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2019 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering control unit/module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal loss of stopping power or ABS failure.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #20V543000 · Apr 9, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pedal loss of stopping power or ABS failure

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as intended; however, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754470
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH and slowing the vehicle, she observed that the vehicle in front was braking. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the pedal went to the floorboard as she was depressing it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563826
“I needed to stop quickly, but not unreasonably fast. I had time to consider my passenger and that this would be a quick stop for them. I then firmly applied the brakes and it felt like something kicked in causing the car specifically not to stop or slow down as expected”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492958

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption between oil changes

ENGINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-07

“Engine has been burning through oil. Started the Engine oil consumption test at one dealership. That dealership has now closed leaving me to go to another dealership. They want me to start the process over again. I have had two oil changes, failed the second test and was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670326
“My car is burning oil like crazy, having to top off engine with 1.5 quarts between 5,000 mile oil change with synthetic oil. Took to Hyundai for oil consumption test. Let them know I'm having issues with burning oil, and my check engine light comes on often”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11601258
“My car has had an oil consumption problem for over a year that Hyundai refuses to acknowledge. I passed the oil consumption test because the oil burns rapidly when I have about 1,000 miles left before my next oil change”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684718

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine fire or smoke while driving or parked

ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

50 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-06

“On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737337
“The contact called on behalf of the owner who owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught fire. The fire marshals extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529534
“I was driving on the highway. The engine began making a ticking noise that momentarily went away and then quickly got louder. I saw white smoke out of the back, pulled over, and then saw black smoke from the front”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563969

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine seizure or internal failure requiring replacement

ENGINE

36 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the engine seized. The check engine warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738126
“While driving at highway speed, the engine suffered a sudden connecting rod bearing failure (Cylinder 3) with no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The vehicle made a slapping noise, a belt came off, the engine died, and would not restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729405
“2019 Hyundai Tuscon experienced engine failure at 66k miles. This vehicle experienced the exact same issues of vehicles Hyundai previously recalled. It is equipped with knock sensor which was supposed to be a "fix" for the known engine issues”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512420

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of power or limp mode while driving

ENGINE

27 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-04

“On Oct 11, 2025, my 2019 Hyundai Tucson entered limp mode on the freeway, losing power suddenly, posing a safety risk. This followed a dealership visit a couple months ago for a recall engine repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694109
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the freeway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649492
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 20 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and unexpectedly came to a complete stop. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678199

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision warning false activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2025-04

“The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle automatically brake, independently without the brake pedal being depressed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628339
“I have been having a number of things happen; 1- my car will lurch forward at times when I release the brake and hit the gas pedal. 2- the forward collision warning keeps coming on. 3- My heating and oil cooler hoses leaking as well as metal lines, all started to leak at the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653785
“While on the road, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson Value dashboard warning lights lit up and stated to check the Lane Keeping Assist and the Forward Collision Assist. The engine light, anti-skid light and power steering light came on as well as the car began to decelerate while in the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486383

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

35 crashes 1990–2024

How the 35 occupant deaths break down

30

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

35

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2019 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

11

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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