YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#2 most-complained of 6 Ioniq Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 80 and ranks 2nd worst out of 6 model years, with a verdict of Avoid. NHTSA lists 16 complaints, 9 tied to the engine, along with 1 recall for insufficiently tightened rear wheel lug nuts.

Complaints
16
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine9 (56%)
  2. Electrical System4 (25%)
  3. Brakes3 (19%)
  4. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (13%)
  5. Fuel System2 (13%)
  6. Other2 (13%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain2 (13%)
  8. Airbags1 (6%)
  9. Lane Departure1 (6%)
  10. Steering1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Engine reportedly makes unusual noise or acts as if the accelerator is being pressed while the car is parked or idling.
  • Some owners report stalling on cold mornings, with the car cutting off repeatedly before showing a check hybrid system warning.
  • Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or braking, including one case where the vehicle continued despite the brake pedal being pressed.
  • Reports of all exterior and headlights failing simultaneously while driving at night, in one case leading to a crash.
  • One owner reported the airbags failing to deploy during a head-on collision.
  • A separate report describes the engine overheating and emitting smoke from the rear after prior repairs related to a recall.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month4Mar 2019Dec 2021Jun 2022Mar 2023May 2023Aug 2023Oct 2025Jun 2026
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2019 to Jun 2026; peak Oct 2025 (4).

2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V720000Oct 9, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires48 vehicles

    Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.

    Risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.

2019 compared with other Ioniq Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Caution60413—
2018Best20132—
2019Avoid80161—
2020Good40170—
2021Best0130—

All Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 model has a Complaint Index of 80, the second-highest among the 6 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Ioniq Hybrid years.
What is the main problem area for the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid?
Engine complaints make up 56% of reports for this year, with 9 of 16 total complaints tied to the engine and a median failure mileage of 23,441.5 miles.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have a recall?
Yes. NHTSA recall 19V720000 covers insufficiently tightened right-side rear wheel lug nuts that could allow a wheel to detach. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid compare to other years?
The 2019 model's Complaint Index of 80 is worse than 2018 (20, Best), 2020 (40, Good), and 2021 (0, Best), but better than 2022 (100, Avoid).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.