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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while in her daughter's possession, the engine had failed to start after multiple attempts. Several warning lights illuminated the instrument panel during the failure. The vehicle was jumpstarted and the horn began to blare once the engine restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they were unable to determine the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle would rattle while both idle and upon activation of the AC. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given to a case manager; she was later instructed by the case manager to take the vehicle back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2022
While on the road, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Value dashboard warning lights lit up and stated to check the Lane Keeping Assist and the Forward Collision Assist. The engine light, anti-skid light and power steering light came on as well as the car began to decelerate while in the middle of traffic. I pulled over and turned the car off. When trying to turn back on, the car would not start again until I began pumping the gas with my foot for a few seconds then it started; however, now the engine light was on although it drove normally after that. This has happened to me a few times now, but is very scary because it gives no warning and when I take it to the dealership they can never find anything wrong with it.
Steering, Electrical system, Structure, Sep 19, 2022
This car was stolen because the manufacturer neglected to install an immobilizer in the engine. The car was locked and parked in a secure location, and someone broke the window, opened the steering column and was able to start the car with simply a USB. This incident could have entirely been avoided if it weren’t for the negligence of Hyundai manufacturers for not installing a key component of this vehicle. The engine immobilizer. The car has since been in the shop for 50 days attempting to repair the damage done by the thieves. Charging me tons of money in deductibles, transportation fees, rental coverage. Again, all of this could have been avoided if Hyundai was a responsible dealer.
Engine, Sep 18, 2022
In this 2019 Hyundai Tucson with about 31,000 miles, engine stalling occurred the second time during driving with two passengers on I-76 at approximately 73 mph in the cruise mode on September 11, 2022; the speed kept dropping and gas pedal did not respond at all; fortunately, the driver could manage to pull over the car to an emergency zone; from the lesson in the first engine stalling incident on I-376 on in October 2021, turning the ignition key to the OFF position then to the "ON" appeared to make the engine work again, like nothing occurred; there was no engine warning light, or OBDII warnings.
Engine, Sep 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. The contact smelled a burning odor coming from the A/C vents. The contact was unable to veer 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 towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 33,243.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 10 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle started shaking and stalled several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2022
The car started shaking and stalled. I restarted and it stalled another 2 times. I call Hyundai in Miami on 2001 NE 2nd ave 33137 and I dropped off. They refuse to fix it saying the computer did not register any fault code. I am not comfotable driving a defective vehicle.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and low oil warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to restart the vehicle to park properly. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,668.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022, crash
The contact leased a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated on four separate occasions while driving and without warning, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward. The contact then stated that the second time while idled in line behind another vehicle, the vehicle jerked and then lunged forward. As a result, the vehicle rear-ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The contact then stated that the third time while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward almost causing the vehicle to rear end another vehicle. The contact also stated that a fourth time while idle, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the jerk happens. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where it confirmed that the vehicle jerked but did not offer any further assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 22,800
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 16, 2022
2019 Hyundai Tucson I purchased 13 months ago with a mere 5, 241 miles on it., (Currently 29k mi) from Bert Ogden Subaru/Mazda in Edinburg, TX. On 6/26/22 it Started Shaking violently then "rodknocking" and finally failing in middle of major, high-traffic hwy. Near causing accident. NOwarning lights, check engine lights, oil lights, etc. Car was towed to Tipton Ford Hyundai, in Brownsville, TX. As it urns out (through my own research), my vin# falls under a recall issue that was not fixed prior to purchase nor disclosed to me, re:"engine monitoring and logics warning system failure". More importantly, 2) There are several class-action lawsuits underway, one settled, in which Hyundai was found liable for faulty "class II Theta Engines" and a suit involving "GDI NU 2.OL" (same as my vehicle) leading to rod knocking sensor failure, premature worn bearings and even cars catching fire! This is a no-brainer situation in which hyundai should be replacing my engine as ordered, but instead they are claiming, vehicle "neglect" (all maint. receipts were provided)and rejecting claim(which seems to be their m.o. based on similar complaints / civil filings that are ALL OVER THE WEB) and dealer says Im responsible for paying for new engine. Not sure who is responsible: the dealer I purchased from, for selling me a defective vehicle, the Hyundai dealer it was towed to, or Hyundai itself for denying what is a VERY well known liability on their part and apparently a widespread years-long issues with engine defects, recalls, suits, judgements, etx but have many court transcripts of consumers claiming Hyundai blaming thd customer for "neglect" to avoid replacing engine. I need legal help and advice. I HAVE to have car for work and dealer knows it and seems hyundai does, because they wont cover rental, wont provide "loaner" and seems dealer didnt even debate this with HMA because I purchased vehicle elsewhere. They just accepted Hyundai's denial and is now attempting to take advantage.
Power train, Engine, Jul 9, 2022
Engine failure due to connecting rods issue. Engine began to smoke while driving with no warning, had complete engine failure and had to have vehicle towed to dealership.
Seats, Jul 2, 2022, crash
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
Engine, Apr 26, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. Once the vehicle stopped the doors were automatically locked. The nearby drivers notified the contact of the fire under the vehicle. Once the contact exited the vehicle, the engine was destroyed by the fire. The inside of the vehicle was still functional. The state police arrived on the scene; however, a police report has not been obtained. The fire department also arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a wrecking yard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. There were no injuries or medical reports. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine, Apr 18, 2022
I helped my daughter buy a used 2019 Hyundai Tuscon with 42K miles since she was going to med school and needed reliable transportation. At 62K miles the engine failed. The engine stalled in the middle of the highway and she was in the middle of the highway for some time before she could restart the engine. She was nearly rear ended. The dealer she brought the car back to said there was no oil in the engine despite the fact that she had the oil changed two months before this incident. There have been many problems with the Hyundai "Theta II" and 2 liter GDI engines that were supposedly fixed and there was a class action lawsuit on Hyundai Tuscons up to 2016 which was well publicized. This car has a 2 liter engine (which is all I know). It does not appear that Hyundai has fixed their engine problems since I believe this is the same problem as before. I am filing this complaint in my daughetrs behalf since she has to take her medical boards in one month. It is bad enough that her car has been tied up for 3 months and she has to transport her husband across town twice a day.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
As previously stated, was driving when csr began to smoke and stall. After almost three months of being at the dealership it was determined to be the ROD BEARING failure. Earlier models of this vehicle have been recalled due to this issue. Please look into the newer models as well.
Engine, Mar 26, 2022
Motor blew with regular maintenance done at 77k
Engine, Mar 20, 2022
When driving car slowed down and battery sign appeared on the dash board. The car started to gives jerks when stopped at the traffic light. When continued after the lights, it struggled to pick up. This happened two to three times in two days.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
Engine stalled. Drove it to gas station but engine has knocking sound. Was told that it may fall under the Theta Engines recall.
Engine, Mar 4, 2022
Car started knocking on a Wednesday like it wanted to cut off, no engine lights came on. Got car towed to dealership on Thursday morning, still no engine light. Dealership called on Thursday said I need a new engine. Car was a 2019 Hyundai Tucson which I purchased in 2020 with 60,059miles. I was the second owner.
Engine, Feb 24, 2022
On 2-23-2022 , I was driving approximately 30 MPH when all of a sudden there was a noise that kept getting louder which sounded like a knocking or broken fan, the vehicle RPM increased, the vehicle hesitated, did not accelerate, stalled, the check oil and engine light came on, I coasted into parking lot. When I opened the hood, there was no signs of smoke, oil leak, or smells, however, when I went to check the oil, smoke came out of where the oil dip stick goes. I attempted to have the vehicle jump started with no luck, just a clicking sound. I had the vehicle towed to be serviced.
Lane departure, Feb 9, 2022
Blind spot warning becomes disabled sporadically? Engine needs to be turned off and restarted to reconnect Blind Spot Warning. This has been an ongoing problem for the last few years. It never shows up when brought into dealer for inspection? Nor are there any computerized “messages” in the system? The below “Additional Details” only reflect yesterday’s occurrence. This problem happens on a regular basis. with no regularity?
Engine, Feb 4, 2022
Was driving uphill, heard a clanging sound. Car engine completely shut off and started smoking, lights worked. Towed it to dealer, they said it will be 30 days before we hear about the issue, they said they will fix the original recall after tearing the engine down.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 5, 2022
While driving down a busy road at 10:00 pm on New Years Eve, my vehicle's engine completely shut off. Immediately prior to the shut off, the vehicle's dash displayed the oil and battery lights. The vehicle's automatic emergency brake and steering wheel lock were both engaged, not allowing me (or the tow truck company) to move my vehicle out of this busy road. My car remained in this location for 3 and a half hours. The hazard lights stopped working after the first hour, making it extremely difficult to see that the vehicle was stopped. After the second hour, an officer parked behind my vehicle with their lights flashing as he said it was an extremely dangerous situation and my car was sure to be hit. He was able to get a tow truck to me before Hyundai. For hours, numerous people were forced to brake quickly/swerve into other lane to avoid hitting my car. This occurred right before an intersection, putting 4 directions of drivers at risk of collision. I stood in the rain, near my car, attempting to help direct drivers away from the lane until the police officer showed up. The vehicle is now at the dealership which confirmed engine failure, pending replacement. Possibly related, this vehicle had the catalytic convertor replaced 3 months prior. It is not yet confirmed if this contributed to the engine failure.
Engine, Jan 3, 2022
The engine in my 2019 Hyundai Tucson turned off while driving down the interstate without any lights or warnings. My 2 year old was in the back seat at the time, and this could have caused a significant risk to not only myself and son, but others on the road if we were not traveling at highway speed. The vehicle was safely pulled over to the side of the road and would not restart. I got it towed to the dealership it was purchased from and they informed me they have been having a lot of issues with engines recently and mine would need to be replaced. It has now been sitting at the dealership since Thanksgiving waiting to be serviced, which is covered under manufacture warranty. It is located at Hyundai of Brunswick in Brunswick, Ga and can be accessed if needed.
Power train, Engine, Dec 23, 2021
Purchased the vehicle in June 2021 only had 1 previous owner. The dealership stated it was a pre-owned certified used vehicle that had just been inspected and service. Within the first month I had to take it back for multiple issues most recently the catalytic converter to be replaced and the Engine. I haven't even owned it let alone driven it long or far enough for either of these parts to need service or have failed. It's not even time for my first oil change that how low the mileage is that I've put on it. The dealership originally told me they never head about the complaints regarding the engine now they are trying to stiff me on selling me a lemon by charging me 3000 and telling me Hyundai isn't willing to cover the repairs. If this is a known issue which is seems to be a recall should now be issued.