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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

43 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

I have a Hyundai 2018. I bought it in 2019 with about 64,000 miles on it. I keep up with all the maintenance on my SUV. I noticed once I moved from Illinois to Florida, after having the car for a year, it started consuming a lot of oil. I've never had an oil leak anywhere on the car. In November of 2020 I went to Take 5 to get m…

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I have a Hyundai 2018. I bought it in 2019 with about 64,000 miles on it. I keep up with all the maintenance on my SUV. I noticed once I moved from Illinois to Florida, after having the car for a year, it started consuming a lot of oil. I've never had an oil leak anywhere on the car. In November of 2020 I went to Take 5 to get my oil changed and the mechanic said make sure to check my oil often because my truck burns a lot of oil. I'm find myself putting oil in my truck once a week. Every 500 miles it needs oil. The crazy thing is, is that the oil light never once came on. The engine light will come on. I went to a recall appointment 2 weeks ago, which was the same day I got my oil changed June 11, 2022, and I told them about this issue and they did nothing. By June 23rd I needed more oil! I see California has a lawsuit about this issue. I want to trade in my truck because this is costing too much money feeding this truck gas and now oil!

NHTSA ODI #11471949

Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Recall was corrected via el cajon hyundai, however not updated with nhtsa website.

NHTSA ODI #11442049

61,040 miles · Nov 16, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the loss of motive power. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the resi…

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The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the loss of motive power. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 61,040.

NHTSA ODI #11440628

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2021
Unknown Or Other

On 18 August 2021, I had a recall fixed on my Hyundai Tucson. The recall is now fixed, however Hyundai has not removed the recall record against the VIN. I have been trying ever since to speak to someone from Hyundai USA to get the recall cleared, however they refuse to escalate the issue internally and give no answers regarding…

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On 18 August 2021, I had a recall fixed on my Hyundai Tucson. The recall is now fixed, however Hyundai has not removed the recall record against the VIN. I have been trying ever since to speak to someone from Hyundai USA to get the recall cleared, however they refuse to escalate the issue internally and give no answers regarding how it can be fixed. I'd like to lodge a complaint because I am selling the vehicle shortly and need the recall to be cleared ASAP so that I can register and sell it.

NHTSA ODI #11429856

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Lag and than quick acceleration upon take off. RPM revs to2000, but power serge comes a few seconds later. Just bought this car, have not returned it for testing yet, but now understand Hyundai knows about this problem, but has no solution. Could be a hugh safety hazzard.

NHTSA ODI #11418154

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2021
Unknown Or Other

My car will excelerate with no warning

NHTSA ODI #11417863

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

47,546 miles · Mar 20, 2021
Unknown Or Other

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP... I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE CAR... THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME... I SAW NO DEBRIS ON THE CAR OR IN THE ROAD... THE ROAD WAS PAVED.. I WAS REALLY AT A LOST AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP... I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE CAR... THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME... I SAW NO DEBRIS ON THE CAR OR IN THE ROAD... THE ROAD WAS PAVED.. I WAS REALLY AT A LOST AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO IT.. UNTIL I STARTED RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAPPENS TO THESE SUNROOF OCCASIONALLY.. I AM WORKING WITH HYUNDAI NOW TRYING TO GET THEM TO REPAIR IT... IT REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL...

NHTSA ODI #11404065

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2021
Unknown Or Other

HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL WITH A REPLACEMENT PART NEEDED TO PREVENT AN ENGINE FIRE. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE WERE CONTACTED, WAS TOLD THEY ONLY HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE 2019-2021 AND NO REMEDY YET FOR THE 2018 MODEL, WHICH IS MINE. SAID THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE THE CAR ISN'T DANGEROUS AND DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CONTACT CONSUMER…

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HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL WITH A REPLACEMENT PART NEEDED TO PREVENT AN ENGINE FIRE. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE WERE CONTACTED, WAS TOLD THEY ONLY HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE 2019-2021 AND NO REMEDY YET FOR THE 2018 MODEL, WHICH IS MINE. SAID THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE THE CAR ISN'T DANGEROUS AND DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO OPEN A CASE AND SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO ABOUT REPLACING THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11396366

25,000 miles · Nov 20, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE TRANSIMISSION. AFTER 3 DEALERSHIP VISITS, PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED AT BOB MAYBERRY HYUNDAI-MONROE, NC. WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND "FIX/PART" WAS COMING IN MARCH/APRIL 2020. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FINALLY GOT FED UP WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I WENT TO OT…

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ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE TRANSIMISSION. AFTER 3 DEALERSHIP VISITS, PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED AT BOB MAYBERRY HYUNDAI-MONROE, NC. WE WERE TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND "FIX/PART" WAS COMING IN MARCH/APRIL 2020. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL FINALLY GOT FED UP WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I WENT TO OTHER DEALERSHIP (KEFFER HYUNDAI-CHARLOTTE, NC.). WAS TOLD THEY HAD TO REPLICATE BUT TECH COULD NOT. (REPAIR INVOICE STATES THEY DROVE THE CAR 1 MILE!) (THE DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THIS WAS AN INTERMITENT PROBLEM). THE PROBLEM IS WHEN DRIVING VERY SLOW IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC, THE CAR JUMPS SIMILAR TO SOMEONE LEARNING TO DRIVE A STICK SHIFT AND HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH. I WAS AT A STOP SIGN ONE DAY...AT A COMPLETE STOP. I PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD AND THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 3 FEET AFTER MOVING. HAD I PULLED OUT IF THERE WAS ALOT OF TRAFFIC, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TIME TO MOVE IN THE ROAD. I DO NOT HAVE ALL INVOICES FROM FIRST DEALERSHIP (BOB MAYBERRY HYUNDAI-MONROE,NC), BUT THEY WILL HAVE EVERYTHING IN THEIR SYSTEM. I CAN REQUEST THIS DOCUMENTATION IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ODI #11375641

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