2019 Hyundai Tucson Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine19439.8%
- Brakes11623.8%
- Electrical469.4%
- Powertrain (other)408.2%
- Driver assistance347.0%
- Fuel system244.9%
- Body & structure71.4%
- Exterior lighting61.2%
- Visibility51.0%
- Steering30.6%
- Interior & seats30.6%
- Airbags30.6%
- Other / unspecified20.4%
- Suspension20.4%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have noticed that the engine oil level in my vehicle drops significantly between regular oil changes. Despite adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, I frequently have to add a quart of oil after driving only about [800~1,000 마일] miles.I understand that this is a widely reported issue with Hyundai Owners Forum affecting 2019 models. Many experts and fellow owners have identified that this rapid oil loss is often caused by manufacturing defects, such as faulty piston rings, which can eventually lead to catastrophic engine failure.As a Hyundai owner, I am highly concerned about the safety, reliability, and decreased resale value of my vehicle. Running low on oil without warning creates a high risk of sudden engine breakdown while driving on the highway.I kindly request that Hyundai Corporate or my local authorized dealer investigate and resolve this matter. Specifically, I am asking for:An official engine inspection and a proper Oil Consumption Test.Necessary repairs or a full engine replacement under the applicable powertrain warranty at no cost to me.
The 2019 Tucson has 60,413 miles. My daughter drives it very low mileage - a couple of miles a day back and forth to school. Friday she was driving and the car lost engine power and it stopped driving. No warning lights. There was a cloud of smoke and it smelled like burning plastic. She was on a busy road but pulled over and quickly exited the vehicle. I had it towed and the mechanic says the engine oil was empty and the engine has seized. We do regularly scheduled oil changes. No lights or warnings and the car just stopped in traffic.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the engine seized. In addition, the contact stated that the smoke and the unusual odor subsided. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. In addition, the contact stated that when the failure occurred, the contact's minor children were occupants of the vehicle. The contact stated that the minor children were frightened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall associated with the contact's VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the contact was informed that her contact information was not updated in the database. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The 2019 Tucson has 60,413 miles. My daughter drives it very low mileage - a couple of miles a day back and forth to school. Friday she was driving and the car lost engine power and it stopped driving. No warning lights. There was a cloud of smoke and it smelled like burning plastic. She was on a busy road but pulled over and quickly exited the vehicle. I had it towed and the mechanic says the engine oil was empty and the engine has seized. We do regularly scheduled oil changes. No lights or warnings and the car just stopped in traffic.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the engine seized. In addition, the contact stated that the smoke and the unusual odor subsided. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. In addition, the contact stated that when the failure occurred, the contact's minor children were occupants of the vehicle. The contact stated that the minor children were frightened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall associated with the contact's VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the contact was informed that her contact information was not updated in the database. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle shook severely due to engine misfiring. The vehicle has had a recurring cylinder 3 misfire throughout ownership. Spark plugs and ignition coils were first replaced around 40,000 miles and replaced again in December 2025 for the same recurring issue. A Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and found codes P0300 random misfire and P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. The dealership technician documented that the piston rings did not look good and confirmed the catalytic converter was damaged as a result of the misfires. The vehicle has had an engine rattle at idle, oil consumption, and blow-by since early in ownership. The engine defect is progressive and predates the current mileage. The flashing check engine light and severe shaking while driving at highway speeds created an unsafe condition with other vehicles on the road. The problem has been confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Motor America was contacted and denied goodwill warranty assistance. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The component involved is the engine and associated knock detection system (KSDS). The system triggered a P1326 code indicating abnormal engine knock associated with a known defect condition. On February 14, 2023, while driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered reduced power (“limp mode”) and lost acceleration capability in active traffic. This created a safety risk, as the vehicle was unable to maintain speed with surrounding traffic or accelerate as needed for normal driving conditions. There were no sufficient warnings prior to the event to allow safe planning or avoidance of the loss of power condition. The system activation itself (P1326 and limp mode) was the first indication of the severity of the issue. The problem has been reproduced multiple times, with repeated P1326 events occurring after the initial incident. The condition has been inspected and partially confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. In March 2026, dealership records documented that oil contamination was causing catalytic converter failure, indicating ongoing engine-related deterioration consistent with the defect condition identified by the knock detection system. Despite these findings, the underlying engine condition has not been resolved. The KSDS system is designed to detect a potentially serious engine defect and limit engine power to prevent further damage. However, it does not correct the underlying defect. As a result, the vehicle may continue to operate with a known compromised condition that can trigger reduced power unexpectedly. This creates an ongoing safety concern. A vehicle that can suddenly lose acceleration due to a known defect presents a risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists, particularly during freeway driving, merging, or other situations requiring normal engine performance. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
My 2019 Hyundai Tuscan has been burning oil and the oil has to be topped off every 1,000 miles or so. There are multiple check engine lights illuminated: abs, front collision, traction. These lights have flashed off and on for 3 years but are not light up solid. This sounds like an issue.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a recall associated with the vehicle. However, I never received any recall notices because Hyundai reportedly had the wrong address on file. Had I been properly notified of the recall and potential safety risks, I would have done everything in my power to ensure the vehicle was inspected, repaired, and safe to drive. Because I was unaware of the recall issue, the vehicle continued to be operated without my knowledge of the potential danger. The incident caused significant financial and transportation hardship, including loss of reliable transportation and additional financial strain. Hyundai later reached a determination regarding the matter, but I remain concerned about the serious safety risk and the fact that I did not receive proper recall notification before the incident occurred. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the recall notification process and handling of this matter should be reviewed further due to the serious safety risk involved.
