The car began making a knocking sound on my 5.8 mile drive. On my drive home from work, the knocking was louder, and the car barely accelerated on the highway and over-revved trying to hit at least 50 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. I took the car to the Hyundai Service Center immediately using city streets rather than …
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The car began making a knocking sound on my 5.8 mile drive. On my drive home from work, the knocking was louder, and the car barely accelerated on the highway and over-revved trying to hit at least 50 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. I took the car to the Hyundai Service Center immediately using city streets rather than the highway. I had a family member follow me to make sure I made it to the service center as well as give me a ride home after I dropped off the vehicle. As I was driving there, the car had a hard time accelerating from a stop and barely maintaining speed of the flow of traffic and the “Check Engine” light came on and flashed as I got closer to the dealer service center. The dealer service center confirmed that the engine needs to be replaced due to the connecting rod bearing failure, a common issue with the 2.0L I4 F DOHC 16 V engine in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Service Manager has repeatedly confirmed that the engine issues presented in my car are consistent with a recall for the same model engine found in my car.
NHTSA ODI #11712262
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2026
Engine
There is oil that leaks on a couple spark plugs.....when I remove the plug there is oil on the plug cover and inside where the plug goes in.........disturbing.....can you help....supposed to be a recall but I don't know what to do.....I would like to get that straightened out..... I want to keep it .....also like to buy my wife…
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There is oil that leaks on a couple spark plugs.....when I remove the plug there is oil on the plug cover and inside where the plug goes in.........disturbing.....can you help....supposed to be a recall but I don't know what to do.....I would like to get that straightened out..... I want to keep it .....also like to buy my wife a new one......can you help on this problem.... They were supposed to fix recall..... Hundai Uniontown Pa. Can you help.... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11711905
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2026
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
The engine and engine management system of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated failures resulting in loss of propulsion and unsafe drivability. In November 2025, while traveling approximately 75 mph on a freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered limp mode without any prior warning, causing an abrupt loss of power in active h…
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The engine and engine management system of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated failures resulting in loss of propulsion and unsafe drivability. In November 2025, while traveling approximately 75 mph on a freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered limp mode without any prior warning, causing an abrupt loss of power in active highway traffic. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. After the loss of propulsion occurred, the check engine light, battery light, and oil light illuminated sequentially. Diagnostic trouble codes P1326 and P0326 were recorded. Initial inspection indicated severe oil consumption despite a recent oil change less than 2,000 miles earlier. A Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensors under warranty. Shortly after release (30 miles), the vehicle again exhibited severe drivability issues, including a flashing check engine light, and required immediate towing. A second Hyundai dealership replaced the short engine block under warranty. Approximately 180 miles after the engine replacement, the vehicle again developed unsafe drivability symptoms, including delayed throttle response, failure to accelerate unless the accelerator was fully depressed multiple times, jerking or lugging when slowing or stopped, and a faint whining noise. The check engine light illuminated again. These failures represent repeated loss of propulsion and unsafe operation following manufacturer-approved repairs, including full engine replacement. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 57 days and remains in the custody of a Hyundai dealership awaiting diagnostics. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden and unpredictable loss of power at highway speed created a significant risk of collision and serious injury to the driver and surrounding motorists.
NHTSA ODI #11710941
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2026
Engine
The engine is burning excessive oil. Down 3 quarts over approx. 3,000 miles. Mechanic verified there are no leaks - it is burning the oil.
NHTSA ODI #11708499
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2025
Engine
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson has been experiencing oil consumption issues for over a year. It began at around 80k miles, when it should have been covered by warranty but they made me pay out of pocket for an oil consumption test only to ultimately recommend a top end cleaning, which I also paid for and it did not solve the problem. T…
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My 2018 Hyundai Tucson has been experiencing oil consumption issues for over a year. It began at around 80k miles, when it should have been covered by warranty but they made me pay out of pocket for an oil consumption test only to ultimately recommend a top end cleaning, which I also paid for and it did not solve the problem. This is a known issue with Hyundai, and they have settled many lawsuits but have consistently denied any repair or solution for me. I am burning about 5 quarts of oil every week, and this is a problem they refuse to help solve.
NHTSA ODI #11705910
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2025
Engine
Oil consumption, will change oil and within weeks i will be down 23 Quarts of oil
NHTSA ODI #11704550
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2025
Engine
The engine on this vehicle burns oil quickly which is a known defect. I took the vehicle to the dealership and both times I was told everything was working fine. On 12/5/2025 the vehicle just lost power while driving. After getting the vehicle towed to a mechanic they said I needed a new engine.
NHTSA ODI #11703688
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced complete engine failure at around 118,000 miles. The motor suddenly blew without warning. This vehicle uses an engine type known for widespread engine defects, including bearing wear and internal failure. I bought the vehicle used in 2023, maintained it regularly, and there were no warning ligh…
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My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced complete engine failure at around 118,000 miles. The motor suddenly blew without warning. This vehicle uses an engine type known for widespread engine defects, including bearing wear and internal failure. I bought the vehicle used in 2023, maintained it regularly, and there were no warning lights or overheating before the failure. I had to put oil in my vehicle every week. I had to use 5qts of oil. It smelled like fumes coming through the vents. It then stalled on the highway while we had our son in the vehicle and shaked profusely. Mind you we had our son in the vehicle. How unsafe is that. I then did my research and found out Hyundai engines of this generation have a history of stalling, seizing, and internal damage. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be part of a known safety defect that can cause sudden loss of power while driving. We took it to shop and confirmed the motor blew. It was faulty. Also, sometimes the electrical components would turn off in vehicle such as radio and would go black. Also the turn signal would be on and then turn off. It would also shake while driving. This needs to be taken care of ASAP as it almost caused danger to my family and also caused financial strain on my family too as I now had to roll over my vehicle loan into a new safe vehicle. I would like to be contacted in regards to this. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI #11702770
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
My car on the expressway wouldn't go over 40 and this was happening intermittently so my car was unsafe. No check engine light but it was just at the dealership for an oil change. Has. been an ongoing problem since I bought the car! Smells, gets hot!
NHTSA ODI #11698101
102,000 miles · Nov 5, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing off and on. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled ove…
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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing off and on. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle remained running. The contact waited for a while and then shifted to drive(D) and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a Parts Store and was scanned, and DTC: P1326 was retrieved. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was no longer driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
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.