Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 380 safety complaints
about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson with the US government. Of those, 15 describe a crash, 11 mention a fire, 10 people were injured and no death is recorded. One recall campaign is open against it, covering the hydraulic brakes.
The most complained-about system is the engine,
named in 196 complaints, 52% of the total.
The typical failure was reported at 21,400 miles,
the median across the 95
complaints that gave
an odometer reading.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers December 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
380 complaints on file
380
Complaints
15
Describe a crash
11
Mention fire
10
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free.
Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can
answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a
model year.
A further 1 defect
investigation is
open and unresolved.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 196 · 52%
196 52%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 62 · 16%
62 16%
SERVICE BRAKES 53 · 14%
53 14%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 47 · 12%
47 12%
POWER TRAIN 41 · 11%
41 11%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 26 · 7%
26 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 25 · 7%
25 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 16 · 4%
16 4%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 13 · 3%
13 3%
STRUCTURE 7 · 2%
7 2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6 · 2%
6 2%
LANE DEPARTURE 5 · 1%
5 1%
081162
Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it.
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 380.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2021 at 69.
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Hyundai TUCSON, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
15.5%
16.2%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Recall campaigns
1 on file
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
The risk
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor America · up to 652,024 vehicles across all model years covered
Defect investigations
2 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
AQ23002
Still open audit query · opened November 17, 2023
the hydraulic brakes
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.
Loss of Motive Power
DP22003
Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023
the 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.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 injured · crash · towed · 27,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds, pulling into a parking spot on an incline, the vehicle accelerated and failed to stop. Then the vehicle traveled through several 15-gallon pots with trees, a patio, elliptical machines, and a wooden fence. The driver veered to the left, went down a mountain approximately 30 feet, continued down the hill, and crashed into a pine tree where it came to a halt. The occupant in the front passenger seat sustained a concussion. The driver sustained injuries to her lip and medical attention was provided. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the police station. A …
NHTSA complaint 11522591, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
2 injured · crash · towed
None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle is currently sitting in a tow yard, but is awaiting a an assessment by the insurance adjuster. If the car is totaled, I do not know where it will go. My safety was compromised both when I was T boned by the first car on the passenger side of my car, which no air bags deployed at that time, and then from that car, I was pushed into oncoming traffic, where I was hit head on from another car. I was jilted to the left and sustained injuries, and then when I was struck head on, I was jilted forward towards the steering wheel, and then jilted backwards, also resulting in injury. I believe all other airbags on the other 2 cars were deployed. However, my …
NHTSA complaint 11583313, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SEATS
2 injured · crash
Our Hyundai Tucson was hit from behind in a multi-car collision at approximately 30 mph and front driver and passenger seats collapsed to the reclining position
NHTSA complaint 11472109. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
AIR BAGS
1 injured · crash · towed · 19,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER IN LAW WAS DRIVING 55 MPH OVER A SLIGHT HILL, THE DRIVER REACHED AN ICY PATCH AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER AND STRUCK HIS HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING IT TO SHATTER. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS FOR A BRIEF MOMENT AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION VIA AMBULANCE ON THE SCENE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONE D THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RENTED VIA ENTERPRISE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO BERGLUND CHEVROLET BUICK (1824 WILLIAMSON RD NE, ROANOKE, VA 24012, (540) 344-1461), BUT THE CAUSE …
NHTSA complaint 11291025, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
61,000 miles
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. The vehicle was taken to the service center, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced three times with aftermarket parts and a fourth time with an OEM part. After inspecting the alternators, the contact noticed that the copper wires inside each alternator were black due to the failure. The contact was concerned that a previous …
NHTSA complaint 11767493, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
135,700 miles
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was approximately 135,700.
NHTSA complaint 11764716. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
I had bought my car in May of 2025 and within 12 hours of owning it. The check engine light came on. They replaced the sensor well. A couple days later, the check engine light came on again, and they had to rebuild my whole engine had the car for a month at this time. When they rebuilt the engine, they had the car for over a month. And ever since I got it back, it's always something the same thing has to get repaired. Well, I took it to the shop. Yesterday because it was misfiring, and I needed to have some spark plugs replaced, and they said that the Ignition coil needed to be replaced, but there was a recall on that not too long ago. And they fixed that on the recall. There's no reason …
NHTSA complaint 11763305, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
fire
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. My attempts to restart caused the starter to start burning smoke was coming from under the hood this put me at serious risk being on an interstate highway in the left lane at [XXX]. It was very difficult for me to push the car to the side of the road in this dangerous situation, recalling how Harry Chapin died in New York, because his car failed, and was struck by another vehicle. I was able to get the car onto the shoulder away from the moving traffic. The engine that seized is a 2.0 GDI engine and that engine has been …
NHTSA complaint 11761578, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
towed · 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, the vehicle rolled backwards and occasionally ended up in the street in front of the residence. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic and other vehicles to go around the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and was pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was ice built up underneath the tires, and an unknown ring was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, …
NHTSA complaint 11761675, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
OnXXX my car experienced sudden knocking in the engine. I pulled over to the service station on the [XXX] and had my car towed to Empire Hyundai in [XXX]. I had just changed oil on XXXand upon inspection oil level was fine. Problem is the theta 2 engine and though the car is under extended warranty Hyundai is requesting maintenance records before repairing this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11760673. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed September 4, 2020.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst