NHTSA has received 383 owner complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, or 49.2 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints (complaint index 1.22, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 78 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #54 of 78 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Hyundai models its rate is 9% lower; against other Compact SUVs it is 18% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-12-15 and 2026-10-13. Median delay from incident to filing: 21 days.
383Complaints
49.2Complaints per year on the road
1.22Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls · ⚠ 1
6.5%Share involving a crash or fire
55Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 45.3 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 26.2 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 86 complaints, 9% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (52.7% of complaints), followed by Brakes (26.4%) and Electrical (7.3%). Engine complaints are 2.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 25 reports (6.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 10 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 45 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (35% of incidents). In the last 12 months 55 new complaints were filed, versus 47 in the 12 months before — up 17%.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 2 NHTSA investigations cover this model year; the most recent is “Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires” (audit query, opened 2023-11-17, still open).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles1.22
vs. other Hyundai models0.91
vs. other 2019 models1.09
vs. other Compact SUVs0.82
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (86)1.09
While traveling northbound on [XXX] in Florida traffic came to a stop, and when I stopped, my engine seized, I attempted to restart, but was unable to get a restart.
Engine · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761578 · Fire
ABS light on dash is illuminated due to no known cause. Mechanic explained that the ABS system will not work when the light is illuminated which, I believe, contributed to a "fender bender" my vehicle was involved in due to the ABS system failure.
Brakes · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760202 · Crash
While driving at highway speeds, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson SE suddenly loses acceleration and drops into a 30 mph 'limp mode' while the engine overheats. This creates an immediate highway safety hazard with an imminent risk of a rear-end collision.
Engine · 2026-10-13 · ODI 11770781
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vents, with the battery warning light illuminated.
Electrical · 2026-09-28 · ODI 11767493
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. A Forward Collision Avoidance message was displayed. The vehicle was able to restart.
Driver-assist systems · 2026-09-16 · ODI 11764716
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
AQ23002 · audit query · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Opened 2023-11-17 · Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021
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…
Loss of Motive PowerClosed
DP22003 · defect petition · ENGINE · Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12 · Model years: 2018, 2019, 2022
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 i…
