2019 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 379 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 15 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 4, 2020
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.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Campaign 20V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
379 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 17, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Vehicle Information: • VIN: [XXX] • Year: 2019 • Make: Hyundai • Model: Tucson • Mileage: 132,303 Problem Description: On Oct 11, 2025, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson entered limp mode on the freeway, losing power suddenly, posing a safety risk. This followed a dealership visit a couple months ago for a recall engine repair (possibly 21V-727). They returned the car with a check engine light, claiming it was a false error needing a reset on my next visit. No reset was done. On Oct 11, the limp mode forced a tow back to the dealership. They now demand $300 for diagnostics and refuse a loaner, claiming it may not be warranty-related. I’ve escalated to Hyundai national team case number : 41621677 with no resolution after four days. This feels like a safety defect tied to the prior recall work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2025
The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption and increasingly severe engine performance symptoms. The oil level drops rapidly between changes, but the loss is not due to external leaks. The engine burns oil internally, causing residue buildup and damage to other components — specifically the intake manifold and catalytic converter, which the dealer has now recommended replacing. These issues align with the symptoms addressed in Hyundai Campaign 966 (Engine Monitoring / Knock Sensor Detection System), which is intended to detect early bearing wear and related oil consumption defects. However, the dealership refused to perform the required campaign diagnostics (bearing inspection, KSDS verification, and oil-consumption test) without charging a diagnostic fee. Even though the engine has not yet fully failed or entered limp mode, the excessive oil consumption is already causing secondary damage to emissions and intake components. If left unresolved, this can escalate to engine seizure, catalytic converter overheating, or exhaust-related fires due to unburned oil entering the converter. These are clear safety hazards that can result in loss of power, smoke, or fire while driving. Multiple Hyundai owners have reported identical problems — excessive oil loss, residue damage to emission systems, and dealer refusals to perform Campaign 966 inspections. These patterns indicate a systemic engine defect that leads to downstream component failures, not isolated wear. Replacing the manifold or converter does not correct the root cause, as oil consumption continues after replacement and will likely damage new parts. The dealer’s refusal to perform the manufacturer’s required diagnostics and their attempt to charge for unrelated repairs prevent proper defect identification. This is a serious and ongoing safety issue affecting Hyundai Tucson and other models with the same engine family.
Engine, Sep 26, 2025
Hyunda dealerships are not replacing engine that have been recalled because Hyunda Corporation is refusing to allow the replacements. They are nit picking at reasons to not replace. I believe it because of the number of replacements needed is overwhelming tothe corporate offices and they are picking and choosing on which car get replaced. We have spent thousands of dollars on rentals waiting over months for decisions and there are no loaners available for the customers. I have written numerous letters to corporate has not responded back. The dealership have threaten to get your vehicles removed from there lots if you have been turned down. They have stranded hundreds of customers with vehicles that done run. We need more assistance in rectifying the situation. To know fault of our own we have been punished. Sincerly, [XXX] father of son who has a Hyunda INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 23, 2025
Due to known oil consumption my car stalled due to no oil left in the engine even though there were 2,000 miles left until my oil change. I have since started to go to my local Hyundai dealership to test for oil consumption and have been tested 3 times and Hyundai is saying that there is oil consumption but it is under the threshold they consider actionable. This is very problematic and can cause many issues for myself and others.
Engine, Sep 11, 2025
Oil consumption
Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2025
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.
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
My car has had an oil consumption problem for over a year that Hyundai refuses to acknowledge. I passed the oil consumption test because the oil burns rapidly when I have about 1,000 miles left before my next oil change. They have replaced my exhaust, catalytic converter, spark plugs, and oil release valve over the course of many visits. Every time I have the oil problem, they find something different to “fix” and I have to pay out of pocket. None of these have fixed the actual problem. The hyundai representative I have been in contact with (after they reassigned my case to someone 3 different times - so it’s never the same person that is familiar with my case), told me there is nothing they can do to help me because the dealerships are independently owned. I am now out of warranty, although I originally brought my car there while it was still covered under warranty.
Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2025, crash
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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
Car has had shaking during acceleration and a noise (rattle/knock/tapping) from the engine for last 18 months. Dealer “could not find any issues” until July 31st 2025 when the engine broke down with a P1326 code (connecting rod bearing failure) and the engine seized. Vehicle is under class action class with extended 150k 15 year warranty on engine for this concern. Had recall performed for the knock sensor detection system as required by class action. Dealership first asked for most recent oil change record (provided) and than informed that Hyundai declined repairs due to full maintenance records not being submitted. Have now submitted full maintenance records to dealer and Hyundai directly since I purchased in 2023 as certified pre owned. All maintenance performed as per factory recommendations In manual. Hyundai still declining repairs without any explanation.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
My engine has an oil consumption problem that I've been dealing with Hyundai on. The vehicle is a 2019 Hyundai tucson. Last Friday [XXX] my car lost power on the freeway on a bridge and I began to slow down and couldn't pull over due to no shoulder. I had myself and my family in the car with me, (wife, [XXX] , [XXX] ) My car has failed two oil consumption tests and had a combustion chamber cleaning to try to resolve this issue. Now after losing power, the dealer has gone back on their word of engine replacement because Hyundai denied the claim. They are telling me the oil consumption lead to the catalytic converter getting plugged and losing power. The engine light for that has been on throughout all of the oil consumption testing (months) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2025
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.
Engine, Aug 15, 2025
This vehicle was purchased by me in November of 2024. It was a one owner used car. At the time of purchase, the vehicle was inspected by the dealer and the oil was changed. It had only been driven 3000 miles when the check engine light began flashing. I took it in to a dealership and learned that it was burning oil at an excessive rate causing engine wear and damage. I have since learned that the engine will need to be replaced. I also learned that this is a very common and known problem with Hyundai engines.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2025
The vehicle was brought in just after a month of owning it due to it was accelerating slow and driving bad salesmans sent it to Hyundai dealership for diagnosis and it came back that the motor needed to be replaced due to recall vehicle was in repair shop for over 3 months to get a new motor once returned the very next day the check engine light came back on so I brung it back to the Hyundai dealership per Hub City's salesmans instruction to have vehicle diagnosis again. Hyundai advised that the vehicle needed a catalyst converter among other codes detected on vehicle.
Engine, Aug 7, 2025
Vehicle is consuming oil at a rate of 2 quarts per 1000 miles which could lead to catastrophic engine failure at highway speed causing serious crash and loss of life. This is apparently a common defect with many Hyundia engines that the manufacturer is actively trying to deny warranty claims.
Engine, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 20 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and unexpectedly came to a complete stop. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 MPH on the expressway, the engine light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. While leaving the dealer, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that there was a zip tie making the sound, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Hyundai of Louisville Service Department (6633 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40258); where it was diagnosed. The clamps were not installed properly, which caused the issue. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 141,236.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2025
On a busy highway, my car broke down. It was due to the rod bearings, specifically, the Hyundai Theta "extended warranty"/recall issue, or "recall" issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Hyundai. I had the car towed to Hallmark Hyundai in Nashville, TN. I, however, live in Louisville, KY and I was making a road trip to Nashville, TN. I was told by the Service Rep in Nashville that they couldn't provide me with a loaner vehicle because I would be driving it, back home, out of state to Louisville, KY. I paid for a rental car out-of-pocket. Hyundai Corporate told me it would take 60 days to get reimbursed. I picked up the car at the beginning of July, 2025, after the engine was replaced by Hallmark Hyundai. I was told by Hallmark Hyundai that a service employee performed a test drive but it was immediately noticeable to me that there were still issues. I noticed the gears shifting abnormally and problems with acceleration once I first started driving it, post repairs, but assumed I would be told to give it time. Today, [XXX], the car began to have difficulty accelerating once again, and the engine light illuminated. I couldn't accelerate beyond 45 mph. I phoned Hyundai Corporate Customer Care, relayed the issues, and said I needed a rental car the following morning for a job pre-hire meeting and couldn't pay for one since my credit card was already maxed out due to the first out-of-pocket rental. They refused. They told me to work it out with my local Hyundai dealership. The problem with all of this is that the consumer still incurs many hardships even though the car manufacturer is at fault and the dealerships don't always follow the settlement requirements of providing alternate transportation, a loaner or rental. The manufacturer and dealers are not held accountable and settlements that purport consumer recourse are more geared towards the manufacturer staying in business than the consumer being compensated fairly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a red light, the missing key warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The hazard lights were independently deactivated. The contact became aware of an abnormal odor and smoke on the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle. The contact stated that all the door latches were independently locked, and the engine seized. The contact stated that her minor child was also an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that a nearby Police Officer and other bystanders assisted with removing the contact and the minor child from the vehicle. The contact stated that it was a very traumatic experience, and the contact was very fearful for the lives of her minor child and herself. The contact had a doctor's appointment scheduled; however, because of the failure, the appointment had to be rescheduled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was offered a Trade-in option. The contact declined the Trade-in option. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Engine, Jun 30, 2025
Engine has been burning through oil. Started the Engine oil consumption test at one dealership. That dealership has now closed leaving me to go to another dealership. They want me to start the process over again. I have had two oil changes, failed the second test and was scheduled to bring my car back for the next step in the diagnostic process. Not only do they want me to pay out of pocket again for an oil change but my car is driving worse. It didn't start the other day and it drives horribly. The safety concern I have is that the engine will seize while driving, causing an accident.
Engine, Jun 16, 2025
P012800 failure on thermostat for engine
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
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)
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
The engine seized will on the highway unexpectedly. While driving on the highway the car suddenly started to slow down and would not pick up speed. I was able to get off on the first exit and make it a close to the right hand land as possible before the car stalled. I was stuck on the feeder road and at risk of being hit from behind. I cranked the car and was unable to move. While calling a tow truck and waiting for it to arrive later I tried to crank the car again and was able to drive it to the nearest safe place.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH and stalled several times. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with exhaust system failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and a DTC for engine failure was retrieved due to the exhaust system failure. The dealer forwarded diagnostic test report to the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the repair under an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program because the oil change records were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine, May 25, 2025
Substantial oil consumption. Refilling oil once a month. Is not covered yet under engine recall. Dealership purchased from in Virginia Beach will not cover repairs.
Engine, May 5, 2025
My vehicle isn’t in the oil consumption recall yet it uses oil very fast then the warning light doesn’t come on till oil is almost all gone ! I’m having to add oil every month ! How can I get this paid for for free by Hyundai ?