7 Surprising Problems with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson (And Why You'll Still Love It)
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has won over many drivers with its stylish looks, comfy interior, and value-packed price tag. But like all vehicles, it's not without its quirks. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Tucson—and why despite them, it’s still a great choice for many.
Alex Collantes, a Tucson owner, said it best: "It’s not perfect, but for the price and what it offers, I’d buy it again in a heartbeat!"
Now, let’s explore the bumps on the road with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson—literally and figuratively.
Engine Trouble – Stalling and Hesitation
One of the more common complaints with the 2019 Tucson involves engine stalling and hesitation. Some drivers have reported that their Tucson would randomly hesitate or stall at intersections or when accelerating from a stoplight. Now, you might be thinking, "That’s a little terrifying," and honestly, you wouldn’t be wrong. A car that stops moving when you want it to go? Not exactly a feature anyone’s asking for.
Why Does It Happen?
The issue seems to be tied to the engine control unit (ECU), which might not be optimally programmed to handle certain driving conditions. While Hyundai has issued some software updates to resolve this, for some, the problem still lingers. Imagine your car pausing like it’s considering whether to join you on your drive or not.
Humor Twist: It’s like the Tucson has commitment issues—it wants to drive but isn't sure it’s ready for that kind of long-term engagement.
What You Can Do
- Check with your Hyundai dealer about the latest software updates for the ECU.
- If the problem persists, insist on getting the engine control system thoroughly inspected.
- Keep a diary of when and where the stalling happens. Does your Tucson stall more in traffic? On hills? Maybe it's just afraid of heights.
Transmission Issues – Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement
The Tucson’s transmission is another area where some drivers have voiced their frustrations. A number of owners have reported that their transmission is either rough when shifting or takes longer than expected to engage from park to drive or reverse. Nobody likes waiting around for their car to decide it’s ready to go.
Alex Collantes had a few words on this: "It’s like my Tucson needs a cup of coffee before it wakes up—it’s sluggish when I’m ready to get moving."
Why Does It Happen?
The six-speed automatic transmission in the Tucson is a bit old-school compared to the more modern CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions) or dual-clutch setups that are becoming common in today’s market. While it's generally reliable, it can occasionally struggle with smooth shifting, particularly when cold.
Humor Twist: Your Tucson may not be a morning person. Maybe it just needs a second to stretch before it’s ready to take on the day.
What You Can Do
- Be patient with your Tucson, especially on cold mornings. Give it a minute to wake up before driving off.
- If the transmission issues persist, have a technician perform a software update on the transmission control module.
- You may also need to have the transmission fluid checked or replaced.
Fuel Efficiency – It’s Thirsty
Hyundai promoted the 2019 Tucson as a vehicle that offers a solid blend of performance and efficiency, but some owners would argue that “efficiency” might be overstating things a bit. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is around 23-25 mpg combined, but many drivers have reported numbers that fall short of that. For a compact SUV, that’s a bit of a fuel guzzler.
Humor Twist: If your Tucson had a personality, it would probably be that friend who constantly asks if you’re going to finish that last slice of pizza. Always hungry.
Why Does It Happen?
Real-world fuel efficiency often varies due to driving habits, climate, and road conditions, but some owners suspect that the Tucson's engine just isn’t as efficient as it could be. The weight of the vehicle might also contribute, as it's a bit heavier than some of its competitors.
What You Can Do
- Try not to drive with a lead foot. Smooth acceleration and braking can improve fuel economy.
- Keep your tires properly inflated—underinflated tires can drag down your MPG.
- Regular maintenance, like air filter replacements and oil changes, can also help improve fuel efficiency.
Infotainment System Glitches – Unresponsive Touchscreen
For a lot of Tucson owners, the infotainment system has been both a blessing and a curse. While it offers great features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, some have reported that the touchscreen can be a bit finicky. It might freeze up, lag, or just not respond at all. In the age of smartphones, having a sluggish touchscreen can feel like a step back.
Why Does It Happen?
