7 Surprising 2019 Hyundai Tucson Problems You Might Not Expect!
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson is undoubtedly one of the top players in the compact SUV world With its sleek design modern features and affordable price point it has captivated a lot of drivers who want reliability and style all wrapped in one comfortable package But like every car even the most beloved ones there are bound to be some bumps in the road The Tucson is no exception While it's mostly praised for its solid build and value there are a few quirks and glitches you should know before taking one home So buckle up as we dive into 7 surprising problems you might face with this otherwise solid crossover
1. Transmission Troubles: Jerky or Sluggish Shifting
One of the most common complaints about the 2019 Tucson is its transmission and it's definitely worth mentioning right out of the gate Many drivers reported that the 6-speed automatic transmission has a tendency to be jerky during shifts especially when accelerating quickly from a stop Others say it's a bit "sluggish" meaning there’s a slight hesitation before the gears change making the drive feel less smooth
Why It Happens
Hyundai's transmission issue often boils down to programming and tuning The engine and transmission need to work in harmony and sometimes this dance can get a little clunky Software updates from Hyundai may solve some of the hiccups but it's not a guarantee for all drivers
Real-Life Feel
Imagine driving up a hill and needing to shift gears quickly to maintain speed The transmission might suddenly feel like it's struggling to find the right gear and before you know it you're jerking back and forth Not exactly the graceful driving experience you'd hope for
"I noticed the gears were sometimes shifting roughly when I tried to accelerate fast Not a deal-breaker but definitely something to get used to" - Alex Collantes a proud Tucson owner
Solutions & Tips
- Regular software updates from Hyundai might help
- Let your dealer know if the shifts feel sluggish - they may offer a reprogram
- Drive a bit more cautiously - aggressive acceleration is often when jerky shifts happen most
2. Engine Stalling: A Little Nerve-Racking
Another problem worth mentioning is engine stalling While it isn't as widely reported as the transmission woes it’s certainly an issue that can leave drivers scratching their heads In some cases Tucson drivers reported that the engine would stall unexpectedly sometimes when the car is idling or even while in motion It’s not super common but it's a problem worth knowing about because it can be potentially dangerous
The Possible Culprit
The most probable cause behind the stalling issue is a software glitch or a fuel system problem It could be as simple as the engine not getting the proper air-fuel mixture it needs to run smoothly
The Feel on the Road
Picture this you're at a red light or waiting at a stop sign and all of a sudden your engine just cuts out It’s like your car decided to take a power nap - inconvenient and potentially hazardous especially if it happens while you're driving
Solutions & Tips
- Check for software updates or recalls from Hyundai
- Make sure the fuel system is clean and there’s no clogging
- Avoid cheap or low-quality fuel as it might cause stalling
3. Electrical Gremlins: Dim Lights & Touchy Controls
The 2019 Hyundai Tucson seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to some of its electrical components Some owners have mentioned problems like flickering lights - particularly the daytime running lights (DRLs) - and certain interior features like the touchscreen infotainment system glitching out at the worst times
What Could Be Causing It?
The flickering lights issue often points to a bad ground connection or a faulty wiring harness The infotainment glitch is sometimes due to the system’s software bugs or overheating issues
When It Happens
Imagine driving at night only to find your DRLs start to flicker like they’re setting the mood for a haunted house It’s more annoying than dangerous but still concerning when it happens frequently
Solutions & Tips
- A quick trip to the dealer to check for a software update may resolve the infotainment issue
- For the flickering lights have a mechanic look for bad ground connections or possible harness problems
- Make sure all interior electrical components like climate controls are functioning correctly before heading out
4. A/C Acting Funny: Less Chill Than Expected
Having a reliable air conditioning system is key especially on those hot summer days But for some Tucson owners the A/C hasn't always provided the relief they were hoping for In some reports the A/C seems to struggle in cooling down the cabin especially in extreme heat or it just takes forever to kick in fully
Why’s It Getting So Hot?
