Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 349 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
349
Complaint Rate
25.4
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$426
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
10%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
1 recall on record
Should You Buy the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson scores 68/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
Its complaint rate (25.4 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 20.3. The most common reports involve engine (116).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (116). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Hyundai Tucson for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $95 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (10%)
Cons
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- ENGINE issues reported (116 complaints)
- SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (99 complaints)
Compare 2019 Hyundai Tucson With
2019 Toyota RAV4
Score: 66/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 Mazda CX-5
Score: 75/100
2019 Honda CR-V
Score: 69/100
2019 Subaru Forester
Score: 63/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- ENGINE (116)
- SERVICE BRAKES (99)
- POWER TRAIN (37)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- STEERING (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- SEATS (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- ROLLOVER (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
25.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
14
Fires
9
Injuries
10
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
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.
2019 Hyundai Tucson NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.2%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai Tucson Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$426
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Hyundai Tucson
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels frequently
- Verify if the engine has been replaced or if there are any pending replacements
- Test drive the vehicle to check for engine knocking or stalling
- Inspect for any dashboard warning lights, especially check engine light
- Review service records for oil consumption tests or engine repairs
- Check for any outstanding recalls related to the engine or powertrain
Check Any 2019 Hyundai Tucson's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Tucson in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Hyundai Tucson with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Hyundai Tucson Common Problems by Component
349 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
116 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report excessive oil consumption, often without accompanying warning lights, leading to engine damage and failure. Typical symptoms include engine knocking, loss of power, and stalling, with many complaints noting the issue arises around 60,000 miles or shortly after purchase. Some reports indicate that despite regular maintenance, oil levels drop significantly between changes, requiring frequent top-offs. Safety implications include risks of engine seizure and fires, with at least one complaint involving a crash. This pattern of oil consumption and engine failure is consistent across multiple reports, suggesting potential challenges for used car buyers seeking reliability.
SERVICE BRAKES
99 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to the service brakes, with common symptoms including brake pedal failure to respond, the brake pedal going to the floor, and unexpected braking issues. Many complaints mention a lack of available parts for a recall addressing these brake problems, leading to delays in repairs. Crashes and fires are reported in a few cases, with some incidents occurring at mileage as low as 8,600 miles. The safety implications are significant, as some owners describe total brake failure leading to crashes and, in a few instances, fires. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues and the associated safety risks.
POWER TRAIN
37 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine performance problems, including knocking sounds, loss of power, and stalling. Complaints often mention symptoms such as the engine entering limp mode, the check engine light activating, and the vehicle experiencing transmission difficulties like abnormal gear shifting and high RPMs. These issues commonly arise around 60,000 to 70,000 miles, with some reports detailing failures at lower mileages. Safety implications include potential engine fires and loss of control while driving, as highlighted by incidents of smoke and flames from the engine compartment. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for significant repair costs and safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with common symptoms including dashboard warning lights illuminating unexpectedly and the vehicle losing acceleration or stalling. Some complaints describe problems with the audio and touchscreen systems, which can freeze and cause distractions. Owners also report persistent issues with low beam headlights failing and burning sockets. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some occurring around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one incident involving a fire and multiple reports of vehicles decelerating unexpectedly in traffic, posing risks of accidents. These patterns may be of concern to potential buyers considering a used 2019 Tucson.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption and engine performance, with multiple complaints mentioning the need to top off oil every 1,000 miles and persistent check engine lights. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, shaking, and failing to start, as well as illuminated warning lights for ABS, collision, and traction systems. Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly, which has resulted in at least one reported crash. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some reports noting problems as early as 3,000 miles. Additionally, several owners express frustration with recall-related repairs, citing delays in obtaining necessary parts, which may have implications for vehicle safety, including the risk of fire.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, with symptoms including unintended acceleration and the vehicle entering 'limp mode' where it fails to accelerate past 45-50 mph. These problems are often accompanied by a flashing check engine light and occur at various mileage points, with some reports as early as 10,724 miles and others at higher mileages like 85,000 miles. In one case, unintended acceleration led to a crash resulting in two injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, some owners describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly while using smart cruise control, with the system failing to respond to shut-off commands. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns that prospective buyers should consider.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to engine performance and exhaust system failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, failing to exceed 25 MPH, shuddering, and experiencing reduced power, often accompanied by the illumination of the check engine warning light. These issues are typically reported at mileage ranging from approximately 69,000 to 103,000 miles. Complaints also mention excessive oil consumption and diagnostic trouble codes, with some suggesting potential catalytic converter problems. While no crashes or fires are reported, the described symptoms may affect vehicle control, particularly when driving uphill or at low speeds. This information could be relevant for potential used car buyers considering this model.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson report issues related to electrical failures impacting the steering system. A recurring problem involves dashboard screens and interior lights going black, accompanied by the steering wheel jerking, particularly while the vehicle is idling. This issue persists despite dealership inspections and component replacements, with some owners noting that error codes are inconsistently recorded. Additionally, a separate complaint highlights a faulty MDPS sensor leading to the shutdown of electronic power steering on the highway. Another owner reports a theft incident related to the absence of an engine immobilizer, allowing unauthorized access to the vehicle. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning sudden loss of steering control and vehicle theft vulnerabilities.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues with air bag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints consistently describe incidents where the vehicle sustains significant front-end damage, yet the air bags fail to deploy, resulting in injuries such as concussions and fractures. These issues are reported at mileage ranges from approximately 19,000 to 39,000 miles. Safety implications are significant as all reported incidents involve crashes, with a total of four injuries across the complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these air bag deployment concerns when considering this vehicle model.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson's fuel/propulsion system, specifically describing hesitation and stalling during acceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle hesitating to pick up speed when merging onto highways and stalling at intersections, leading to potentially dangerous situations where the car is slow to respond in traffic. These complaints do not specify mileage, but they highlight safety concerns due to the vehicle's delayed acceleration, which could result in near-miss scenarios with other vehicles. Multiple owners mention that these issues occur unexpectedly, sometimes described as a normal characteristic by service providers, which may be important for prospective buyers to consider.
When Do 2019 Hyundai Tucson Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Hyundai Tucson Years
Best Hyundai Tucson Years to Buy
The best Hyundai Tucson year is 2021 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2025 (75/100).
Hyundai Tucson Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Tucson year is 2022 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to power train (82) issues.
See full Hyundai Tucson years-to-avoid analysis →Hyundai Tucson Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Tucson reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Hyundai Tucson Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have?
Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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