2021 Hyundai Tucson Health Check: Service Bulletins and Issues

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has been the subject of several manufacturer service bulletins addressing various concerns, primarily related to engine emissions, potential engine bearing issues, and paint durability. While there are no recalls, owner complaints, or federal investigations currently reported for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, owners should be aware of these manufacturer communications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the known issues and recommended actions for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, focusing on service campaigns for elevated engine-out emissions and paint peeling.

At a glance

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a clean record with no reported recalls, owner complaints, or federal investigations. However, Hyundai has issued numerous service bulletins to address potential issues. These communications primarily focus on engine-related concerns, such as elevated engine-out emissions and engine bearing wear, as well as a warranty extension for white paint peeling.

Recalls

No recalls have been reported for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.

Owner complaints

There are no owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.

Federal investigations

No federal investigations have been opened against the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. However, Hyundai is actively investigating a software-related engine issue, identified as GDS event #1383, which is linked by NHTSA to the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, indicating an ongoing review for a resolution as per 2021 Hyundai Tucson GDS Event #1383 Engine Investigation (NHTSA ID: 9C2 Susp DN). This investigation primarily concerns 2015 Sonata 2.4L vehicles but remains under review for the Tucson.

Service bulletins

Hyundai has issued several service bulletins (TSBs) and campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson to address various technical issues and improve vehicle performance and durability. These communications provide guidance to dealerships on diagnosis and repair procedures.

Engine Emissions Software Updates

A significant number of bulletins relate to Service Campaign 9C2, which addresses elevated engine-out emissions in certain 2021 Hyundai Tucson models equipped with Theta II engines. This campaign involves updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) software to ensure compliance with emissions standards and prevent failed inspections.

• Initial Emissions Logic Update (9C2): Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 was initially launched to update the ECM software for certain 2021 Tucson vehicles, as detailed in 2021 Hyundai Tucson Emissions Logic Update (9C2) (NHTSA ID: 9C2 OL). This update helps ensure compliance and prevents failed inspections.
• Relaunched Campaign and Superseded TSBs: The campaign was later re-launched to continue addressing these emissions. Technical Service Bulletin 26-01-013H-1 (NHTSA ID: 26-01-013H-1 DCS) details an ECU software update for 2021 Tucson and other Theta II engine-equipped vehicles, superseding previous TSBs. This update specifically aims to improve elevated engine-out emissions. Another iteration, TSB 25-01-087H-1 (NHTSA ID: 25-01-087H-1 TSB), also outlines the reprogramming of the ECM software for the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine in the 2021 Hyundai Tucson.
• Broader Application and Specifics: The emissions update under Service Campaign 9C2 applies to a range of models and years, including the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. For instance, TSB 26-01-013H (NHTSA ID: 26-01-013H TSB) specifically covers 2018-2021 Tucson vehicles with the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine. Another communication, NHTSA ID 25-01-087H DN, confirms this no-cost ECM software update and the application of an emissions sticker for 2019-2021 Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata models.
• Temporary Campaign Suspension: It is important to note that Service Campaign 9C2 was temporarily suspended for some vehicles, as highlighted in 2015 Hyundai Sonata GDS Event 1383 Campaign Suspended (NHTSA ID: 9C2 Susp DCS). During this suspension period, affected vehicles would not show this campaign as open in WebDCS.

Engine Bearing Inspection and Warranty Extension

Hyundai has also addressed potential engine bearing issues and extended warranties for related concerns, particularly those that might lead to "Abnormal Engine Noise" or the illumination of the check engine light with specific diagnostic trouble codes.

• Engine Bearing TSB (26-01-033H): Technical Service Bulletin 26-01-033H (NHTSA ID: 26-01-033H TSB) serves as a critical reference for operation codes and part numbers under Service Campaign T6G. This campaign specifically addresses engine bearing inspection and replacement for various Hyundai models from 2010-2021, often triggered by the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1326 and "Abnormal Engine Noise."
• Extended Engine Warranty: To provide further assurance, Hyundai has issued an extended engine warranty for various models, including the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. This warranty, detailed in 2021 Hyundai Tucson Engine Warranty Extension TSB (NHTSA ID: 26-01-033H DN), extends coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles for issues related to connecting rod bearing wear and DTC P1326, offering significant protection for owners.

White Paint Peeling Warranty Extension

For certain models, Hyundai has acknowledged issues with paint durability, specifically concerning white paint finishes.

• Paint Peeling Warranty Extension (Z05): Hyundai has announced Warranty Extension Z05 for 2021-2023 Tucson and Palisade vehicles with white paint. This extension covers excessive paint peeling or bubbling (NHTSA ID: 25-BD-004H OL) on exterior body panels. Detailed in TSB 25-BD-004H (NHTSA ID: 25-BD-004H TSB), this coverage applies to the factory-applied paint for up to 10 years and unlimited miles from the original retail delivery date, addressing a cosmetic but potentially widespread concern.

Anti-Theft Ignition Cylinder Protector

In response to security concerns and increased vehicle thefts, Hyundai offers an anti-theft solution to enhance vehicle protection.

• Anti-Theft Protector (Campaign P33): Hyundai launched Customer Satisfaction Campaign P33 for 2021-2022 models, offering an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector (NHTSA ID: 25-01-089H DCS) and window decals upon customer request. This procedure, outlined in TSB 25-01-089H, is designed to enhance vehicle security and is performed at no cost to the owner upon request at a dealership.

Should you be worried?

For the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, the absence of recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations is a positive sign. The issues identified are primarily addressed through manufacturer service bulletins and warranty extensions, indicating that Hyundai is proactively providing solutions through its dealership network. While engine emissions and potential engine bearing wear are significant concerns, the extended warranties and software updates aim to mitigate these risks. The paint peeling issue is also covered by an extended warranty, offering peace of mind for affected owners.

What 2021 HYUNDAI Tucson owners should do

1. Check for Open Campaigns: Contact your local Hyundai dealership with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if your 2021 Hyundai Tucson has any open service campaigns, such as Service Campaign 9C2 for engine emissions software updates or Customer Satisfaction Campaign P33 for the anti-theft protector.
2. Monitor Engine Performance: Pay attention to any "Abnormal Engine Noise" or warning lights, especially if accompanied by diagnostic trouble code P1326, which could indicate engine bearing issues.
3. Inspect Paint: Regularly inspect your vehicle's white paint for any signs of peeling or bubbling, particularly on exterior body panels, and contact your dealer if you observe these issues to inquire about Warranty Extension Z05.
4. Request Anti-Theft Protector: If you are concerned about vehicle security, proactively request the anti-theft ignition cylinder protector and window decals from your Hyundai dealer under Campaign P33.