Hyundai Tucson 2005–2009 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (JM)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026446 complaints, 345 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2005 Hyundai Tucson
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 185
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2005
- Airbag system31 reports
- Electrical system30 reports
- Engine and its cooling system20 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Hyundai Tucson
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 135
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2006
- Airbag system37 reports · median 33,000 mi
- Electrical system16 reports
- Steering13 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Exterior lighting · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Hyundai Tucson
Close- Median failure report
- 88,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 65
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system13 reports
- Body structure8 reports
- Suspension8 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Exterior lighting · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Hyundai Tucson
Close- Median failure report
- 45,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 43
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2008
- Electrical system5 reports
- Engine5 reports
- Throttle and speed control5 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Hyundai Tucson
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 18
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2009
- Airbag system6 reports
- Electrical system2 reports
- Seat belts2 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2007; earliest: the 2008, and the 2007 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2005–2009 Hyundai Tucson reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 62,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 158,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 345
- Recalls
- 9
Most reported
- Airbag system20.4% of complaints · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system12.8% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
- Body structure10.3% of complaints · median 98,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine Management2005–2009
- Brakes / ABS2005–2009
- General2005–2009
Owners filed 446 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005–2009 Hyundai Tucson; the airbag system leads with 20.4% of them, and half of the 345 that record an odometer reading came by 62,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 27,000 to 106,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2005–2009 Hyundai Tucson last?
On the 2005–2009 Hyundai Tucson, half of the 345 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 62,000 miles and 90% by 158,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
43 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 3 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Tucson reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Tucson 2005–2009 · 345 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 49 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 3 complaints (0.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,000
- 25%
- 27,000
- Median
- 62,000
- 75%
- 106,000
- 90%
- 158,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 49 | 14.2% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 20 | 5.8% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 32 | 9.3% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 24 | 7.0% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 14 | 4.1% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 24 | 7.0% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 32 | 9.3% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 13 | 3.8% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 23 | 6.7% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 16 | 4.6% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 16 | 4.6% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 9 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 12 | 3.5% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 9 | 2.6% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 9 | 2.6% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 13 | 3.8% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 10 | 2.9% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 4 | 1.2% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 9 | 2.6% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 4 | 1.2% |
| 200,000+ | 3 | 0.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Tucson problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Hyundai Tucson 2005–2009
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine and its cooling system37 reportsmedian 32,000middle half 14,000–62,000
- Throttle and speed control34 reportsmedian 34,000middle half 23,000–71,000
- Airbag system91 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 28,000–97,000
- Electrical system57 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 22,000–91,000
- Body structure46 reportsmedian 98,000middle half 62,000–150,000
- Engine41 reportsmedian 105,000middle half 58,000–140,000
- Suspension40 reportsmedian 128,000middle half 72,000–150,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 91 | 20.4% | 50,000 | 28,000–97,000 |
| Electrical system | 57 | 12.8% | 65,000 | 22,000–91,000 |
| Body structure | 46 | 10.3% | 98,000 | 62,000–150,000 |
| Engine | 41 | 9.2% | 105,000 | 58,000–140,000 |
| Suspension | 40 | 9.0% | 128,000 | 72,000–150,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 37 | 8.3% | 32,000 | 14,000–62,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 34 | 7.6% | 34,000 | 23,000–71,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 32 | 7.2% | 61,000 | 26,000–100,000 |
| Steering | 30 | 6.7% | 64,000 | 28,000–106,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 30 | 6.7% | 125,000 | 65,000–138,000 |
Known problems with the 2005–2009 Tucson
Engine Management 2005–2009
Crankshaft position sensor and ignition faults causing intermittent stalling and hard starting.
Brakes / ABS 2005–2009
ABS and ESC module faults producing warning lights and, in some reports, unwanted ABS activation at low speed.
General 2005–2009
No single dominant systemic defect for this generation; complaint volume is spread across stalling, electrical and airbag occupant-classification faults rather than concentrated in one component.
Before you buy a 2005–2009 Tucson: the 3-minute check
Generated from 345 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine management on 2005–2009 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check brakes / ABS on 2005–2009 cars.
- Check general on 2005–2009 cars.
- Years differ here: from 18 to 185 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Tucson problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi47% below | At 90k mi67% below | At 120k mi79% below | At 150k mi88% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 28,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 22,000–91,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 62,000–150,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 58,000–140,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 72,000–150,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 14,000–62,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 23,000–71,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Hyundai Tucson 2005–2009 · 345 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 47% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 67% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 79% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 88% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2005–2009 Hyundai Tucson recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the exterior lighting (3), the airbag system (2), the parking brake (2) (why one area can repeat).
