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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 · May 10, 2025
Engine

The oil sensor doesn't illuminate the light on the dash when the oil level becomes low. The only warning is when it becomes really low and then the check engine light will appear. It's a safety concern due to the engine possible failure and or damage may occur at that point if continuing driving happens. This causing the engine …

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The oil sensor doesn't illuminate the light on the dash when the oil level becomes low. The only warning is when it becomes really low and then the check engine light will appear. It's a safety concern due to the engine possible failure and or damage may occur at that point if continuing driving happens. This causing the engine to stall and loss of control of the vehicle. Which could lead to a vehicle crash resulting in injury or death to the occupants and or others nearby.

NHTSA ODI #11660155

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2025
Engine

1.The engine is consuming oil excessively. 2 and 3. I was informed during a service visit that this is a common problem. I asked how to get it fixed and was advised to lock the engine up. I informed the service advisor that I would not lock the engine up and told him I have a [XXX] son. I told him I'm trying to do everything …

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1.The engine is consuming oil excessively. 2 and 3. I was informed during a service visit that this is a common problem. I asked how to get it fixed and was advised to lock the engine up. I informed the service advisor that I would not lock the engine up and told him I have a [XXX] son. I told him I'm trying to do everything I can to prevent that very scenario. 4. Yes, I will provide records. Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed in California under their Lemon Law. Do a quick google search. Everyone I have spoken to at the dealership has confirmed they are all well aware, however they can only do what corporate allows under the Warranty. I am the first and only owner supposedly covered until 100k miles. This problem began at 79k. I'm at 86k and still struggling to get anything moved forward. 5. Unknown 6. My oil light flickered briefly but never stayed on. I immediately checked to discover not a drop on the dipstick. I will provide photo. My oil has been below the low mark several times since this photo and has never come back on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11653964

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2025
Engine

1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine is failing/malfunctioning. Yes it is available upon request 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No oil can cause an engine to overheat and/or catch fire. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confir…

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1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine is failing/malfunctioning. Yes it is available upon request 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No oil can cause an engine to overheat and/or catch fire. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by Hyundai of Medford. Oil consumption test was completed. Preauth was submitted for a new engine and was denied. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, inspected by manufacturer (Hyundai of Medford). No leaks or other issues that could cause this were found. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, no warning lamps or messages were shown or sent. Even when low on oil. Consuming oil extremely quickly. Oil change was completed and I was only able to drive 700 miles before I was low on oil. I have history of oil changes and top offs every 1000 miles for about a year. It has only gotten progressively worse. Hyundai of Medford Confirmed the issue and confirmed there were no oil leaks or other issues that could cause this. They recommended I request a new engine for Hyundai. I submitted the Pre-Authorization and it was denied. After more research I have found that thousands of people have had the same exact issue with the same year, make and model of my care. There is even an entire Facebook group dedicated to this issue. The manufacture needs to be held accountable for these faulty engines. Thousands of cars should not need a new engine before they reach 100k miles. I am writing hoping to shine some light on this issue that is effecting thousands of Hyundai owners.

NHTSA ODI #11653921

94,000 miles · Mar 27, 2025
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer to be inspected and two oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer. The oil consumption tests sh…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer to be inspected and two oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer. The oil consumption tests showed no defects with the engine. The dealer performed an engine flush; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised to have oil changes performed every 3,000 miles instead of the recommended 5,000 miles. The contact stated that recently, after having an oil change, the dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush. The contact stated that after the transmission fluid flush was performed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #11651027

35,000 miles · Feb 28, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was abnormally low on oil even though it had been less than 3,000 miles since the previous oil change was per…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was abnormally low on oil even though it had been less than 3,000 miles since the previous oil change was performed. The dealer instructed the contact to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return as part of an oil consumption test. The contact stated that after the oil consumption test was completed, the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil; however, the dealer had not provided the cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11645586

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2025
EnginePower Train

In late September of ‘24 my husband was driving our oldest to school when my 2018 Hyundai tuscon seized mid drive with our son in the back seat with no oil or engine light warning. Husband inspected the oil and I was still full. A Hyundai dealer towed at their expense in October, diagnosed an engine failure. Denied me service si…

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In late September of ‘24 my husband was driving our oldest to school when my 2018 Hyundai tuscon seized mid drive with our son in the back seat with no oil or engine light warning. Husband inspected the oil and I was still full. A Hyundai dealer towed at their expense in October, diagnosed an engine failure. Denied me service since my extended warranty expired and I didn’t have the KSDS update. I wish they would as I still owe on the vehicle and I’m out of work. Making this complaint is to only spread awareness that 2017 Tucson with the 2.0 L engine had an engine failure connecting to rod bearings. My 2018 has the same engine type and failure as the 2017. Hyundai Corp fails to recognize the problem. My 2018 didn’t fail due to lack of oil changes as I can I prove that. My 2018 failed on Hyundai’s fault. Now my car sits at the dealership in Anchorage, Alaska and I still owe 9k and I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. 360 miles away from me.

NHTSA ODI #11644967

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2025
Engine

74,000 miles Excessive oil consumption, 1 quart per 1000 miles. Low oil pressure warning. Oil warning light, repeated and various codes. Noticeable ticking/clatter at startup. Not included in current recalls.

NHTSA ODI #11642896

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2025
Engine

Loosing oil constantly and now there is a loud noise with the engine/motor

NHTSA ODI #11641652

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2025
Engine

Engine had oil consumption problem. We bought it as second owners around 89k miles. Now at 98k miles and engine has blown. It’s not going to be fixed without a replacement. We are getting the run around by Hyundai in ballwin asking us to pay 500 upfront and all kinds of pushback. We have to tow and they will look at it even thou…

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Engine had oil consumption problem. We bought it as second owners around 89k miles. Now at 98k miles and engine has blown. It’s not going to be fixed without a replacement. We are getting the run around by Hyundai in ballwin asking us to pay 500 upfront and all kinds of pushback. We have to tow and they will look at it even though it is still under 100kmile powertrain warranty. We got 3 months use out of a vehicle we just paid 15k for. Total loss

NHTSA ODI #11641426

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

I own a Hyundai Tucson 2018 model and recently it started making the noise. i got it check with the private auto shop and they said it the engine issue so i took it to dealership as it was under the 100,000 power train warranty. The dealership ask me about the invoice of regular oil change invoice which i provided to them but th…

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I own a Hyundai Tucson 2018 model and recently it started making the noise. i got it check with the private auto shop and they said it the engine issue so i took it to dealership as it was under the 100,000 power train warranty. The dealership ask me about the invoice of regular oil change invoice which i provided to them but they simply denied it. the dealership is located on route 1 south Brunswick new jersey.

NHTSA ODI #11641122

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