Hyundai Tucson Common Problems in Ireland | Recalls

The Hyundai Tucson has been one of the most familiar family SUVs on Irish roads for two decades, and it reached a new generation in late 2026. That means the used market now holds everything from early 2000s Tucsons and the ix35 to the fourth-generation hybrids and plug-ins. This guide to Hyundai Tucson common problems in Ireland sets out the recalls Hyundai Cars Ireland has registered with the Road Safety Authority, which generations they affect, and what to check before you buy a used Tucson.

Quick Summary

First generation and ix35 (2004 to 2015): an ESP fuse fire-risk recall covering 7,896 Hyundai vehicles in Ireland, plus an ABS brake fluid recall on the ix35 covering 5,521 vehicles.

Third generation (2015 to 2020): a January 2024 recall for an oil pump screen and tandem pump check on 5,136 Tucson and i30 cars in Ireland, built 2018 to 2020.

Fourth generation (2021 onwards): a curtain airbag installation recall on 364 cars and a rear window anti-trap recall on 84 cars.

Recall work is free, and Hyundai contacts registered owners by post. A used buyer should ask a Hyundai dealer to check the VIN.

Service history matters on every generation, and on hybrids it also protects the high-voltage battery warranty.

None of this makes the Tucson a bad buy. It means knowing which recall belongs to which car. If you are already looking, you can browse used Hyundai cars on EcoSteer or go straight to used Hyundai Tucson listings on EcoSteer. For generations, engines and running costs, see our Hyundai Tucson model page and our longer Hyundai Tucson buyer's guide.

Which Tucson is which?

Hyundai says the Tucson has been on sale in Europe since 2004. In practice, an Irish buyer will meet five versions:

First generation Tucson (2004 to 2010). The original compact SUV, now an older, lower-priced car.
Hyundai ix35 (2010 to 2015). In Europe the Tucson name was set aside for this generation, so recall notices list it as the ix35.
Third generation Tucson (2015 to 2020). The Tucson name returned, with petrol and diesel engines and two- or four-wheel drive.
Fourth generation Tucson (2021 onwards). Built for Europe at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech. Hyundai says 746,836 had been produced for Europe by March 2024. It added full hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions and was updated in 2024.
All-new Tucson (revealed October 2026). Too new for the used market, but it will start to push fourth-generation cars down in price.

Hyundai reported 158,056 Tucson registrations in Europe in 2023 alone, so parts supply and dealer knowledge are good on the later generations.

First generation and ix35 (2004 to 2015)

These are now cars of 11 years old or more, so condition and maintenance matter more than anything in a brochure. Two Irish recalls are worth knowing about.

ESP fuse recall (February 2025)

In February 2025 Hyundai Cars Ireland registered a voluntary recall covering certain Accent, Tucson, Genesis Coupe, iX35, Grandeur and Azera vehicles. The notice says insufficient fuse protection may lead to a fire if there is a short circuit in the ESP unit. It covers 7,896 vehicles in Ireland across those models, produced between 26 May 2009 and 31 October 2014.

ix35 ABS brake fluid recall (November 2024)

In November 2024 Hyundai registered a recall for certain Santa Fe, ix35 and Veloster vehicles. Impurities in the brake fluid can change the shape of O-rings, which can let brake fluid reach the ABS control board. Because brake fluid conducts electricity, this can cause a short circuit and, in the worst case, a fire. The recall covers 5,521 vehicles in Ireland produced between 4 November 2010 and 31 October 2014.

Age-related checks

Beyond the recalls, treat an early Tucson or ix35 as any older SUV: look for corrosion underneath, listen for knocks from the suspension and check that the four-wheel-drive versions engage without noise. An NCT pass is the minimum. Ask for the most recent NCT results, including any advisory items.

Third generation Tucson (2015 to 2020)

This is the generation many Irish families bought new, and it is plentiful on the used market. One recall stands out.

Oil pump screen and tandem pump recall (January 2024)

Hyundai Cars Ireland registered a recall in January 2024 for certain i30 and Tucson cars. According to the notice, the oil supply to the engine may be interrupted, causing sudden engine damage, and the brake booster may fail, which would make braking significantly harder. The fix is to remove a metal screen from the oil pump and check the tandem pump. The recall covers 5,136 vehicles in Ireland. Affected Tucsons were produced between 23 October 2018 and 27 October 2020, and affected i30s between 25 October 2018 and 15 July 2020.

The notice does not list engine codes, so do not assume a car is clear because of its fuel type. If you are looking at a 2018 to 2020 Tucson, ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm from the VIN whether this work was done.

Other checks on this generation

Check that the service book shows oil changes at the intervals in the handbook. The recall above concerned oil supply, and regular oil changes are cheap insurance on any turbocharged engine.
On automatic versions, the gearbox should shift smoothly when cold and in slow traffic.
Test every electric window, the parking sensors and the infotainment screen. Electrical faults are easier to spot on a test drive than to fix afterwards.

