← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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
Clear category filter
38,900 miles · Apr 24, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD BOARD GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY INDICATING REAR BRAKE LIGHT NEEDS ATTENTION. WHEN WARNING LIGHT IS ON, BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. WHEN WARNING LIGHT TURNS OFF, BRAKE LIGHT WORKS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS ON AND CONSTANTLY AT RANDOM TIMES EVEN WHEN I'M STATIONARY. ALSO, WHEN I'M STOPPED, CAR TUGS LIK…

Read full complaint

WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD BOARD GOES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY INDICATING REAR BRAKE LIGHT NEEDS ATTENTION. WHEN WARNING LIGHT IS ON, BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. WHEN WARNING LIGHT TURNS OFF, BRAKE LIGHT WORKS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS ON AND CONSTANTLY AT RANDOM TIMES EVEN WHEN I'M STATIONARY. ALSO, WHEN I'M STOPPED, CAR TUGS LIKE IT WANTS TO ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI #11413638

18,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Service BrakesCrashInjury

RECALL ON MY 2018 TUSCON BRAKES, BRAKES WERE ACTING ODD AND MY DAUGHTER UTIMATELY ENDED UP ROLLING AND TOTALLING IT IN OCT 2020. IN MARCH 2021, WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES. SHE HAD MENTIONED THE BRAKES ACTING FUNNY, BUT ONLY HAVING 18K MILES. WE ASSUMED IT WAS STILL NEWNESS. SHE RECEIVED A HEAD INJURY AND SEST B…

Read full complaint

RECALL ON MY 2018 TUSCON BRAKES, BRAKES WERE ACTING ODD AND MY DAUGHTER UTIMATELY ENDED UP ROLLING AND TOTALLING IT IN OCT 2020. IN MARCH 2021, WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES. SHE HAD MENTIONED THE BRAKES ACTING FUNNY, BUT ONLY HAVING 18K MILES. WE ASSUMED IT WAS STILL NEWNESS. SHE RECEIVED A HEAD INJURY AND SEST BELT SORES ON HER HIPS.

NHTSA ODI #11406025

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2021
Service Brakes

RECALL FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE AT LEAST 01/12/21 BUT NOTICE NOT RECEIVED UNTIL 03/12/21. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS IN STOCK, WITH NO ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME, SO VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE AT RISK FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS DOCUMENTS HYUNDAI'S FAILURE TO ADDRESS SE…

Read full complaint

RECALL FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE AT LEAST 01/12/21 BUT NOTICE NOT RECEIVED UNTIL 03/12/21. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS IN STOCK, WITH NO ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME, SO VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE AT RISK FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS DOCUMENTS HYUNDAI'S FAILURE TO ADDRESS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #11404798

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2021
Service Brakes

WITH A RECALL INVOLVING ABS MODULES THAT CAN CAUSE ENGINE FIRE IS A SERIOUS RECALL. NO SHOPS IN THE AREA HAD AVAILABILITY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IN LESS THAN A WEEK. THIS IS TOO LONG OF A TIME FOR THESE TYPES OF ISSUES. I AM NOT BLAMING THE SHOPS, THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH THEY CAN DO. BUT, MORE ASSISTANCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO…

Read full complaint

WITH A RECALL INVOLVING ABS MODULES THAT CAN CAUSE ENGINE FIRE IS A SERIOUS RECALL. NO SHOPS IN THE AREA HAD AVAILABILITY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IN LESS THAN A WEEK. THIS IS TOO LONG OF A TIME FOR THESE TYPES OF ISSUES. I AM NOT BLAMING THE SHOPS, THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH THEY CAN DO. BUT, MORE ASSISTANCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO THEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THIS ISSUE. I CALLED THE MORNING AFTER I GOT THE NOTICE.

NHTSA ODI #11403242

18,500 miles · Feb 2, 2021
Service Brakes

MY CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM ENTERPRISE LEASING IN MAY 2019. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE RECALL #195 WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN RESULT WITH THE CAR ON FIRE. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE A PLAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WAS SUBMITTED TO YOU ON MAY 16, 2018 BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME. I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL BY HYUNDAI.…

Read full complaint

MY CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM ENTERPRISE LEASING IN MAY 2019. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE RECALL #195 WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN RESULT WITH THE CAR ON FIRE. ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE A PLAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM WAS SUBMITTED TO YOU ON MAY 16, 2018 BEFORE THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME. I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL BY HYUNDAI. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM A FRIEND. UPON NOTIFYING HYUNDAI THEY HAVE YET TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO A SERIOUS PROBLEM. MY WIFE IS NOW CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND HAS SERIOUS STRESS ISSUES IF SHE HAS TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WE HAVE HAD THREE PEOPLE AT THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE TELL US THERE IS A SOLUTION BUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT EBERSOLE HYUNDAI SAYS THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. ACTUALLY MAKING THE CAR A SAFETY HAZARD TP DROVE/ WE ARE TOLD THAT BECAUSE WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM ENTERPRISE LEASING AND NOT DIRECTLY FROM HYUNDAI THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR US. I FEEL THAT THERE HAS BEEN SERIOUS FRAUD THAT TOOK PLACE WHEN SELLING US THIS CAR SINCE IT WAS ALREADY DECLARED TO BE UNSAFE WITH A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11394354

