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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

Service Brakes complaints

21 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2025
EngineService Brakes

I purchased this car [XXX] as a CPO vehicle from a Ford dealership. By [XXX] the oil pressure light would flicker and it was clear the car was burning a lot of oil between changes. On 8/22 an oil change was completed at dealer. On [XXX] the oil pressure light flickered and it was three quarts down. An oil consumption test was…

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I purchased this car [XXX] as a CPO vehicle from a Ford dealership. By [XXX] the oil pressure light would flicker and it was clear the car was burning a lot of oil between changes. On 8/22 an oil change was completed at dealer. On [XXX] the oil pressure light flickered and it was three quarts down. An oil consumption test was started at 112,000. On Sat [XXX] while driving to dealer for oil check, the car began shuddering violently and the check engine light came on, and went into limp mode. I was on a dangerous mountain pass at the time and it could have been a major issue. The day before a tractor trailer had almost run me off the road, if my car had stalled then I might not be here. Hyundais have a known issue with oil burning and engine damage. Right now I am stuck in a 14K loan with a car that is unsafe to drive. I am not sure what the dealer plans to do, or what the diagnosis is, but its clear these engines are not safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11695832

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2025
Service BrakesCrashInjury

My daughter‘s car was in park and still running and she got out of the car and went to the back of the car opened up the hatch cleaned her window went to the side of the car passenger side went to go get out her lunchbox and the car ran over my daughter And crushed her left side and tore off part of her face. The car came out of…

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My daughter‘s car was in park and still running and she got out of the car and went to the back of the car opened up the hatch cleaned her window went to the side of the car passenger side went to go get out her lunchbox and the car ran over my daughter And crushed her left side and tore off part of her face. The car came out of park on its own in my driveway and I have a video of this from my camera. She was taken obviously to the hospital by ambulance and she sees a plastic surgeon every week now this just happened March 5. Something is not right. The car shouldn’t have ever come out of park on its own in order for it to come out of park and go backwards you need to press your foot on the break and put it in reverse it reversed on its own onto my daughter.

NHTSA ODI #11652747

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

ABS SENSOR, downhill light, traction control light stays on. In August 2023 the transmission had to be rebuilt from slipping. After work there is still transmission slipping. Media display goes blank often and will not show all of display sometimes.

NHTSA ODI #11584294

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2023
Power TrainService Brakes

Transmission is jerking when driving. Brakes are squeaking.

NHTSA ODI #11540530

69,000 miles · Apr 10, 2023
Service BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle sporadically accelerated which caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. No air bags were deployed. The vehicle…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle sporadically accelerated which caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. No air bags were deployed. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair center. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ODI #11516319

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2022
Service Brakes

The component or system failing is the brake system. When applying the foot to the brake pedal, sometimes it goes to a very low level. The problem was reproduced with the service technicians of a dealer. They made a maintenance service (break flush) to the brake system. Problem seemed to be solved, but it came back again. T…

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The component or system failing is the brake system. When applying the foot to the brake pedal, sometimes it goes to a very low level. The problem was reproduced with the service technicians of a dealer. They made a maintenance service (break flush) to the brake system. Problem seemed to be solved, but it came back again. The mileage between the first service and second service was 1,591 miles. In the second service, technicians made inspection to the brake pads, they were found within parameters. Test drive was made, and the problem was not reproduced. Not sure if they made additional service. After few weeks, the problem repeated again. This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes occurs, but not always. No warning lamps or indicators present at the time the problem occurs.

NHTSA ODI #11495559

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2022
Service Brakes

Good day, I hope your day is going well. I have a 2018 Hyundai Tucson and on several occasions when I have tried to stop rapidly my break seem to fail and the car slid further than expected. I noticed that there was an anti lock break hydronic recall on the 2018-2022 models but I never received a letter for my vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11489704

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2021
Service Brakes

In many Instances, I come close to get involved in accident. I cannot apply HARD BRAKING. When the hard braking is applied, I feel my foot is touching the ground and the brake cable is going to break. It is very scary and unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11443170

Mileage unknown · May 12, 2021
Service Brakes

THE PARTS TO FIX THIS RECALL ARE BACKORDERED. THEY HAVE BEEN FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS AND OWNERS DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, WE RISK HAVING OUR CARS START A FIRE WHICH CAN LEAD TO SEVERE DAMAGE AND/OR DEATH. SEP 04,2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER195 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V543000 RECALL STATUS:…

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THE PARTS TO FIX THIS RECALL ARE BACKORDERED. THEY HAVE BEEN FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS AND OWNERS DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, WE RISK HAVING OUR CARS START A FIRE WHICH CAN LEAD TO SEVERE DAMAGE AND/OR DEATH. SEP 04,2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER195 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V543000 RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA (HYUNDAI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2016-2021 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. SAFETY RISK THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULES THAT COULD MALFUNCTION INTERNALLY AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OVER TIME, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT OVERCURRENT IN THE ABS MODULE, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #11416247

100,000 miles · May 7, 2021
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO AUTO NATION WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A SWISHING NOISE AND SPUTTERING THE CAR JUST STOPPED I WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO GET ON THE OFF RAMP THE CAR WAS TOWED WHICH COST ME 528.00 TO GET OUT HAD HE RE-TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE ENGINE ROD BLEW OUT …

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I HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO AUTO NATION WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A SWISHING NOISE AND SPUTTERING THE CAR JUST STOPPED I WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO GET ON THE OFF RAMP THE CAR WAS TOWED WHICH COST ME 528.00 TO GET OUT HAD HE RE-TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND THE ENGINE ROD BLEW OUT AND UP MAKING A GOOD SIZE HOLE IN THE OIL PAN NOW I HAVE TO PAY 120.00 DIAGNOSTICS CHARGES BUT THEY DO NOT THINK HYUNDAI WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS SO I'M PAYING FOR A CAR THAT IS COMPLETELY INCAPACITATED. I WAS READING ON YOUR REPORTS CONCERNING HYUNDAI AND KIA THE LAW SUIT FOR THEIR SLOW RESPONSE BUT TO THIS DAY I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND REPORT ON THE ENGINE PROBLEM AND ROD IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY HYUNDAI EXCEPT IT HASN'T CAUGHT ON FIRE AS OF YET MY UNDERSTANDING IS PARK IT AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AS JUST BEING PARKED IT CAN STILL CATCH ON FIRE. I NEED HELP ON THIS MATTER... THANK YOU I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED SINCE MARCH 2021

NHTSA ODI #11415535

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.

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