023, 1649478 units potentially affected per NHTSA; NHTSA recall 22V056000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V056000), report received 03/02/2022, 357348 units potentially affected per NHTSA; NHTSA investigation 'Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires' listed on 2010 Tucson; NHTSA complaints API (pulled 2026-10-22)
• 6-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifts, transmission stuck in 3rd or 4th (fail-safe) with solenoid or speed-sensor codes verified source
  System: Transmission (minor) · Applies to: 2.4L MPI|2.0L MPI|2.0L GDI|2.4L GDI · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: harsh or delayed shifts; check-engine light with solenoid DTCs (P0741-P0773, P2709) or speed-sensor DTCs (P0717/P0721/P0722); held in 3rd or 4th gear
  Source: Hyundai TSBs 10-AT-005, TSB-11-AT-009, 12-AT-009-2, 12-AT-012, TSB-12-01-021, TSB-13-AT-008, 5NP-B6E2P-10 and 5NP-P5L7D-05 (NHTSA manufacturer-communication index summaries, pulled 2026-10-22); Hyundai TSB 24-AT-002H (Apr 2024, NHTSA MC-10253275; lists 2010-15 Tucson LM for incorrect-ratio clutch-slip DTCs); NHTSA complaints API (pulled 2026-10-22)
• Recall 16V057000 (2011 Tucson built July 22-October 31, 2010): "The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak." NHTSA recall 16V057000 consequence: "If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash." verified source
  System: Transmission (major) · Applies to: 2.4L MPI|2.0L MPI · Documented around: any · About: 2011 model year built Jul 22-Oct 31, 2010
  Reported signs: transmission fluid leak; vehicle may stop moving
  Source: NHTSA recall 16V057000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V057000), report received 28/01/2016, 11176 units potentially affected per NHTSA (Hyundai no. 139); Hyundai TSB-12-AT-013 (new cooler hose part numbers)
• Center muffler separation from the exhaust pipe at the weld (covered by Warranty Extension TXXZ, TSB 25-EM-001H) verified source
  System: Exhaust · Applies to: 2.0L GDI|2.4L GDI · Documented around: any · About: 2014-2015 built Jul 1, 2014-May 15, 2015
  Source: Hyundai TSB 25-EM-001H, Warranty Extension TXXZ (Jan 2025), NHTSA document MC-11013010; Hyundai Service Campaign TKK (5NP-Q9M3N-09, Aug 2016, center muffler replacement on certain 2014-15 Tucson)
• Underbody corrosion in salt-belt states verified source
  System: Body integrity (noises/leaks) · Applies to: all · Documented around: any · About: older salt-belt cars
  Source: Hyundai Dealer Best Practice for TSB 24-01-012H, Service Campaign 9A3 (Feb 13, 2024), NHTSA document MC-10251283; NHTSA complaints API (pulled 2026-10-22)
• Keyed cars have no engine immobilizer; these are the vehicles covered by Hyundai's anti-theft software campaign and immobilizer class settlement verified source
  System: Power equipment/accessories · Applies to: all · Documented around: any · About: 2011-2015
  Source: Hyundai TSB 24-01-009H-1 / Campaigns 993, 9A5, P32 and immobilizer class settlement (May 9, 2024), NHTSA document MC-11000788
• HVAC intake (fresh/recirc) actuator failure on certain 2015s verified source
  System: Climate system · Applies to: all · Documented around: any · About: 2015 model year
  Source: Hyundai Service Campaign T1I, NHTSA document 5NP-J3J3D-01 (Dec 2016; NHTSA index summary)

Recon cost reference

Estimates from the sources shown, priced as of 2026-10-22. Your shop rate, parts sourcing and the car's actual condition decide the real number. These are not quotes.

Powertrains

Engine and transmission combinations documented for this generation. Which one a given car has can only be confirmed from the VIN or the car itself. Some items above apply only to certain powertrains.