21,000 miles · Jan 27, 2021
Service Brakes

GOT A PHONE CALL YESTERDAY (1-26-2021) FROM HYUNDAI DEALER TELLING ME THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC UNIT (HECU). WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE, DUE TO A POSSIBLE COMPARTMENT FIRE. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI. CUSTOMER REP AT DEALERSH…

Read full complaint

GOT A PHONE CALL YESTERDAY (1-26-2021) FROM HYUNDAI DEALER TELLING ME THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC UNIT (HECU). WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE, DUE TO A POSSIBLE COMPARTMENT FIRE. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI. CUSTOMER REP AT DEALERSHIP WAS VERY IN-PROFESSIONAL AND RUDE. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR!!..DEALER WAS TRYING TO REAL ME IN TO TRY TO SELL ME A NEW CAR, WHICH I'M IN NO POSITION TO DO SUCH AT THIS TIME. IS THIS RECALL SOMETHING THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED? PLEASE REPLY....*JS

NHTSA ODI #11390264

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2021
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FAMILY HYUNDAI DE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FAMILY HYUNDAI DEALER, SERVICE & PARTS (8101 W 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60477) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11389025

6,000 miles · Aug 2, 2020
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED 1.6L FORWARD DRIVE NEW IN NOVEMBER 2018. I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS A FEW WEEKS AFTER MY PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES AND OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE LURCHES/ACCELERATES FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. FOR INSTANCE, I WAS AT A DR…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON LIMITED 1.6L FORWARD DRIVE NEW IN NOVEMBER 2018. I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS A FEW WEEKS AFTER MY PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES AND OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE LURCHES/ACCELERATES FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. FOR INSTANCE, I WAS AT A DRIVE THRU WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY TUCSON BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. I WAS SO AFRAID THAT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THAT I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IT HAS LURCHED/ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. OTHER TIMES WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE JUST HESITATES TO MOVE AT ALL. IT IS VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE FOR A TURBO VEHICLE. CONCERNING MY BRAKES, MY BRAKES ARE MAKING A HIGH PITCH SQUEALING SOUND. I HAVE TAKEN MY TUCSON IN FOR SERVICE FOR THE BRAKE ISSUE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND THAT IS THE NOISE THAT TUCSON BRAKES MAKE. BRAKES DO NOT MAKE A HIGH PITCH SQUEALING NOISE FOR NO REASON AT ALL. ALSO, I TOOK MY TUCSON TO BE SERVICED FOR THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THIS SUV IS A DEATHTRAP. THE 2018 TUCSON 1.6L NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A 2.4L ENGINE AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REDESIGNED.

NHTSA ODI #11342847

16,000 miles · Aug 4, 2019
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE LAST YEAR. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WHEN I TAKE OFF AFTER I HAVE STARTED THE CAR AND GO. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THEY TOLD ME IT IS THE GEAR SHIFTER. [XXX]. THIS CAR HAS NO POWER WHEN YOU TAKE OFF AND THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED SINCE DAY 2.I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND THEY HAVE SCRAPED THE BRAKES 3 TIMES. I HAVE COMPL…

Read full complaint

I HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE LAST YEAR. THERE IS A LOUD NOISE WHEN I TAKE OFF AFTER I HAVE STARTED THE CAR AND GO. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN THEY TOLD ME IT IS THE GEAR SHIFTER. [XXX]. THIS CAR HAS NO POWER WHEN YOU TAKE OFF AND THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEAKED SINCE DAY 2.I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND THEY HAVE SCRAPED THE BRAKES 3 TIMES. I HAVE COMPLAINED AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME UNTIL I HAVE READ MORE COMPLAINTS. THIS CAR NEEDS RECALLED OR YOU NEED TO GIVE PEOPLE THEIR MONEY BACK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11241629

300 miles · Dec 9, 2018
Service BrakesCrashInjury

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING PARKING LOT AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AND WOULD NOT STOP, ULTIMATELY ROLLING UP OVER THE CURB ONTO THE GRASS AREA AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE LIGHT POST. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 949-485…

Read full complaint

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING PARKING LOT AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AND WOULD NOT STOP, ULTIMATELY ROLLING UP OVER THE CURB ONTO THE GRASS AREA AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE LIGHT POST. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 949-485-3700 ( STEVE PACHECO ) SERVICE ADVISOR

NHTSA ODI #11157092

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