VehicleVerdict

2019 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson carries two red flags at once: 517 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.2× the Tucson norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Tucson years to avoid. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 195 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

517

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

19

Crash-involved

20

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine19538%
Brakes11522%
Electrical System499%
Transmission418%
Other265%
Fuel System245%
Driver Assistance194%
Speed Control163%
Body & Structure71%
Lighting61%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Airbags31%
Seats31%
Steering31%
Suspension20%
Seat Belts20%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V543000BrakesSeptember 4, 2020 · 652,024 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“1.3 MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE 2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON IT STARTED TO SMOKE. 5 MINUTES LATER IT WAS ON FIRE!! IT HAD LESS THAN 400 MILES ON IT AND I'VE YET TO FIND OUT WHAT EXACTLY CAUSED THE FIRE. HYUNDAI OR THE DEALERSHIP WON'T TELL ME. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2019 · fire

“The contact called on behalf of the owner who owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught fire. The fire marshals extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 2, 2022 · fire

“DRIVING HWY SPEEDS 65MPH, CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND ALMOST KILLED BY TRUCK WHILE CHANGING LANES. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR THEN DIED, LOCKED, AND CAN NOT BE OPENED WITH PHYSICAL KEY, KEY FOB NOR BLUELINK REMOTE. CAR IS BRAND NEW JULY PURCHASE 1800 MILES. BLUELINK SHOWS 0 PROBLEMS UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 21, 2019 · crash

“DRIVING HWY SPEEDS 65MPH, CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND ALMOST KILLED BY TRUCK WHILE CHANGING LANES. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR THEN DIED, LOCKED, AND CAN NOT BE OPENED WITH PHYSICAL KEY, KEY FOB NOR BLUELINK REMOTE. CAR IS BRAND NEW JULY PURCHASE 1800 MILES. BLUELINK SHOWS 0 PROBLEMS UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 21, 2019 · crash

“1.3 MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE 2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON IT STARTED TO SMOKE. 5 MINUTES LATER IT WAS ON FIRE!! IT HAD LESS THAN 400 MILES ON IT AND I'VE YET TO FIND OUT WHAT EXACTLY CAUSED THE FIRE. HYUNDAI OR THE DEALERSHIP WON'T TELL ME. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 19, 2019 · fire

2019 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 517 complaints put the 2019 model at #5 of 22 Tucson years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (195 complaints), brakes (115 complaints), electrical system (49 complaints).

Does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.