2019 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report

2019 Hyundai Tucson: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Engine Reliability and Fire Risk Concerns

355Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
14Crash Reports
9Fire Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (110)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (57)Service Brakes (32)Power Train,Engine (16)Unknown Or Other (12)Electrical System,Service Brakes (10)Power Train (7)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Electrical System (5)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals significant underlying issues, particularly with the engine. With 355 total complaints, 110 (31%) are related to the ENGINE, indicating a widespread problem. These engine complaints frequently describe excessive oil consumption, knocking noises, loss of power, and even engine seizure, leading to 14 reported crashes, 9 fires, and 10 injuries. A single recall addresses a SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC issue, specifically concerning the ABS module, which could lead to an engine compartment fire, a serious safety concern that aligns with some of the fire incidents reported. The high volume of engine-related complaints, despite strong crash ratings, suggests potential long-term reliability and safety risks not captured by initial crash tests.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Numerous complaints detail the engine burning oil at an excessive rate, requiring frequent top-offs between scheduled changes. This can lead to low oil levels, engine knocking, loss of power, and potential engine seizure if not monitored, as evidenced by multiple complaints.
High Common 30000-70000 miles
Engine Knocking And Failure
Many owners report a persistent knocking sound from the engine, often accompanied by a check engine light, limp mode, and eventual engine failure or seizure. This is frequently linked to the oil consumption issue and potential internal engine damage.
High Common 50000-80000 miles
Abs Module Fire Risk
A recall (NHTSA ID: 20V520000) addresses a potential short circuit in the ABS module that could lead to an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off. This recall affects 2019-2021 Tucsons.
High Occasional N/A miles
Catalytic Converter Failure
Several complaints mention repeated catalytic converter replacements, often linked to the engine's oil consumption issues, which can cause the converter to fail prematurely and lead to loss of power.
Medium Occasional 40000-70000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Some owners report intermittent electrical issues, such as dashboard screens and interior lights going black, or windshield wipers failing, which can pose a safety risk, especially while driving.
Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson:

Engine 31% of complaints

The most prevalent issue, accounting for 110 out of 355 complaints, involves excessive oil consumption, knocking noises, loss of power, and engine failure, leading to multiple crashes and fires.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 16% of complaints

57 complaints relate to the hydraulic service brakes, which is also the subject of a recall concerning the ABS module and potential fire risk.

Service Brakes 9% of complaints

32 complaints specifically mention general service brake issues, separate from the hydraulic system, indicating broader brake concerns.

Power Train,Engine 4% of complaints

16 complaints combine power train and engine issues, further highlighting the engine's central role in reported problems.

Electrical System 1% of complaints

5 complaints specifically mention the electrical system, with additional complaints combining it with other components, indicating various electrical malfunctions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Hyundai Tucson

Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover), indicating strong performance in collision scenarios. However, it has a significant number of complaints (355 total), with 110 (31%) related to the engine, including reports of excessive oil consumption, knocking, and failure, which have led to 14 crashes, 9 fires, and 10 injuries. There is also a recall for a fire risk associated with the ABS module. So, while it performs well in crashes, its long-term reliability and potential for engine-related safety incidents are concerning.

What are common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, accounting for 110 complaints. These include excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, loss of power, and engine failure. Other significant complaints involve SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (57 complaints), and general SERVICE BRAKES (32 complaints), with a recall specifically addressing a fire risk from the ABS module.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson (NHTSA ID: 20V520000). This recall addresses a potential short circuit in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that could lead to an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. This recall was expanded to include certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles as well.

Does the 2019 Hyundai Tucson have engine problems?

Yes, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has significant and frequently reported engine problems. The ENGINE component accounts for 110 of the 355 total complaints. Common issues include excessive oil consumption, engine knocking sounds, sudden loss of power, and in some cases, complete engine failure or seizure. These problems have been linked to crashes, fires, and injuries.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson prone to fires?

Yes, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has a documented fire risk. There are 9 reported fires among the NHTSA complaints, and a specific recall (NHTSA ID: 20V520000) addresses a potential short circuit in the ABS module that can cause an engine compartment fire. Additionally, some engine-related issues, such as extreme heating due to oil consumption, have been described as potential fire hazards by owners.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant and frequent engine-related issues, including oil consumption and knocking, and ensure the ABS module recall has been addressed due to fire risk.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Hyundai Tucson

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The data includes 355 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 9 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Hyundai Tucson an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.