10 Common Problems with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson (And Why You Should Still Love It)
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson is one of those SUVs that people just love. It’s got style it’s practical and it's reliable enough to cart your groceries, kids, and weekend getaway bags. But just like your favorite pair of shoes the Tucson isn’t perfect. And that's totally okay – every car has its quirks. Let’s dive into some of the common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with a lighthearted twist because hey nobody likes a sourpuss when talking about cars.
The 2021 Tucson at a Glance: A Quick Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty let’s take a quick look at what makes the Tucson tick. The 2021 model has a 2.0L or 2.4L 4-cylinder engine FWD or AWD and a whole host of tech features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai even threw in Hyundai SmartSense which is a package of safety features designed to help you avoid smashing into things – pretty nice right?
But like any car this compact SUV isn’t without its flaws. Here’s what you might encounter if you own or are considering purchasing a 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
Engine Performance and Lack of Pep
"It’s Got a Heart But Not Much Soul"
One of the most commonly mentioned issues by Tucson owners is its lackluster engine performance. The 2.0L engine delivers around 161 horsepower while the 2.4L offers 181 horsepower. Now that might sound fine on paper but in reality... let’s just say you won’t be winning any drag races.
Key Points to Know:
- Sluggish Acceleration: Owners report that the engine feels a bit sluggish. If you’re trying to merge onto a highway you might need to floor it. And even then it’s not exactly a jackrabbit.
- Poor Towing Capacity: The Tucson isn’t designed to haul much. With a max towing capacity of around 2,000 pounds this SUV won’t be the hero of your next trailer-moving day.
A Little Humor:
“It’s like asking your grandma to sprint a marathon – she’ll get there eventually but don’t expect any speed records,” jokes Alex Collantes, a Tucson owner who affectionately calls his SUV “Tucy.”
Potential Solution:
If you want better performance you might want to look at the Turbocharged 2022 model. It offers a 1.6L turbo engine that’s far peppier than the 2021 Tucson's.
Transmission Woes – Jitterbug or Smooth Operator?
"That Tranny’s Got a Personality"
Another common complaint centers around the 6-speed automatic transmission. While it generally performs well it has a tendency to “hunt” for the right gear especially when driving up hills or when you're trying to accelerate quickly.
Symptoms:
- Delayed Shifting: There’s often a delay in shifting making the drive feel jerky or unpredictable.
- Downshifting Hesitation: When you need power the Tucson can sometimes hesitate to downshift leaving you with that awkward feeling of “Come on go!”
A Touch of Humor:
Driving the Tucson is kind of like going on a first date – sometimes it doesn't know what it wants to do and you’re left waiting awkwardly for it to make the first move.
Solution:
You may find that using Manual Shift Mode makes the transmission behave a little better – but who wants to shift manually in an automatic car? Not many Tucson owners that's for sure.
Fuel Economy Isn’t as Advertised
"You Might Get Thirsty... and So Does the Tucson"
Hyundai claims that the Tucson has a respectable fuel economy of around 23 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. However some owners beg to differ. Reports of getting closer to 18 MPG in city driving aren’t unheard of and it can be a bit of a letdown if you were hoping to save some money at the pump.
Notable Points:
- Real-World Fuel Economy: Some owners report around 20 MPG combined which can be disappointing for a compact SUV.
- No Hybrid Option: Unlike many of its competitors the 2021 Tucson doesn’t have a hybrid variant which means you’re stuck with a traditional gasoline engine. Bummer right?
A Solution?:
If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient Tucson consider waiting for the 2022 Hybrid model. Hyundai listened to the grumbles and added a hybrid option for the Tucson starting with the 2022 lineup.
Interior Quality – Not Quite Luxurious but Hey It's Comfy
"Good Looks but Feels Like a Bargain"
While the 2021 Hyundai Tucson comes with a spacious interior and a good amount of standard features the material quality can be a bit of a mixed bag. The seats are comfy the tech is decent but some surfaces just scream budget-friendly.
Common Complaints:
- Plastic Surfaces: Hard plastic makes an appearance in several areas of the cabin which might not bother some but can be a turn-off for those seeking a more premium feel.
- Noise Level: Road and wind noise can be more pronounced than in some competitors making for a noisier ride especially at highway speeds.