• 2.4L Theta II MPI I4 (VIN 8th character C) with 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, FWD or AWD, model years 2010–2013
  Source: fueleconomy.gov menu API, Hyundai Tucson 2WD/AWD 2010-2013 (fetched 2026-10-22); engine family per Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 (NHTSA MC-10227316); VIN code per NHTSA vPIC decode of KM8JUCAC3DU (2013)
• 2.0L Theta II MPI I4, base GL (VIN 8th character B) with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, FWD, model years 2011–2013
  Source: fueleconomy.gov menu API (2.0L first listed for 2011, absent for 2010; fetched 2026-10-22); Wikipedia Hyundai Tucson article, LM section ('The 2011 Tucson offered in the U.S. a new GL trim... powered by a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine'); NHTSA vPIC decode of KM8JT3AB4DU (2013, Theta II 2.0)
• 2.0L Nu GDI I4 (VIN 8th character F) with 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2014–2015
  Source: fueleconomy.gov menu API 2014-2015 (automatic only; fetched 2026-10-22); Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 ('2014-2015 MY Tucson (LM) vehicles with Nu 2.0L GDI engines'); NHTSA vPIC decode of KM8JTCAF3EU
• 2.4L Theta II GDI I4 (VIN 8th character G) with 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2014–2015
  Source: fueleconomy.gov menu API 2014-2015 (fetched 2026-10-22); Hyundai TSB 19-01-005H ('2014-2015 MY Tucson (LM) vehicles with 2.4L engines'); NHTSA vPIC decode of KM8JU3AG3EU

NHTSA recalls: verify this VIN

A recall that applies to a model is not proof that a specific car has an open recall. Whether this VIN is affected, and whether the repair was done, is shown by NHTSA's VIN lookup. Check it before you bid.

NHTSA campaigns listed for this generation when it was researched (2026-10-22): 10V061000, 11V259000, 13V113000, 14V245000, 16V057000, 19V063000, 23V651000, 22V056000. The list may be out of date.

Manufacturer bulletins (TSBs)

Technical service bulletins are the manufacturer's own guidance to its dealers. A bulletin is not a recall and does not mean a repair is free. Coverage depends on the manufacturer's terms and the VIN.

• Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 / Warranty Extension TXXM (Nov 2022), with Engine II class settlement
  Engine repair or replacement for connecting rod bearing damage
  15 years/150,000 miles from first use, original and later owners; KSDS (Campaign 966) required for full benefits; not for dealers, rental fleets or salvage titles
  Source: Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 (Nov 2022), NHTSA document MC-10227316; Hyundai Dealer Best Practice 22-01-023H-2 (Engine II Class Action Settlement) (Jul 11, 2023), NHTSA document MC-10240082 · applies to 2.4L MPI|2.0L GDI
• Hyundai TSB 19-01-005H / Warranty Extension TXXC (Feb 2019)
  Engine long block for 2014-2015 Tucson 2.4L
  10 years/120,000 miles, original and later owners
  Source: Hyundai TSB 19-01-005H (Feb 2019), NHTSA document MC-10154681 · applies to 2.4L GDI
• Hyundai Service Campaign 966 (TSB 22-01-028H-1, Apr 2022)
  Knock Sensor Detection System software that turns on the check-engine light and limits power when bearing noise starts
  free, 0.3 hr ECM upgrade
  Source: Hyundai TSB 22-01-028H-1, Service Campaign 966 (Apr 2022), NHTSA document MC-10211667 · applies to 2.4L MPI|2.0L GDI
• Hyundai Campaign 953 (TSB 19-01-002H-1, Feb 2019) and TSB 19-01-006H (P1326 inspection)
  KSDS software for the 2.4L GDI
  free, 0.3 hr ECM update
  Source: Hyundai TSB 19-01-002H-1, Product Improvement Campaign 953 (Feb 2019), NHTSA document MC-10154674; Hyundai TSB 19-01-006H (NHTSA index summary, Feb 2019) · applies to 2.4L GDI
• Hyundai TSB 25-EM-001H / Warranty Extension TXXZ (Jan 2025)
  Center muffler weld separation
  15 years/150,000 miles; 2014-2015 built 07/01/2014-05/15/2015
  Source: Hyundai TSB 25-EM-001H, Warranty Extension TXXZ (Jan 2025), NHTSA document MC-11013010 · applies to 2.0L GDI|2.4L GDI
• Hyundai Service Campaign 9A3 (TSB 24-01-012H, Feb 2024), earlier 5NP-H2S7R-12 (Nov 2016, 2010-2012)
  Underbody corrosion preventive cavity wax and undercoat
  2010-12 FWD built 10/20/2009-06/12/2012 and 2013-15 FWD/AWD built 05/16/2012-05/15/2015, registered or driven in the salt belt
  Source: Hyundai Dealer Best Practice for TSB 24-01-012H, Service Campaign 9A3 (Feb 13, 2024), NHTSA document MC-10251283; NHTSA document MC-10119075
• Hyundai TSB 26-EM-015H (Oct 2026, supersedes 23-EM-008H)
  Engine oil consumption inspection and repair (three visits, 1,000+ mi each)
  normal warranty rules; lists Tucson LM 2010-2013 2.4L MPI and 2014-2015 2.0L/2.4L GDI
  Source: Hyundai TSB 26-EM-015H (supersedes 23-EM-008H) (Oct 2026), NHTSA document MC-11038456 · applies to 2.4L MPI|2.0L GDI|2.4L GDI
• Hyundai TSB 14-FL-007 (Dec 2014)
  ECM software update for misfire codes P0300-P0304 on 2010-2011 2.4L
  standard warranty; NHTSA has only a scanned copy, summary used
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer-communication index, document SB-10057711 (summary only) · applies to 2.4L MPI
• Hyundai 5NP-Q7S7E-09 (Aug 2016) / 5NP-F6W6P-05 (Apr 2018)
  Shift lever intermittently won't come out of Park on 6-speed cars
  diagnostic procedure; also check stop lamp switch Recall 13V113000 on 2010-2011
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer-communication index summaries (pulled 2026-10-22); NHTSA Recall 13V113000