Hyundai Tucson fourth generation dashboard with dual curved 12.3-inch screens — The updated fourth-generation Tucson cabin. Photo: Hyundai press image. Press photo of a left-hand-drive car; cars sold in Ireland are right-hand drive.

Fourth generation Tucson (2021 onwards)

The fourth-generation Tucson is the one most buyers want now. Hyundai's European line-up for the updated car included a 1.6 T-GDi petrol with and without 48-volt mild hybrid, a 1.6 CRDi diesel with and without mild hybrid, a 1.6 T-GDi full hybrid rated at 215 PS and a 1.6 T-GDi plug-in hybrid rated at 252 PS. Two recalls have been registered in Ireland for this generation.

Curtain airbag installation (March 2024)

Hyundai's March 2024 notice says incorrect installation of the curtain airbag may impede deployment in an accident. The airbag is checked and replaced if necessary. It covers 364 vehicles in Ireland produced between 13 April 2021 and 21 August 2023, which takes in a large share of early fourth-generation cars.

Rear electric window anti-trap (May 2024)

A May 2024 recall covers 84 Tucsons in Ireland produced between 30 November 2022 and 5 April 2023. The trapping protection on the rear electric window lifter may not work correctly with the automatic closing function, so a hand or arm could be trapped.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid checks

Hyundai Ireland's new-car warranty is five years with unlimited mileage, and the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. Ask the seller for the original registration date so you know how much is left.
Look for a full Hyundai service history. Warranty claims are easier with dealer stamps or receipts.
On a plug-in hybrid, check that the charging cable is with the car and that the car charges on a home wallbox or public post during the test.
On 2024 and later cars, Hyundai added over-the-air software updates. Ask whether the infotainment and vehicle software are up to date.

Recalls: how to check a specific Tucson

Hyundai Cars Ireland says it contacts affected owners directly and asks them to book the work with a Hyundai dealer or authorised repairer. A second-hand buyer may not have received that letter. The simplest step is to give the VIN to a Hyundai dealer, or to Hyundai Cars Ireland's customer care on 01 460 9800, and ask whether any recall is open on that car. Recall work is carried out free of charge.

The Road Safety Authority publishes recall notices by manufacturer and year, which is where the figures in this guide come from. It does not run a public VIN checker, so the dealer check is the reliable route.

What to check on a used Tucson in Ireland

Recall status: confirm by VIN that every recall for that build date has been done.
NCT history: check the certificate date and ask about any advisory items.
Service history: stamps or invoices for every year, with the oil changes the handbook asks for.
Gearbox: smooth take-up from rest and no hesitation in slow traffic, whether manual, automatic or dual-clutch.
Electrics: every window, mirror, screen and sensor, including the rear window auto-close on fourth-generation cars.
Hybrid systems: no warning lights, and on a plug-in, a working charge with the supplied cable.
Motor tax: it depends on the CO2 band and the date of first registration. Check the exact rate on motortax.ie before you agree a price.
Ownership: for an imported car, make sure VRT has been paid and the car has an Irish registration.

Is a used Tucson still a good buy?

Yes, for most buyers, as long as the recall work is done and the service record is complete. The fourth generation is the obvious choice if your budget allows, with a choice of hybrid systems and, from 2024, a refreshed cabin. A late third-generation car is good value if you confirm the January 2024 oil pump recall on 2018 to 2020 builds. Older ix35s and first-generation Tucsons can still make sense as cheap family transport, but only with a careful inspection.

When you are ready to compare cars, browse used Hyundai cars on EcoSteer and use the checklist above on every car you view.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on a used Hyundai Tucson?

The documented issues in Ireland are recalls rather than general faults: an ESP fuse fire risk on 2009 to 2014 builds, an ABS brake fluid issue on the ix35, an oil pump screen recall on 2018 to 2020 Tucsons, and airbag and rear window recalls on fourth-generation cars built between 2021 and 2023.

Has the Hyundai Tucson been recalled in Ireland?

Yes. Hyundai Cars Ireland has registered several Tucson and ix35 recalls with the Road Safety Authority, including 5,136 Tucson and i30 cars in January 2024, 364 Tucsons for a curtain airbag check in March 2024 and 84 Tucsons for the rear window anti-trap function in May 2024.

How do I check if a used Tucson has an open recall?

Give the VIN to a Hyundai dealer or to Hyundai Cars Ireland's customer care and ask whether any recall is outstanding. The work is free. The RSA lists recalls but does not offer a public VIN check.

Is the Hyundai Tucson hybrid reliable?

No Irish recall has been registered against the hybrid system itself. Hyundai Ireland covers the high-voltage battery for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, so a full service history and the original registration date are the key checks on a used hybrid.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should I avoid?

No year is one to avoid outright, but some need extra checks: 2009 to 2014 cars for the ESP fuse and ix35 brake fluid recalls, 2018 to 2020 Tucsons for the oil pump recall, and 2021 to 2023 cars for the curtain airbag recall. A car with all recall work done is a much safer buy.

Hyundai Tucson Common Problems in Ireland: Recalls, Faults and What to Check

Which Tucson is which?