Apr 2013 · 2006–2009 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall…
Jul 2009 · 2005–2007 · Exterior LightingAny of these malfunctions could lead to a crash.
The defect. Hyundai is recalling 3,011 model year 2005-2007 elantra, Tucson, sonata, azera and accent vehicles. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain…
What can happen. Any of these malfunctions could lead to a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on september 2, 2009. Owners may contact Hyundai of puerto rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.
Apr 2009 · 2005–2007 · Exterior LightingAny of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
The defect. Hyundai is recalling 532,633 my 2006-2007 accent, entourage, sonata, my 2007 azera, elantra and santa fe, my 2005-2007 Tucson and my 2007-2008 veracruz vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch…
What can happen. Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2009. Owners may contact the Hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
May 2007 · 2005–2007 · Air BagsThis can cause increased risk of injury to the driver under certain crash conditions.
The defect. On certain vehicles, static air bag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated that a small stature adult driver not wearing a seat belt and involved in a frontal or near frontal crash, the deployment of the driver…
What can happen. This can cause increased risk of injury to the driver under certain crash conditions.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module with one that is designed to provide an increased margin of compliance for low risk deployment for small stature adults who are not properly wearing the…
Nov 2006 · 2005–2007 · Air BagsThis can cause increased risk of injury to the driver under certain crash conditions.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, during static air bag deployment testing conducted by NHTSA using fifth percentile female dummies indicated if a small statured adult driver, not wearing a seat belt, is involved in a frontal or near frontal crash…
What can happen. This can cause increased risk of injury to the driver under certain crash conditions.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. The recall began on january 29, 2007, and will be conducted through six mailings. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Jul 2005 · 2005 · Parking BrakeThe inability to engage or the inadvertent release of the parking brake lever, may allow your vehicle to roll…
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, the parking lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and may damage the teeth of the parking lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may allow the parking…
What can happen. The inability to engage or the inadvertent release of the parking brake lever, may allow your vehicle to roll while it is parked and may result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on september 12, 2005. Owners may contact Hyundai of puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.
Jul 2005 · 2005 · Parking BrakeThe inability to engage, or the inadvertent release of, the parking brake lever may allow your vehicle to…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the parking brake lever ratchet pawl was not properly manufactured and my damage the teeth of the parking brake lever ratchet. Damaged parking brake lever ratchet teeth may prevent the parking brake from engaging or may…
What can happen. The inability to engage, or the inadvertent release of, the parking brake lever may allow your vehicle to roll while it is parked and may result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the parking brake lever assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Apr 2005 · 2005 · Electronic Stability ControlBrake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one…
What can happen. Brake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the esp hydraulic electronic control unit. The recall is expected to begin during may 2005. Owners may contact Hyundai de puerto rico at 1-800-981-0188.
Mar 2005 · 2005 · Electronic Stability ControlBrake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (esp), the yaw rate sensor may become too sensitive and may recalibrate inaccurately. While driving the esp program may cause the engine to reduce power and may cause a brake at one…
What can happen. Brake application caused by inadvertent esp activation may result in loss of control and a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the esp hydraulic electronic control unit free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 446 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 42 (9.4%)
- Fires
- 13
- Injury reports
- 33
- Fatality reports
- 0
Tucson problems by model year
The 2005 drew the most complaints of this generation, 185, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2008 the fewest among the 4 years with at least 20 complaints, 43. A typical year drew about 100.
The first year of the generation, 2005, drew more complaints than a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 | 139 | 57,000 | Airbag system (31) | 8 |
| 2006 | 135 | 108 | 65,000 | Airbag system (37) | 5 |
| 2007 | 65 | 47 | 88,000 | Airbag system (13) | 5 |
| 2008 | 43 | 38 | 45,000 | Electrical system (5) | 1 |
| 2009 | 18 | 13 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (6) | 1 |
What Tucson owners reported
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe had become inoperable and the contact noticed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not…
2006 · 180,000 miles · Body structure
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the…
2006 · 140,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front passenger side air bag wiring harness; however, the part was discontinued. The vehicle was not…
2005 · 76,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that a section of the rear sub frame was extremely corroded. The contact believed that a welding failure might have caused the severe corrosion on the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that he had…
2008 · 134,000 miles · Body structure
Built from 345 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Tucson generations
- Tucson 2010–2015 619 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Tucson 2016–2021 1,525 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Tucson 2022–2025 146 reports with mileage, most about forward collision avoidance