Problems · NHTSA complaints
2019 Hyundai Tucson problems
Owners filed 385 complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson with NHTSA between Dec 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (201).
Complaints
385
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine201
- Service brakes, hydraulic62
- Service brakes53
- Electrical system47
- Power train42
- Fuel/propulsion system28
- Vehicle speed control17
- Forward collision avoidance13
- Structure7
- Exterior lighting6
- Lane departure5
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Visibility3
- Steering3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
19
66
69
30
38
63
56
43
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 63 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 43 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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…”
Service brakes, hydraulic
62 reports1 related recall
“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.”
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.”
Electrical system
47 reports1 crash3 fires
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vents, with the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the service center, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced three times with aftermarket parts and a fourth time with an OEM part. After inspecting the alternators, the contact noticed that the copper wires inside each alternator were black due to the failure. The contact was concerned that a previous recall associated with the failure did not properly fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was opened. The contact also requested a buyback of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.”
Power train
42 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The new 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with the Nu2.0L GDI engine, I purchased in 1/2020 as the original owner to this day has been diagnosed with a burnt exhaust valve due to heavy oil consumption that has been an uncorrected documented manufacturer’s defect within Hyundai motor corporation. The excessive engine oil consumption has poisoned and destroyed the first catalytic converter, has fouled the combustion chamber which has consequently choked and burnt the exhaust valve with the excess oil ash and carbon buildup. The car was approved for a second catalytic converter install last week which my car currently sits at 125,000 miles and the dealership through the authority of approval with Hyundai motor America has replaced under warranty however subsequently running the excess consumption test, the car now has a burnt exhaust valve which Hyundai motor America is extending a “good faith” proposal which they are willing to replace 60% of the burnt valve and I’m responsible for the 40% even though I have complied fully with the dealership’s recommended preventive maintenance schedule which has been solely performed at the same dealership since the day I bought the…”
Fuel/propulsion system
28 reports1 crash4 fires
“While driving at highway speeds, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson SE suddenly loses acceleration and drops into a 30 mph 'limp mode' while the engine overheats. This creates an immediate highway safety hazard with an imminent risk of a rear-end collision. The vehicle also suffers from excessive oil consumption, requiring manual top-offs twice a week. The servicing dealership diagnosed a fuel system failure, quoting $5,847 to replace the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and oil gasket. Hyundai Corporate (Case #43358088) officially denied warranty coverage on October 12, 2026, falsely claiming wear and tear despite active TXXM 150,000-mile extended warranty framework protections. Furthermore, there is a data discrepancy: the dealership pulled diagnostic trouble code P0172, but corporate claims the vehicle threw code P0173 and is withholding the physical diagnostic printout behind a fee paywall.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.