Warranty and program notes

Extended coverage and special programs documented for this generation. Eligibility depends on the VIN, so verify it with the manufacturer. Do not assume a program does or does not apply.

• TXXM: 15 years/150,000 miles for connecting-rod-bearing engine damage on certain 2010-2013 2.4L MPI and 2014-2015 2.0L GDI Tucsons, original and later owners, KSDS (Campaign 966) generally required. Not available to dealers, rental fleets or salvage titles verified source
  Source: Hyundai TSB 22-EM-006H-2 (Nov 2022), NHTSA document MC-10227316; Hyundai Dealer Best Practice 22-01-023H-2 (Engine II Class Action Settlement) (Jul 11, 2023), NHTSA document MC-10240082
• TXXC: 10 years/120,000 miles engine long block on certain 2014-2015 2.4L Tucsons verified source
  Source: Hyundai TSB 19-01-005H (Feb 2019), NHTSA document MC-10154681
• TXXZ: 15 years/150,000 miles center muffler on 2014-2015 built 07/01/2014-05/15/2015 verified source
  Source: Hyundai TSB 25-EM-001H, Warranty Extension TXXZ (Jan 2025), NHTSA document MC-11013010
• Engine II class settlement (HyundaiEngineClassSettlement.com) also offered claims-made reimbursement for past engine repairs, with Campaign 966 done by Nov 4, 2023 verified source
  Source: Hyundai Dealer Best Practice 22-01-023H-2 (Jul 11, 2023), NHTSA document MC-10240082
• Free anti-theft software (Campaign 993), ignition cylinder protector (9A5, on request) and steering wheel lock (P32) for certain 2011-2015 Tucsons without an immobilizer, under the immobilizer class settlement verified source
  Source: Hyundai TSB 24-01-009H-1 / Campaigns 993, 9A5, P32 and immobilizer class settlement (May 9, 2024), NHTSA document MC-11000788; Hyundai TSB 25-01-089H (Dec 2025)

NHTSA complaint records

NHTSA records show 1136 consumer complaints on file for model years 2010–2015 (pulled 2026-10-22). These are tallies of complaints that name a component, matched on NHTSA's component field. They are not failure rates, and a complaint is a consumer report, not a finding that a part failed. A complaint naming several components counts once toward each comma-separated part (so 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' adds to both).

• ENGINE594
• SERVICE BRAKES248
• HYDRAULIC178
• POWER TRAIN116
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER102
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
• STRUCTURE31
• VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL31
• AIR BAGS30
• FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM26

Sources and when this was researched

Last researched: 2026-10-22. VehicleIQ research for this generation; each item above names its own source and whether it is a verified source or commonly reported. Details change, so treat this as a starting point for your inspection.