Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2019 Hyundai TucsonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 385 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (201) and service brakes, hydraulic (62). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–26mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2020
Owner complaints
385
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 4, 2020NHTSA 20V543000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

385 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2018 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine201
  2. Service brakes, hydraulic62
  3. Service brakes53
  4. Electrical system47
  5. Power train42
  6. Fuel/propulsion system28
  7. Vehicle speed control17
  8. Forward collision avoidance13
  9. Structure7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2005185
2006135
200765
200843
200918
201059
2011124
2012255
2013266
2014203
2015229
20161,626
20171,096
2018398
2019385
2020179
202180
2022389
2023136
202499
2025295
202664
Crashes reported
15
Fires reported
11
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

201 reports2 crashes8 fires
“NHTSA Safety Complaint – 2019 Hyundai Tucson Engine Failure I am reporting a serious engine safety concern involving my 2019 Hyundai Tucson AWD 2.0L (VIN: [XXX]). On XXX, the red engine oil-pressure warning light suddenly illuminated while I was preparing to drive home. Concerned about possible engine failure, I stopped using the vehicle and had it towed to Pohanka Hyundai in [XXX]. On XXX, the dealership provided a diagnostic video indicating that the engine was defective and needed replacement. A written estimate dated XXX quoted $7,823.58 for an engine replacement. Despite this diagnosis, the dealership later declared the vehicle drivable and returned it after adding oil, without providing a satisfactory explanation for reversing its original findings. The engine problems continued, and the vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. This presents a serious potential safety hazard. An unresolved engine or oil-pressure problem could cause sudden engine failure, loss of propulsion, or a breakdown while driving on a highway or in heavy traffic, increasing the risk of a collision and injuries to occupants and other motorists. I am particularly concerned that a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026EngineODI 11771618

Service brakes, hydraulic

62 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as intended; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The contact became aware that notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); was previously received; however, the VIN was no longer included in the recall. The contact was unsure if the recall repair was performed. The contact requested a reimbursement from the dealer, but the request was denied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11754470

Service brakes

53 reports5 crashes3 fires
“ABS light on dash is illuminated due to no known cause. Mechanic explained that the ABS system will not work when the light is illuminated which, I believe, contributed to a "fender bender" my vehicle was involved in due to the ABS system failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11760202
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tucson FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233026$2,450347
Tucson FWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
222825$2,550365
Tucson AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive
222523$2,800385
Tucson AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212623$2,800388
  • Tucson FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 30 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson FWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 28 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    22 city · 25 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Tucson AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 26 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Hyundai Tucson SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.2%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 13641Vehicle 13640
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 Tucson questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Tucson problems?

Owners filed 385 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (201), service brakes, hydraulic (62), service brakes (53). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Tucson at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026