Some experts suggest that the issue might be linked to the A/C compressor or coolant levels Others believe it’s a faulty sensor causing the A/C to not blow as cold as it should be
Situations That Test Your Cool
You're parked outside on a scorching day and jump into your car to crank up the A/C - only to find out it’s blowing semi-warm air for what feels like an eternity It can be an uncomfortable and sweaty ordeal
Solutions & Tips
- Check the coolant levels regularly to ensure there’s enough to support proper cooling
- Have the A/C compressor checked by a professional to rule out any mechanical issues
- Avoid blasting the A/C immediately when starting up - ease into it
5. Brake Pedal Feel: Soft and Spongy
While braking is one of those things you don’t want to take chances with some Tucson drivers have noted the brake pedal can feel a little soft or spongy This doesn't necessarily mean the brakes aren't working but it can affect the confidence you feel while coming to a stop
Is It a Real Problem?
A "soft brake pedal" might just be a matter of air in the brake lines or the brake system not being properly bled during manufacturing Either way if your brakes don’t feel right it’s worth checking out
What’s It Like?
Imagine pressing down on the brake pedal only to feel like it has more give than expected While you still stop in time it makes you think twice about the efficiency of the brake system
Solutions & Tips
- Get the brake system checked for air in the brake lines
- Make sure the brake pads and rotors are in good condition
- Don't ignore any odd sounds like squeaking or grinding
6. Fuel Efficiency: Not as Expected
While the 2019 Tucson offers a respectable fuel economy for a compact SUV many drivers have expressed disappointment over not getting anywhere near the estimated MPG Especially on city drives the fuel consumption seems to be a bit on the higher side than advertised
Why the Discrepancy?
The advertised MPG is usually based on ideal conditions which might not match up to real-world driving experiences Factors like driving style road conditions and even weather can all contribute to poorer fuel efficiency
What's the Real-Life MPG?
Drivers have reported getting 3-5 MPG less than the advertised figures particularly during city driving Heavy acceleration and stop-and-go traffic certainly don’t help either
Solutions & Tips
- Keep your tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency
- Avoid aggressive driving and rapid acceleration
- Use cruise control on the highway to maintain steady fuel consumption
7. Noisy Ride: Road Noise and Rattles
For an SUV that boasts comfort and smooth driving you might be surprised by how noisy the 2019 Hyundai Tucson can be Drivers often report a significant amount of road noise especially on highways along with occasional rattles and vibrations from inside the cabin
What's the Deal?
A lot of the noise issues come down to sound insulation The Tucson doesn’t seem to have enough to fully block out tire and wind noise This can be particularly noticeable on long drives or bumpy roads
What’s It Like Inside?
Ever feel like you’re driving in a tin can? That’s how some Tucson drivers describe the noise issue Not unbearable but definitely noticeable - especially on the highway where the sound of the road can almost drown out your favorite song
Solutions & Tips
- Consider installing aftermarket sound insulation to reduce noise
- Use all-season tires that are known for quieter performance
- Keep windows fully closed while driving to minimize wind noise
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2019 Hyundai Tucson?
All in all despite these quirks the 2019 Hyundai Tucson still has a lot to offer It's stylish affordable and loaded with features that make it a great option for anyone in the market for a compact SUV Yes there are some issues but many of these can be resolved with routine maintenance or a visit to your local Hyundai dealer And let's be honest even some of the higher-end cars come with their own fair share of glitches too
Remember cars aren't perfect They're like a relationship - full of love but with their own share of challenges that you learn to live with
"Overall I still love my Tucson It's got its quirks but so does every other car I've ever owned At the end of the day it still gets me from Point A to B comfortably and reliably" - Alex Collantes
Final Tips Before You Drive Off in Your Tucson
- Make sure to test drive thoroughly to check for any issues
- Ask the dealer about any software updates or recalls
- Keep up with routine maintenance - it’s the best way to ensure your car runs smoothly
References
In summary while the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has a few bumps along the road the overall package still makes it a strong contender in the SUV world Just be sure to keep an eye out for these issues and you'll be cruising happily in your Tucson for years to come