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2018 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 283 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports9 fire reports8 injury reports

Engine complaints

243 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2024
Engine

My oil is being consumed for no apparent reason. I checked it one time and there was no oil in there. I keep checking it and adding oil. There is a recall for the issue but my vehicle is not on the recall list. I was not in a accident but the issue could cause bigger problems.

NHTSA ODI #11615415

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2024
EngineExterior Lighting

Back in March 2024 I had a tow beam stock replaced to the car. Couple of months after this check engine light started coming on until it stayed on. Took SUV to mechanic shop in July 2024, and they informed of a r&r knock senor needing to be replace. A couple days after this had to go back as check engine light was back on. they …

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Back in March 2024 I had a tow beam stock replaced to the car. Couple of months after this check engine light started coming on until it stayed on. Took SUV to mechanic shop in July 2024, and they informed of a r&r knock senor needing to be replace. A couple days after this had to go back as check engine light was back on. they informed of needing to replace a wire harness. It wasn't a week after this that when starting the car you hear a very loud knocking sound. Like something is rattling around inside. After this no longer able to drive car as not sure what will happen next.

NHTSA ODI #11614867

109,000 miles · Aug 23, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainCrash

In May 2024 my Hyundai Tucson died in a middle of an intersection with no warning. Worse than that is Hyundai motor USA informed me that the car was on a recall list for an engine failure issue that was apart of class action suit . Ans further told me that that were obligated to have the highway transportation safety dept notifi…

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In May 2024 my Hyundai Tucson died in a middle of an intersection with no warning. Worse than that is Hyundai motor USA informed me that the car was on a recall list for an engine failure issue that was apart of class action suit . Ans further told me that that were obligated to have the highway transportation safety dept notified first consider cause of the issue. They told an inspector from your department was required to inspect vehicle before repairs could be started and or returned fo me. That has not happened and they are using your office as the reason for delay on my vehicle. They have systematically m supplied the same answer to my case with no resolution. I have done everything I can as a consumer to handle my case and believed that they were going through the correct process but the dealer has informed me their own manufacturer and corporate is not following guidelines and handling recalls. This is soo dangerous as this vehicle was Already on a list for recall repair and they did NOT inform me the customer when it was brought in for repairs before this incident.

NHTSA ODI #11610579

79,000 miles · Aug 21, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not accelerating beyo…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not accelerating beyond 40 MPH. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an engine knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who determined that the knock sensor needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11609884

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2024
Engine

The vehicle has been burning oil at over 3 quarts every 800-1000 miles. Hyundai has denied all claims to do anything about it after testing and seeing that it is burning the oil. This is a safety issue as it can clog the Catalytic converter and/or lose power while driving. The vehicle has 90,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11608080

107,824 miles · Jul 17, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be …

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,824.

NHTSA ODI #11602961

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2024
Engine

I was traveling on the freeway at Highway speed, heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine that got progressively worse. No warning lights, began to loose power as I exited the freeway. Had vehicle towed to dealership, they were able to replicate knocking noise coming from bottom end of engine. Diagnosed as catastrophi…

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I was traveling on the freeway at Highway speed, heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine that got progressively worse. No warning lights, began to loose power as I exited the freeway. Had vehicle towed to dealership, they were able to replicate knocking noise coming from bottom end of engine. Diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure and needs engine replacement, outside of standard warranty. Engine is a 1.6L GDI and model was not included in recall for KSDS sensor. Safety was compromised due to engine failure at high speed with no warning or previous engine problem. Vehicle is available for inspection as of current date

NHTSA ODI #11598080

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
Engine

The engine consumes a quart of oil every 1,000 - 1,500 miles with no signs of leakage or burning.

NHTSA ODI #11594953

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2024
Engine

Car had been burning oil very quickly. I took it for an oil change, before it was due, and they said it was very low. They changed it, and I was leaving to visit my parents in Florida the next day. I checked the oil when getting there, and it was good, and I also checked it prior to heading back home, and it was still good. I wa…

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Car had been burning oil very quickly. I took it for an oil change, before it was due, and they said it was very low. They changed it, and I was leaving to visit my parents in Florida the next day. I checked the oil when getting there, and it was good, and I also checked it prior to heading back home, and it was still good. I was in a really bad/unsafe area at 10pm, on my way home from visiting my parents, and my car began to stall. Engine light came on. It would stall really bad when going slow, and almost died a couple times at lights when stopped, but we made it home. We got it to a mechanic, and they stated it was the engine, and it needed to be taken to the dealership. I have read that Hyundai/Kia are notorious for engine issues. My car was towed to the dealership, and they supposedly requested to see if Hyundai would cover for a replacement engine. My car is unfortunately 10,000 over the warranty mileage (100,000), but 110,000 is still not enough to be already having engine problems. Supposedly, according to the dealership, Hyundai declined, and the quote for a new engine is $7,693, which I cannot afford, especially on top of my car payment, which I still owe a good chunk on.

NHTSA ODI #11593315

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2024
Engine

I am dealing with engine failure after an out of pocket turbo repair cost

NHTSA ODI #11591898

Official recalls

1

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 4, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

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. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Go deeper into Hyundai Tucson problems