Alex’s Take:
“I tell my friends it’s like having a fancy-looking leather jacket that’s secretly made of vinyl – looks great feels kind of cheap,” Alex laughs. But hey for the price point the Tucson delivers where it matters like comfort and tech features.
Solution:
Throw on some music or a podcast – the 6-speaker audio system is pretty decent and will drown out any unwanted noise. Alternatively spring for some aftermarket soundproofing if you really want to dial down the decibels.
Infotainment System – Mostly Awesome But Slightly Quirky
"It's All Fun and Games Until It Freezes"
The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is generally praised for its simplicity and user-friendly interface but some owners have reported occasional glitches. Nothing major but just enough to make you grumble when the screen freezes up on your favorite song.
Common Glitches:
- Freezing Screen: The touchscreen may occasionally become unresponsive forcing you to restart the system.
- Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: Sometimes the Bluetooth will drop out unexpectedly leaving you scrambling to reconnect.
Quick Fix:
Luckily these issues are often resolved with a quick restart of the system (turning the car off and on again usually does the trick). Plus Hyundai regularly issues software updates so make sure you keep your system updated to avoid some of these bugs.
Safety System False Alarms
"Safety Features – a Little Too Safe"
The Hyundai SmartSense safety package includes features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. While this is fantastic in terms of keeping you and your family safe some owners find these features to be... well a bit too enthusiastic.
Annoyances Include:
- Overactive Lane Keeping Assist: The system can be overzealous in pulling you back into your lane – even when you’re just trying to avoid a pothole.
- False Collision Warnings: Occasionally the system will give you a heart-stopping beep warning you of an impending collision when there’s really nothing there.
Funny Spin:
Think of it like having a super-cautious friend riding shotgun – “Watch out! Brake! You’re too close!” Sure it's good to have but it can be a little overbearing sometimes.
Rear Visibility Could Be Better
"Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear"
The 2021 Tucson is praised for its overall design but rear visibility isn't its strong suit. The thick rear pillars can make backing up and lane changes more challenging – but hey that's what the rearview camera is for right?
Workaround:
Get used to relying on your mirrors and the backup camera – or just avoid backing into tight spots altogether. Hey there's nothing wrong with being cautious.
Warranty & Recalls: The Good the Bad and the Fine Print
"Great Coverage – If You Need It"
One great thing about Hyundai is its warranty coverage – a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. That’s fantastic if something goes wrong... but there’s always some fine print.
Things to Consider:
- Warranty Exceptions: Like any warranty there are exceptions so make sure you know what’s covered before you end up with a surprise repair bill.
- Recalls: The 2021 Tucson had a few recalls mainly relating to potential fire risks with the ABS module so make sure any recall work has been completed on your vehicle.
Alex’s Pro Tip:
“If you’re buying used make sure to get a full history report so you know if recall repairs were handled,” says Alex.
Tire Wear and Alignment
"Don’t Forget to Rotate"
Some owners report uneven tire wear on their Tucsons which can often be traced back to alignment issues. If not caught early this can lead to early tire replacement – and nobody wants to shell out extra money for tires before they have to.
Solution:
Stick to a tire rotation schedule and check your alignment regularly to avoid those annoying wear patterns.
The Final Verdict – Is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson a Good Buy?
"A Little Rough Around the Edges But Still Worth It"
Despite its quirks the 2021 Hyundai Tucson remains a solid choice for those who want a practical reliable and stylish SUV without breaking the bank. Sure the engine might not win any drag races and the transmission can be a bit indecisive but overall it’s a comfortable and well-rounded vehicle.
In the words of Alex Collantes: “Every car has its issues but if you love it and it gets you where you need to go without too much hassle then it’s a good car in my book.”
So should you buy a 2021 Tucson? If you're looking for an affordable compact SUV with a comfy interior solid safety features and enough tech to keep you connected then absolutely. Just remember to buckle up for a few quirks along the way.
References
- Hyundai USA Official Website - www.hyundaiusa.com
- Consumer Reports – www.consumerreports.org
- Car and Driver Review of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson – www.caranddriver.com
- Kelley Blue Book – www.kbb.com
(Disclaimer: Always double-check with official sources and consult a professional mechanic when buying any vehicle.)
Note: If you’re looking for some additional tips or have more questions about the 2021 Hyundai Tucson feel free to reach out. Remember it’s all about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and needs!