This seems to be a software issue, and while Hyundai has rolled out some updates, the problem hasn’t been entirely resolved for everyone.
Humor Twist: It’s like the Tucson’s infotainment system is a millennial—it gets overwhelmed by too many commands at once and just freezes.
What You Can Do
- Try restarting the system—sometimes a simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.
- Check with your dealer for software updates.
- If it becomes unbearable, consider upgrading to a third-party head unit.
Rear Brakes – Premature Wear
Several Tucson owners have reported that their rear brakes seem to wear out faster than expected. Now, no one wants to spend extra money on brake pads every year, especially if you’re not exactly racing your SUV around like it’s a sports car.
Why Does It Happen?
It’s hard to say for sure. Some suspect that the Tucson’s braking system puts more stress on the rear brakes than necessary. Others believe it’s simply a matter of the brake pads not being of high enough quality to last as long as they should.
Humor Twist: Your Tucson might have a brake-pad-eating monster hiding in the back. Feed it a fresh set every 15,000 miles or so to keep it happy.
What You Can Do
- Keep an eye on your brake wear and have them checked regularly, especially if you start to notice any grinding or squeaking.
- Use higher quality brake pads—it might cost more upfront, but they could save you money in the long run.
HVAC Issues – Weak Air Conditioning
The Tucson’s air conditioning system seems to have a knack for acting up when it’s least convenient. Some owners have reported that the A/C either stops blowing cold air or just never gets as cold as it should, leaving you sweating through your summer road trips.
Humor Twist: It's like your Tucson is trying to train you for a marathon by making sure you stay nice and warm during your drive.
Why Does It Happen?
This problem could stem from a refrigerant leak, a failing compressor, or an issue with the climate control system itself. It’s not clear-cut, but it’s a well-known gripe among Tucson owners.
What You Can Do
- Have your A/C system inspected for leaks and get it recharged if necessary.
- Make sure to check if the compressor is working correctly.
- If your A/C still doesn’t perform well, you might want to explore aftermarket upgrades to boost its cooling power.
Cabin Noise – It's Loud Inside
While the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is praised for its quiet ride under many conditions, some drivers have noted that it can get pretty loud on the highway. Road noise tends to seep into the cabin, especially at higher speeds, which can make long trips a little less relaxing.
Humor Twist: Your Tucson might just be chatty—always wanting to remind you that you’re on a road trip. Too bad it’s not saying anything interesting.
Why Does It Happen?
This is largely due to the Tucson’s soundproofing, which, while decent, could be improved, especially in the wheel wells and door seals. It’s not a dealbreaker, but for a peaceful ride, it’s something to keep in mind.
What You Can Do
- Consider installing sound-deadening materials in key areas like the floorboards, doors, and wheel wells.
- You could also look at upgrading to quieter tires that help reduce road noise.
- Crank up the music—if you can’t hear the noise, is it really there?
Final Thoughts
Despite its quirks and flaws, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson remains a solid choice for those looking for an affordable, feature-packed compact SUV. Yes, it might hesitate at a stoplight or demand a little more fuel than advertised, but for many drivers, these are small prices to pay for the overall package.
As Alex Collantes sums it up: "It’s not perfect, but neither am I. I’ve had my moments where I hesitate at a green light too!"
So while there are some issues to be aware of, with a bit of maintenance and some humor, the Tucson can still be your trusty road companion.
Remember if you’re in the market for a used 2019 Hyundai Tucson, test drive it thoroughly and pay attention to any potential red flags. And above all else—enjoy the ride.
References
- Hyundai USA - 2019 Tucson Specifications
- Edmunds - 2019 Hyundai Tucson Review
- Consumer Reports - Hyundai Tucson Reliability
- NHTSA - Recalls and Safety Issues
- Collantes, Alex. Personal opinion shared in April 2024.
By the end of this read, you should be equipped with everything you need to know about the 2019 Hyundai Tucson's problems. Don’t let a few bumps in the road stop you from enjoying a great compact SUV—it just needs a little TLC (and maybe a good sense of humor) along the way.