Catalytic converter and oil leak which is causing the vehicle to lose power. The catalytic converter was replaced in 2024 and now is bad again in 2025. Oil consumption has been a problem since 2024. Hyuandi is refusing to repair the vehicle. Despite the engine making a knocking noise and the check engine light is flashing the vehicle is still under the 150,000 power train warranty
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was water overflowing from the front passenger's side floormat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the water entry point could not be determined. Additionally, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a brake sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where another brake sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the wiring harness had sustained water damage and corrosion due to a clogged sunroof drain. The dealer determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the repair should be covered by the manufacturer because the failure was a factory defect. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Our Tucson was stolen in Charlotte, NC on [XXX]. The pax rear window was broken and the thieves broke open the steering column to start the car. It appears they used the well-known "Tik-Tok" method. I have record that our Tucson had the "software update" installed, at a local dealership, a year ago. This update (which should've been a recall) was supposed to address this issue. Despite this update, the car was stolen in less than 2 minutes (I have Ring camera pictures with timestamps). I have doubts now that the dealership actually did the update. Part of the update includes a specific window sticker that is to be applied to the driver's door window. That decal is missing. There is no evidence that it was ever there (I have pictures). The car was recovered but cannot be driven. It must be towed due to the damage. Another concern is the engine and drive train. Criminals were out joy riding in our stolen car on an almost full tank of gas. Because the car cannot be driven, I don't know if there is any damage to any part(s) of the drive train. We are now waiting for our insurance company to arrange to have the car repaired. I am very concerned now about the long term viability and reliability of this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Both Headlights suddenly became very dim WHILE I WAS DRIVING. On normal lights there is almost no light beam coming out at all, and on bright lights there is slightly more lighting, but there is also what looks to be a large shadow across the light beams. I’ve had it checked and there are NO bulbs burnt out.
While driving to work this morning, at approximately 04:25, on a mountain road both my low beams failed out of nowhere. I pullover in to a turn out as my high beams still worked. I go look and my passenger low beam comes back on. I make the decision to get back on the road and drive slower to try and get down the mountain. A moment later the passenger low beam turns off as do my high beams. I do not get any warning lamps for my high beams, just my low beams. I had to drive in pitch black with my hazards on trying to find a turn out or a safe place to pull over. I was not far too from home and drove back with my hazards on. I take my low beam bulb out of the housing and see that the coil blew. I purchase two new halogen bulbs when I went to go and replace them,I found that both low beam sockets had burned. It has not been reported to the dealer as my headlights are out of warrenty by a few years nor was it reported to the police or insurance because I thought maybe all the lights died at once. I have yet to replace my high beams and i'm the only owner of it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while the contact's husband was driving, the contact noticed an abnormal loud sound. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact noticed an unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the engine seized. In addition, the contact stated that the smoke and the unusual odor subsided. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. In addition, the contact stated that when the failure occurred, the contact's minor children were occupants of the vehicle. The contact stated that the minor children were frightened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall associated with the contact's VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the contact was informed that her contact information was not updated in the database. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while parked and occupied in the vehicle, attempting to close the drive side door, and he heard a raddling noise coming from the front of the vehicle and his wife existed the vehicle and noticed the noise was coming from the windshield. The contact mention his wife also noticed mold and water near the drive side part of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnoses. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed him we no recall they could not provide assistance. The failure mileage was 88,686.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On three occasions while the vehicle was idling, the dashboard screens and interior lights went completely black, and the steering wheel jerked abruptly in my hands. This sudden electrical failure creates a serious safety concern, particularly if it were to occur while driving at higher speeds. The dealer has not been able to reproduce the problem. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. There were no warning lamps after the problem occurred. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a Hyundai dealership. On one occasion, the dealership retained the vehicle for approximately two months but reported no definitive findings despite error codes being present. On a later visit following another failure, no error codes were recorded. The dealership replaced the head/stereo unit and confirmed no active recalls, yet the issue continues. This problem first occurred while the vehicle was covered under an extended warranty, but due to its intermittent nature, it was not resolved before the warranty mileage threshold was exceeded. I have since found numerous similar complaints online from owners of the same model year describing electrical blackouts and steering-related concerns. A Hyundai service manager advised me to dispose of the vehicle, which further reinforces my concern that the defect may be known but unresolved. I believe this issue represents a potential safety defect and warrants documentation and review. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The MDPS sensor is faulty and the electronic power steering shut down on my wife while she was driving on the highway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Our Hyundai Tucson was hit from behind in a multi-car collision at approximately 30 mph and front driver and passenger seats collapsed to the reclining position
THE TRANSMISSION ISN'T SHIFTING OUT PROPERLY. YOU CAN HEAR THE CAR REVVING UP AND NOT CHANGING GEARS. THE ACCELERATION IS SLOW AS WELL. ALTHOUGH I'M PRESSING ON THE GAS, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE CAR TO PICK UP SPEED. THE DRIVER SEAT IN MY BRAND NEW TUSCAN IS ALSO PEELING. I HAVEN'T CLEANED THE SEAT WITH ANY KIND OF CHEMICALS, BUT A SMALL SPOT IS VISIBLY PEELING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. During the crash the vehicle sustained severe front end damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a concussion that later required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was contact regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.
None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle is currently sitting in a tow yard, but is awaiting a an assessment by the insurance adjuster. If the car is totaled, I do not know where it will go. My safety was compromised both when I was T boned by the first car on the passenger side of my car, which no air bags deployed at that time, and then from that car, I was pushed into oncoming traffic, where I was hit head on from another car. I was jilted to the left and sustained injuries, and then when I was struck head on, I was jilted forward towards the steering wheel, and then jilted backwards, also resulting in injury. I believe all other airbags on the other 2 cars were deployed. However, my car, and myself received the most severe damage to my car and myself. The car has been inspected by the police, and the Tow Truck owner in person. The insurance company, and hospital personnel has viewed the vehicle by pictures only. However, I am awaiting communications from the claims adjuster. I am unaware of any waring lamps etc. as the wreck happened less than a second. I was doing 35-40 mph, and she pulled out in front of me, and I had no chance or opportunity to apply my brakes. I have a chest wall, and left shoulder contusion, a concussion, an a hairline fractured collarbone. I do believe that if the airbags had deployed, I would not have suffered these injuries, or the severity.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his daughter had parked the vehicle and left it unattended while in the on position. After approximately 10-15 minutes, the daughter attempted to shut off the vehicle by turning the ignition key from the front passenger side, but after powering off the vehicle rolled backwards down the driveway, also dragging the daughter. While rolling backwards, the front passenger door hit the concrete mail box, and the vehicle continued to roll across the street before stopping in the neighbor's yard. During the incident, the daughter attempted to activate the emergency brake, but was unsuccessful. As a result, the daughter sustained several bruises to the right leg/knee and the back area, which did not require medical treatment. The passenger side door and the concrete mail box were damaged. The police were called to the scene, but no report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was unknown.
Car caught fire on the expressway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
While almost at a complete stop in the process of putting my 2019 Hyundai Tucson in park at my friends home to drop her off, the car involuntarily surged/accelerated forward over a cement curbing and landscaping timber and slide down a small incline into a tree and landscaping boulder! After looking on line concerning the malfunction it seems there are abundant claims from other 2017-2019 Hyundai Tucson owners that have experienced this exact mechanical defect under this frightening description of a surge or acceleration out of the drivers control! It's the craziest, scariest thing ever. We have taken the car in for a recall concerning the check engine light regarding the catalytic converter prior to this incident. The car is well cared for and maintained and has never been in any accident.
*Inside of car smelt like urine upon start. Car went into limp mode. First trip to dealership, catalytic converter was replaced. After the 6th time to dealership for same issue, manufacture approved engine replacement. *The car went into limp mode which posed a safety risk to our family as well as other vehicles on the road. This happened twice while on the freeway and we could have been rear-ended due to unexpected reduced speed. This also happened twice while turning with oncoming traffic approaching. *The problem was reproduced as this happened 6 times before the manufacture would approve an engine replacement. *The dealership replaced all the fuel injectors. No change engine went into limp mode P1326 (failure code). *The dealership installed a new short block engine. *The engine smelling like urine appears to be the first symptom (catalytic converter failure and replaced). When the car went into limp mode the engine light flashes. P1326 (failure code). Urine smell occurred beginning in July 2022 at (23,926 miles). Car went into limp mode for the first time on September 23 (approximately 25,400). * Another issue we are now addressing not related to the above engine issues: Car fish-tales when you drive over any bump in the road. *The dealership is replacing both rear shock absorbers. They said both shocks were leaking fluid. *Car is very unstable and throws you around (like hydro-planning the pavement is dry). *No warning signs, just started happening.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR SEAT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH.
UNCONTROLLED SPEEDING HARD IMPACT ON BUMP VERY LOW SUSPENSION SYSTEM HIGHER MPG THAN ADVERTISED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION ISN'T SHIFTING OUT PROPERLY. YOU CAN HEAR THE CAR REVVING UP AND NOT CHANGING GEARS. THE ACCELERATION IS SLOW AS WELL. ALTHOUGH I'M PRESSING ON THE GAS, IT TAKES A WHILE FOR THE CAR TO PICK UP SPEED. THE DRIVER SEAT IN MY BRAND NEW TUSCAN IS ALSO PEELING. I HAVEN'T CLEANED THE SEAT WITH ANY KIND OF CHEMICALS, BUT A SMALL SPOT IS VISIBLY PEELING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .