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.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tucson years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
378 reportsWhile 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…
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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.
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 pulle…
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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.
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 …
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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.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. T…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Purchased the car in March 2021 with 41,391 miles on it. The day after I picked it up check engine light came on checked the code it was a P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold, contacted dealer they took the car in and replaced the catalytic converter. Now 8 months later & a little less than 15,000 miles the check en…
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Purchased the car in March 2021 with 41,391 miles on it. The day after I picked it up check engine light came on checked the code it was a P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold, contacted dealer they took the car in and replaced the catalytic converter. Now 8 months later & a little less than 15,000 miles the check engine light came on again and guess what code popped up? P0420 now I am not an auto expert but I don't think its right that a catalytic converter would need to be replaced twice in that short time frame. Time to figure out what is causing this considering I am not the only one who has reported this
Going up a hill, "Check Blind-Spot Collision Warning System" alert, clunk sound, rpms revved high, power lost and did not shift gears. 2 occurrences. Approximately 40,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded …
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a light knocking sound was heard coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the oil level was low despite recently having an oil change. The contact then added 2 quar…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a light knocking sound was heard coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the oil level was low despite recently having an oil change. The contact then added 2 quarts of oil inside the engine and resumed driving 30 MPH however, the vehicle shut off without warning. The dealer was contacted, and she had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 51,392.
I have not owned this vehicle since 1/2021. I informed the dealer who took the vehicle in trade that there was an open recall. I have let Hyundai know that I no longer own the vehicle. Despite multiple communications with Hyundai, they have made no indication that they would try to find the new owner and direct recall informat…
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I have not owned this vehicle since 1/2021. I informed the dealer who took the vehicle in trade that there was an open recall. I have let Hyundai know that I no longer own the vehicle. Despite multiple communications with Hyundai, they have made no indication that they would try to find the new owner and direct recall information to that party. In the past, when this situation has occurred with other manufacturers, letting the manufacturer that I no longer owned the vehicle was sufficient and the manufacturer took over from there. I find Hyundai's process to be unsatisfactory. As I have not been able to redirect them to the new owner, I am taking the step of informing NHTSA.
Official recalls
120V543000 · 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
2AQ23002 · 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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