Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Hyundai Tucson owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle slowed down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, a month later, the vehicle slowed down. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. Additionally, while driving, an unknown vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle, and it continued to move forward. The steering wheel became stuck and was uncontrollable. …
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. Once the vehicle stopped the doors were automatically locked. The nearby drivers notified the contact of the fire under the vehicle. Once the contact exited the vehicle, the engine was destroyed by the fire. The inside of the vehicle was still functional. The state police arrived on the scene; however, a police report has not been obtained. The fire department also arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a wrecking yard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. There were no injuries or medical reports. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and merging onto the highway, the vehicle began to lose motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that a loud humming noise was coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the steering wheel began to vibrate. The contact pulled off the highway, and at the bottom of the off ramp she had to stop for a traffic light. The contact stated that when the light changed, and she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward while shifting from 1st gear into 2nd gear and then stalled. The contact stated that it took several attempts to restart the vehicle. The contact drove to her residence while the vehicle struggled but was unable to exceed 25 MPH. …
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. The check engine light only momentarily came out AFTER the white smoke was visible and I was actively pulling over. I ran out of the car, and turned to look only to see a fire under the engine bay. I did not have a collision nor hit anything on the road. Engine had full synthetic oil in it, and the oil was changed less than 10,000 miles precious. (Also checked oil level/condition the week before). The car went from driving fine, to entirely engulfed in flames within 2-4 minutes. Maine state police: case# 245000657 The vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance company yet. The report will be sent to me, and it is currently available for inspection upon request. …
I was driving approx 55mph on [redacted] in my 2019 hyundai tucson when the check engine light came on and the engine started to stall. I felt the acceleration dying down in the middle of busy highway traffic. Gray smoke started coming from the hood cracks. I luckily was in the right lane already, so when I could I veered off to the shoulder and the car quit. The smoke was increasing badly. Ppl from the highway were yelling its going to blow up get away from it! I was so scared. I grabbed my phone and keys and ran as far as I could while dialing 911. Within a couple minutes flames were swallowing the entire engine and front of the car. I am furious. I researched online and hyundai has had many similar incidents with this car and other with this engine ! These need to be banned and taken off the road before they kill anyone else. …
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact continued driving uphill, and the vehicle experienced reduced power and was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the contact depressed the brake pedal firmly out of fear that the vehicle would roll backwards. The vehicle was taken to Valvoline, where oil was added to the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to Firestone, where diagnostic trouble codes P0420, P000A, and P050A were retrieved. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. …
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a red light, the missing key warning light illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated. The hazard lights were independently deactivated. The contact became aware of an abnormal odor and smoke on the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle. The contact stated that all the door latches were independently locked, and the engine seized. The contact stated that her minor child was also an occupant of the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that a nearby Police Officer and other bystanders assisted with removing the contact and the minor child from the vehicle. The contact stated that it was a very traumatic experience, and the contact was very fearful for the lives of her minor child and herself. …
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 and placed me at risk. I later learned there was a recall associated with the vehicle. However, I never received any recall notices because Hyundai reportedly had the wrong address on file. Had I been properly notified of the recall and potential safety risks, I would have done everything in my power to ensure the vehicle was inspected, repaired, and safe to drive. Because I was unaware of the recall issue, the vehicle continued to be operated without my knowledge of the potential danger. …
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. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started and the engine spuddered. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
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. …
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
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.
Engine complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 204 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, 53% of the model year's 385 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Hyundai Tucson engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Tucson engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.