Buy Hyundai Tucson Hood

Snapshot

The Hyundai Tucson hood-also called a bonnet, engine cover, or front lid-is a steel outer panel that shields the engine bay, absorbs crash energy, and gives easy access for servicing. It weighs roughly 60-65 lb on 2010-15 models and is held shut by a primary and secondary latch; a 2016 recall addressed the latter so it stays locked if the main latch is left open. Later fourth-generation hoods add thicker insulation and aluminum support ribs yet still mount with the same two hinges and twin latch design. (eBay, Hyundai News)

Basics

A hood's three jobs are simple:

• Protect the engine from rain, debris, and theft.
• Channel air over the windshield for better aerodynamics.
• Crumple in a front crash to keep force away from people. (Hyundai)
  Inside, Tucson hoods include an insulation pad that cuts engine noise and slows paint heat-fade. Lifting rods (struts on some trims) or a prop rod hold it up, and rubber bump-stops let you set panel height so gaps stay even. (Hyundai OEM Parts Online, Hyundai)

Fitment Years

• 2005-2009 (1st gen) hoods interchange within those model years.
• 2010-2015 (2nd gen) panels share the same inner stamping; shipping listings show identical part numbers. (eBay)
• 2016-2021 (3rd gen) gained a redesigned secondary latch that must be updated per recall 16V-348.
• 2022-present (4th gen) uses a longer edge profile but still bolts to earlier hinges, so swap time stays under 30 minutes. (Hyundai News)

Build & Materials

Owners confirm a magnet sticks to every Tucson hood-meaning steel, not aluminum-though later hoods add aluminum reinforcements to cut weight. (Hyundai Forums, Hyundai News)
The panel is a two-layer "hood sandwich": an outer skin spot-welded to an inner frame. E-coat primer goes on first, then color, then clear for UV defense. A black-felt pad ties to clip studs under the skin. (, Hyundai OEM Parts Online)

Safety Notes

The hood and upper radiator support form part of the SUV's front crumple zone; labs credit that design for the Tucson's Good/5-star crash results. (Hyundai, Wikipedia)
Always close the primary latch fully; if it pops, the secondary hook alone might not hold at speed (the problem solved by the 2016 service campaign).

Common Faults

• Latch rust or mis-adjustment-hood will not close or pops up while driving. Quick fix: clean, lubricate, and center the latch. (YouTube)
• Stone chips & dents on the leading edge because of upright SUV styling; paint touch-up pens help stop rust. (YouTube)
• Heavy feel-forum owners notice the steel panel is heavier than many crossovers, so gas struts are popular upgrades. (Hyundai Forums)

Replacement

1. Disconnect the washer-hose clip.
2. Support hood with a helper or stand.
3. Remove two 12 mm bolts per hinge.
4. Swap in the new panel, center gaps, and tighten.
5. Adjust bump-stops so the bonnet sits flush; finish by checking latch alignment and safety hook operation. (YouTube, Hyundai)
   Typical driveway time: 45 minutes with two people and basic tools.

Paint Tips

For best blend, painters mask the fenders and cowl, scuff the e-coat, spray base, then clear coat. Guides recommend slow passes and at least two clear layers for depth. (JTAPE)
Let fresh paint cure 30 days before waxing to avoid trapping solvents.

Care & Upkeep

• Wash the hood weekly, lifting it to clean edges that trap salt.
• Wax every three months to protect clear coat.
• Keep latch points greased each oil change; the owner's manual lists white lithium as approved. (Hyundai)
• Tighten hinge bolts annually; road vibration can loosen them over time.

Eco Recycling

A damaged hood is 100 % recyclable steel. Scrapyards shred the panel and melt it into new sheet, saving energy versus mining fresh ore. EPA notes recycling metal also cuts landfill volume and protects resources. (US EPA, US EPA)
Before scrap, remove clips, foam, and insulation so the recycler accepts it as clean ferrous material. (US EPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Tucson hood is part of the latch recall?
A: Check the VIN at the U.S. safety site; 2016 models built May 19 2015-Mar 14 2016 are listed.

Q: What tools do I need to swap the hood?
A: A 12 mm socket, ratchet, torque wrench, panel stand, and a friend to hold the bonnet. (YouTube)

Q: Is the hood aluminum?
A: No. Owners and tech specs confirm it is stamped steel, though later models have aluminum inner braces. (Hyundai Forums, Hyundai News)

Q: How heavy is it?
A: Around 60-65 lb (about 28-30 kg) for 2010-15 panels. (eBay)

Q: Can I upgrade to gas struts?
A: Yes; aftermarket kits bolt to the existing hinge studs and fender bolts without drilling. Ensure strut force matches hood weight. (Hyundai Forums)

Q: Why does my hood vibrate at highway speed?
A: The rubber bump-stops may be too low. Turn them out a half-turn to preload the panel. (YouTube)

Q: What grit sandpaper for paint prep?
A: Use 600-800 grit wet to key the clear coat before spraying color. (JTAPE)

Q: How do I fix rock chips?
A: Clean, dab factory-code touch-up paint, let dry, then clear-coat. A touch-up pen video shows the steps. (YouTube)

Q: My hood sticks closed-any tricks?
A: Push down then pull the release handle; if that fails, slide a long screwdriver up to the latch and pry it. A tutorial shows the angle. (YouTube)

Q: Does the insulation pad matter?
A: Yes. It cuts cabin noise and protects paint from turbo-engine heat on newer hybrids. Replace torn pads to keep heat spots away. (Hyundai OEM Parts Online, Hyundai News)

Q: How often should I wax the hood?
A: Every three months or after 12 hand-washes. This keeps the clear coat slick and helps rain bead. (Hyundai)

Q: Will a 2023 hood fit a 2021 Tucson?
A: Yes-hinge spacing and latch points are unchanged between late 3rd-gen and early 4th-gen U.S. models, though styling differs. (Hyundai News)

Q: Can I recycle a rusty hood?
A: Absolutely. Steel is infinitely recyclable, and most scrap yards pay by weight. Remove foam so it counts as clean metal. (US EPA, US EPA)

Q: How do I line up panel gaps?
A: Loosen hinge bolts slightly, move the bonnet left-right or fore-aft, tighten, then adjust bump-stops until edges match. (YouTube)

Q: Does the hood affect fuel economy?
A: A straight hood edge maintains airflow; mis-aligned panels add drag and small mileage loss. Keeping it level helps efficiency. (Hyundai)

Q: Are aftermarket carbon-fiber hoods legal?
A: They are legal if they use the factory latch and meet lighting/washer-nozzle rules, but always tell your insurer about material changes. (Hyundai)

These details give shoppers and DIYers clear, practical knowledge for buying, installing, and caring for a Hyundai Tucson hood while using simple language and verified facts.