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2019 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 93 of 378 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 196 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports11 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine complaints

196 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2024
Engine

On [XXX], my wife and I were traveling westbound on [XXX] in the left hand lane approximately 30 miles from Lincoln, NE. I noticed blue smoke coming from my exhaust. I had to maneuver to avoid traffic in the right hand lane to exit. The engine and oil light came on about 30 yards from where we were able to stop safely. There w…

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On [XXX], my wife and I were traveling westbound on [XXX] in the left hand lane approximately 30 miles from Lincoln, NE. I noticed blue smoke coming from my exhaust. I had to maneuver to avoid traffic in the right hand lane to exit. The engine and oil light came on about 30 yards from where we were able to stop safely. There was a large amount of oil on the ground under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the nearest dealership in Lincoln, NE. On [XXX], the service manager called and asked who last changed my oil. He explained that the oil plug "was left loose, upon diagnosis for the oil light being on, removing the underbody shield to drain the oil out to inspect it, the plug fell out as it was laying on the shield." Prior to the vehicle becoming disabled there was not any indication of the oil plug being lose such as oil residue on the car or leakage appearing in any driveway. The oil was last changed in early September with over 5000 miles driven. The oil change was completed by Walmart prior to the issuance of the TSB #[XXX] to replace the one time use crush type gasket and to confirm no old washer is stuck in the opening. The dealership has not submitted this for a warranty repair and claims Walmart is the responsible party. The TSB #[XXX] indicates that if engine damage occurs from not following the guidelines is subject to warranty chargeback. However, at the time of the oil change, TSB #[XXX] was not yet issued. It seems odd that there was no oil leakage or oil residue on the car prior to [XXX] that the oil plug would suddenly back out unless the oil plug/pan has some sort of defect. It may be reasonable to believe that Hyundai does not want to upload the warranty on engines that are known to have issues. We have submitted a claim to our insurance company to investigate if this was caused by hitting something on the road and have submitted a claim with Walmart. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11565322

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I was just entering the expressway about 70 miles from my home, and the engine light came on in the vehicle. I could not accelerate to more than 52 mph even with the pedal to the floor. I had to drive home in the right-hand lane with my hazards on. This was the second time this happened within a month. The first time the dea…

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I was just entering the expressway about 70 miles from my home, and the engine light came on in the vehicle. I could not accelerate to more than 52 mph even with the pedal to the floor. I had to drive home in the right-hand lane with my hazards on. This was the second time this happened within a month. The first time the dealer replaced the knock sensor after one week. It ran fine for 3 weeks and then the exact same thing happened in exactly the same place 70 miles from my home. My car has been in the shop for a week now, and they still don't know what the issue is, even though they are communicating with Hyundai. I see a pattern here after reading so many similar complaints from other people owning a Hyundai Tucson.

NHTSA ODI #11564490

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

I was driving on the highway. The engine began making a ticking noise that momentarily went away and then quickly got louder. I saw white smoke out of the back, pulled over, and then saw black smoke from the front. The check engine light only momentarily came out AFTER the white smoke was visible and I was actively pulling over.…

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I was driving on the highway. The engine began making a ticking noise that momentarily went away and then quickly got louder. I saw white smoke out of the back, pulled over, and then saw black smoke from the front. The check engine light only momentarily came out AFTER the white smoke was visible and I was actively pulling over. I ran out of the car, and turned to look only to see a fire under the engine bay. I did not have a collision nor hit anything on the road. Engine had full synthetic oil in it, and the oil was changed less than 10,000 miles precious. (Also checked oil level/condition the week before). The car went from driving fine, to entirely engulfed in flames within 2-4 minutes. Maine state police: case# 245000657 The vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance company yet. The report will be sent to me, and it is currently available for inspection upon request. I literally could have burned alive. My family could have been trapped. I was on the highway, LUCKILY I decided to pull over when I did. If I did not, within 40 seconds I would’ve been engulfed in flames. I have most certainly not been sleeping well in the least bit. The only warning sign happened 5-10 seconds before I was out of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11563969

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2023
Engine

Dear sir, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson has been in and out of Milford Hyundai five times now they say it is in oil consumption problem they say they requested a new motor. This last time my grandson was in the car we were on the highway out of nowhere the car would not go over 30 miles an hour light was flashing. I got off the highway…

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Dear sir, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson has been in and out of Milford Hyundai five times now they say it is in oil consumption problem they say they requested a new motor. This last time my grandson was in the car we were on the highway out of nowhere the car would not go over 30 miles an hour light was flashing. I got off the highway and called AAA that was eight days ago previous to that it has been checked and towed in three times and driven in while the light was flashing And not going over 30 miles an hour I have not heard from anyone in service . They have not gotten back to me to let me know what’s going on. Their customer service is awful. Please advise I am [XXX] they are taking advantage of my age and me being a woman who has duties and works and grandchildren and a mom I need a car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11559052

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2023
Engine

My 2019 HyandI Tucson’s engine light came on, so I checked my engine oil and found it to be 2 quarts low on oil, so I added the missing oil and come to find out that 2 weeks ago I had added one quart of oil. That mean in 3 weeks I added 3 quarts of motor oil. I brought the car to our HuandI dealership where we have …

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My 2019 HyandI Tucson’s engine light came on, so I checked my engine oil and found it to be 2 quarts low on oil, so I added the missing oil and come to find out that 2 weeks ago I had added one quart of oil. That mean in 3 weeks I added 3 quarts of motor oil. I brought the car to our HuandI dealership where we have our vehicles serviced and explained to them to check for engine oil leaks and when I came back to pick up the car, they told me there was no sign of any oil leaks. So if there are no leaks, where is all this oil going? The engine runs just fine but it’s burning much to much oil. I mean you shouldn’t have to put one quart of oil every week, that’s just crazy.. I will have to bring the car back to the dealership in Centereach NY., and tell them to check again, this car is driven locally by my wife and she never drives over 55 MPH, even on the expressway. This car was never abused. I have a 2004 Chevy Venture with 195 thousand and I never put oil in it, I just have it replaced every 3 thousand miles, that’s it, I did notice that we aren’t the only ones that have this problem with this model car, that’s insane. I may just have to write a letter to the CEO, if they can’t find the problem. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11557144

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2023
Engine

On November 13, 2023 I was driving the vehicle and the check engine light came on and it went into "limp mode". I was well aware of what was happening because this is at least the 4th time this has occurred since owning the vehicle. It happened in Dec of 2022, Feb 2023, and again on July 6, 2023, The last time it happened the de…

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On November 13, 2023 I was driving the vehicle and the check engine light came on and it went into "limp mode". I was well aware of what was happening because this is at least the 4th time this has occurred since owning the vehicle. It happened in Dec of 2022, Feb 2023, and again on July 6, 2023, The last time it happened the dealer had it for over a month and could not "reproduce" the problem, so I got the car back without anything really haven been done to fix it. Same as in Dec 2022 and Feb 2023. I had to fight to get the dealership to get me a "loaner" rental and had to pay for it out of my own pocket to start with. Eventually after many, many phone calls, voicemails, emails later - I did get reimbursed. But this did not happen until I email the President of Hyundai and all the executives of Hyundai. I didn't get the car back until a month later and still nothing was done. So here were are 3 months later and it's throwing the same issue/problem and I am back at square one. At this point in time, I am not interested in having it "diagnosed", all I want is for Hyundai to do a "buyback" so that I can get into a vehicle that I can trust to be reliable and not breaking down for no apparent reason every 2-3 months. This is totally ridiculous and the government needs to do more to hold Hyundai accountable for these pieces of crap cars they've put on the market. Irritated is not even the word. Will be calling the Western District Manager today as that is the last person I talked to back in August when I got it back - he said to call him directly and he would "take care of it".

NHTSA ODI #11554811

84,000 miles · Oct 17, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor. The co…

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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor. The contact was informed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been a recurring failure for more than two years. The contact stated that every time the vehicle was taken to the dealer because of the failure, the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired and then the failure would reoccur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11550441

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2023
Engine

Oil consumption issues. Presented at oil change with very little oil, no warning light, followed by a loss of a quart every month following. Contacted Hyundai for oil consumption test. Dealer said I would have to replace the oil pan gasket ($600)before they would start the test from Hyundai. Loss of power or engine seizing could…

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Oil consumption issues. Presented at oil change with very little oil, no warning light, followed by a loss of a quart every month following. Contacted Hyundai for oil consumption test. Dealer said I would have to replace the oil pan gasket ($600)before they would start the test from Hyundai. Loss of power or engine seizing could be dangerous. I feel Hyundai shoud replace the engine and reimburse me for the oilpan gasket.

NHTSA ODI #11549510

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2023
Engine

Engine passing rod bearing clearance test. I have had the vehicle towed 3x to the dealership for the same issue. KSDS and combustion chamber cleaning was done but check engine light still coming on. This car has put my safety at risk by going into limp mode while driving over 60 mph.

NHTSA ODI #11545978

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2023
Engine

my car has been losing oil, i reported it to the dealership when my check engine light was on, 800$ later they give it back, light reappears i brought it back then they fixed it free. brought car in for safety recall told them it was burning and engine smoking while on he did not address told me process would take too much not …

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my car has been losing oil, i reported it to the dealership when my check engine light was on, 800$ later they give it back, light reappears i brought it back then they fixed it free. brought car in for safety recall told them it was burning and engine smoking while on he did not address told me process would take too much not worth it. check engine light reappears 1 week later then wont stop. he tells me timing chain exhaust failure from unsteady levels of oil... but i need to pay 2600 for the problem the burning oil caused!? i can pay the 2600 but it will still be burning oil so the 3rd failure will occur. there is no way this can be legal can it? so i call corperate, they said charge her 2600 then start the oil burning process, she can also pay for that testing and return in 1000 miles?!?! 3 xs!! is this legal? please tell me what to do im stuck

NHTSA ODI #11542215

Official recalls

1

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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