Makes›Hyundai›Tucson›2010

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Hyundai Tucson
Pictured: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI PHEV Prime (IV) – f 05072025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Gl/Gls
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
173.2 in
Curb weight
3,172–3,371 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 173 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,371 lb (4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 26% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2010

  • New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 2.4L 4-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 26

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Tucson →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.4L
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

GLS

Built in: Ulsan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2010 Tucson configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Gl/Gls/Limited173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,371 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD Gl/Gls173.2 in71.7 in65.4 in103.9 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,172 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tucson 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+26%$2,600342
Tucson 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+21%$2,700355
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+31%$2,800370
Tucson 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+31%$2,800370
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.7 MPG2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Hyundai Tucson (this car)26 MPGNot rated4
2010 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated14
2010 Honda CR-V24 MPGNot rated15
2010 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated17
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan21 MPGNot rated2
2010 Kia Sportage22 MPGNot rated2
2010 Ford Escape32 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles

Problem
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, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. 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 vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk
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 to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
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 campaign number is 110.
Exterior Lighting · Apr 26, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V259000 · 7,829 vehicles

Problem
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT," FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.
Risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Feb 25, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V061000 · 515 vehicles

Problem
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES. 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.
Risk
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 PASSENGER.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Hyundai Tucson is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

32Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
121,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train9
Engine6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Service Brakes4
Electrical System4
Unknown Or Other4
Exterior Lighting3
Structure › Body2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/10: 118/11: 119/03: 119/07: 119/09: 220/03: 120/11: 121/07: 121/09: 121/10: 122/04: 122/10: 122/11: 123/01: 123/06: 123/10: 124/01: 124/03: 124/04: 124/05: 125/02: 125/07: 126/02: 126/09: 218/1019/0720/1121/1022/1123/1024/0425/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Hyundai Tucson buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 121,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tucson years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tucson38182.3 inNot rated699
2025 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★7448
2024 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★4152
2023 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★2182
2022 Tucson38182.3 in★★★★★3506
2021 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★180
2020 Tucson25176.4 in★★★★★1179
2019 Tucson26176.4 in★★★★★1385
2018 Tucson27176.4 in★★★★★1399
2017 Tucson28176.4 in★★★★★31,093
2016 Tucson28176.4 inNot rated51,626
2015 Tucson25173.2 inNot rated2229

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →