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2019 Hyundai Tucson: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 385 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tucson, and engine is the biggest group[1][2]. The model year has one recall, for a brake control unit that can short and cause an engine compartment fire[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 385 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 15 mention a crash, 11 a fire and 10 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[2] | 204 | 50,696 |
| Brakes[7] | 118 | 18,500 |
| Electrical system[8] | 47 | 12,000 |
| Power train[9] | 42 | 5,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[10] | 28 | 4,301 |
Engine complaints include 8 fires, the most of any group[2]. The fuel/propulsion group has 4[10].
In a sample of complaints we read, owners of the power train group describe slow or hesitating acceleration, and the engine revving without the car picking up speed[9]. Engine complaints in our sample describe the car losing power or shutting off while driving, and some describe hard starting[2]. Electrical complaints in the sample describe power cutting out with warning lights on the dash[8].
Some brake and electrical complaints in our sample are about the recall repair, not a new failure. Owners describe calling dealers and hearing that parts were not available[7][8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Recalls
- Anti-lock brake control unit (20V543). Issued September 4, 2020[3]. Hyundai says the control unit for the anti-lock brakes can corrode inside and cause an electrical short. The risk is a fire in the engine compartment, which can lead to injury or a crash. The fix is a new fuse, and for 2019 to 2021 models also a stability control software update. The repair is at no charge to the owner, and the recall began November 2, 2020[3]. Until the repair is done, owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings[3].
Some owner complaints on file describe dealers lacking parts for this repair when the recall started[7][8]. If you own or are shopping for one, ask a dealer to confirm the repair status for that exact car.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the 2019 Tucson at 21 to 23 mpg in the city and 25 to 30 on the highway[5][11][12][13]. All versions use regular gas.
| Version | City / Highway / Combined | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L, front-wheel drive[5] | 23 / 30 / 26 | $2,600 |
| 2.0L, all-wheel drive[11] | 22 / 25 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L, front-wheel drive[12] | 22 / 28 / 25 | $2,700 |
| 2.4L, all-wheel drive[13] | 21 / 26 / 23 | $2,900 |
All four are listed with Automatic (S6). EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive Tucson 5 stars overall[6], 5 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover[6]. Rollover risk is 15.5%[6]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.2%[14].
Engine and size
EPA lists two engines for this year. The 2.0L four-cylinder is rated at 161 hp[15]. The 2.4L four-cylinder is rated at 181 hp[16].
Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2019 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 | 8 |
| 2006 | 135 | 5 |
| 2007 | 65 | 5 |
| 2008 | 43 | 1 |
| 2009 | 18 | 1 |
| 2010 | 59 | 4 |
| 2011 | 124 | 5 |
| 2012 | 255 | 3 |
| 2013 | 266 | 3 |
| 2014 | 202 | 2 |
| 2015 | 229 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1,625 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1,092 | 3 |
| 2018 | 399 | 1 |
| 2019 | 385 | 1 |
| 2020 | 179 | 1 |
| 2021 | 80 | 1 |
| 2022 | 506 | 3 |
| 2023 | 181 | 2 |
| 2024 | 150 | 4 |
| 2025 | 441 | 7 |
| 2026 | 98 | 5 |
NHTSA lists 385 complaints and 1 recall for 2019[4]. Five Tucson model years have more complaints: 2016 with 1,625, 2017 with 1,092, 2022 with 506, 2025 with 441 and 2018 with 399[4]. That puts 2019 sixth highest of the 22 years listed[4]. The next two years are lower, with 179 complaints for 2020 and 80 for 2021[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide[4].
Should you buy a used 2019 Tucson?
The 2019 Tucson earns 5 NHTSA stars overall[6][14]. Its 385 complaints rank sixth highest among the 22 Tucson model years listed[4]. The one recall is serious because of the fire risk, so ask a dealer to confirm it has been done on the exact car[3]. Test drive for hesitation or power loss, since those are themes in the complaints we read[9][2]. We have no data on reliability scores, so this page cannot say how it holds up over time.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
- Engine is the largest NHTSA complaint group at 204 of 385 complaints, followed by brakes at 118[1][2][7].
- Does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
- Yes, recall 20V543 covers the anti-lock brake control unit, which can corrode and cause an engine compartment fire[3].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
- EPA combined ratings run from 23 to 26 mpg depending on engine and drive[5][11][12][13].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 385 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson (15 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 204 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 8 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,696). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V543, filed September 4, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Tucson model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 118 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 47 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 42 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,301). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tucson FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tucson AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2019 Hyundai Tucson with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 161 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2019 Hyundai Tucson with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUCSON 4DR SUV AWD: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,602 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUCSON 4DR SUV FWD: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,439 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov