2018 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 396 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 13 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 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.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Campaign 20V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 3, 2026
I took my Tucson to my local Hyundai dealership on Friday, August 28, 2026. It was there for a standard oil change and tire rotation. When I scheduled the appointment online the system also said there was a recall. I always stay on top of that so I let them take care of that as well. The recall didn’t seem like anything major, it was something to do with emissions. Ok, when I left the dealership that day the engine was warm so there was no noticeable difference. I didn’t use my vehicle at all for the next few days. When I got into it Monday morning for work I noticed immediately after starting the car and taking off the engine was hesitating and bucking. This lasted a few minutes. The problem seems to improve once the engine is warm but others are reporting online that they’re having issues with engines stalling as well. There’s something wrong with the software update that’s being used and no one seems to have a fix. I reached out to Hyundai with my concern and they recommended I take it back to the dealership to be diagnosed and see if my warranty would cover any repairs. My vehicle was free of problems before that update and now it’s falling back on me to pay for a potential problem they caused. There has been no accidents for me personally with this but it’s most definitely a safety hazard.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2026
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited equipped with the 1.6T engine and 7-speed EcoShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) is suffering from severe, dangerous clutch judder, slippage, and sudden acceleration hesitation. This vehicle matches the exact manufacturing defects and symptoms outlined in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-AT-014H, but the defect has never been properly resolved by the manufacturer.The primary safety defect occurs when accelerating from a complete stop or during low-speed maneuvers (such as yielding at a roundabout or turning at an intersection). When pressing the gas pedal, the transmission violently shudders, hesitates, and fails to properly engage the clutch pack. This creates a severe, unpredictable time lag where the engine revs but the vehicle experiences a total loss of motive power and fails to move forward.This unexpected loss of propulsion has caused multiple near-miss situations where oncoming traffic had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting my vehicle because it stalled or lagged while pulling out. It is an immediate physical safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. The failure is completely unpredictable and significantly worsens in warm weather or during stop-and-go driving conditions.I previously presented this vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership to complain about this exact transmission hesitation and shuddering while the vehicle was still covered under the factory warranty window. The service department failed to properly log, diagnose, or repair the failing double clutch pack at that time. Because the defect was reported within the warranty period and never corrected, the safety hazard has persisted and deteriorated to the point where the vehicle is now unsafe to operate in normal traffic. Hyundai is currently refusing to cover the full cost of this safety-related transmission failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2026
Car shaking, oil is burning , and drive hard. Engine and, oil light is now appearing.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2026
January 9, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard a loud thud and the RPMs kept rising but the vehicle would not accelerate. Was very dangerous and barely avoided a collision with other drivers on the road. Barely got it home and shut it off. Tried to drive again but would not get out of reverse. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership for inspection. EGO4 Check Engine Light Diagnostic. 120883. Transmission and rear coupler/differential replaced. Test driven and dealership said it drove as designed and shifted as designed. Cost $10,955.29.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2026
UNKNOWN -A catalytic converter clogged after being installed - only 14 months following installation, causing rough and unsafe acceleration, inability to shift gears properly, and need to drive with hazards on. It is clear that there is an issue with the engine/exhaust and system in this vehicle. Additionally, the car needs oil added regularly and seems to be burning it, as indicated by low level.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 7, 2026, fire
Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on the highway. Police and fire responded. Insurance is investigating. If I was inside the vehicle, I would have certainly died.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2026
The situation I’m about to explain has happened twice—once in December 2025 and again on January 22, 2026. In December, the roads were very icy, but there was no snow on the ground. As I made a right turn into a Walmart parking lot, I heard a loud metal-breaking sound while turning. I immediately got out and looked underneath my 2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL but didn’t see anything unusual. After finishing my shopping, I started the SUV to pull out of the parking space. The car was trying to move, but the rear tires were not moving at all. A man waiting for my parking spot noticed this and told me one of the tires wasn’t turning. As I drove home, I heard extremely loud metal noises coming from the back of the vehicle—sounds like metal twisting, breaking, and falling to the ground. At no point did any warning lights come on. I took the car to a highly rated mechanic, Premier Car Care, where they did a thorough inspection and found nothing wrong. After being reassured that the vehicle was safe, I continued driving it. Then on January 22, 2026, the same issue happened again. I was driving to my internship, and the roads were slushy. Suddenly, the Tucson became unstable, slid unexpectedly, and I heard the same metal twisting and breaking noises. This time, the ABS light came on briefly and then went off. The vehicle felt unsafe and unstable, even though I was driving very slowly—around 15 miles per hour. I was terrified and nearly hit someone. I had the car towed through Triple A back to the mechanic, but once again, they were unable to find the cause after inspecting it, and it is sitting in my driveway. I am reaching out because I am on disability, I have three children with autism, and I am also currently in school. I rely on this vehicle, and I truly need help investigating what is happening so this issue can be properly identified and fixed before someone gets seriously hurt.
Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2025
High Oil Consumption
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2025
Evidence package for dealer fraud: demand letter, SMS threats, sales contract, diagnostic report. Catalytic converter failure caused by chronic oil overfill (2+ quarts excess). Symptoms: - Loud whistling noise from exhaust - Severe power loss (unable to reach 60 mph) - Check engine light activation (codes P0011/P000A) Safety risks: 1. Stalling hazard at highway speeds 2. Fire risk from clogged converter 3. Engine seizure due to oil contamination Confirmed by Hyundai dealer (Evansville, IN) on [XXX] - ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE. Defect existed pre-sale: - Dealer admitted exhaust issue in writing: "probably will be in the exhaust" - Formal demand letter documented hidden defects on 04/28/2025 - Vehicle returned to dealer on 04/24/2025 where it remains Evidence confirms fraud: - Diagnostic report shows pre-existing conditions - Dealer demanded $300 to release vehicle, then $900 for repairs - "As-is" claim invalid due to defect concealment Warning signs appeared immediately post-purchase. Vehicle available for inspection. Legal violations: - Clean Air Act (emissions warranty breach) - KRS 367.110 (deceptive acts) - FTC Used Car Rule (undisclosed defects) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2025
Won’t shift so that I can gain speed
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2025
The sunroof on my Hyundai Tucson will not close. Seems to be a motor problem. I brought it to a mechanic and it will be a lot of money to fix. I have looked up if this is a common problem and it’s all over the internet. I am not sure if it should be a recall. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 18, 2024
A few months back my car started to loose its ability to accelerate on the highway. I stopped to get my oil changed to see if that would help but the acceleration was still very limited. Now a month ago, my car started pouring smoke out of the exhaust. It was brought to a mechanic who said it was a turbo and or engine issue. I took it to a Hyundai near me for a clear diagnoses and they diagnosed it as needing a new turbo. I got a new turbo put into the car. My car worked for 1 day before pouring oil out of the bottom of it. I then had a new turbo put in. My car worked well for 1 week but now is leaking oil from the exhaust and making loud knocking, go kart noises. Most people I have talked to say it's the engine and that these problems are way too common in Hyundais well before 100k miles. My car has also been peeling white paint from the hood of my car for 2 years. I have passed hundreds of white hyundai's with the same paint problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 10, 2024
On 10/5, after exiting the highway, check engine light began blinking. A loud cranking noise was present and the car began “puttering.” I immediately pulled over to find a parking spot. As I parked, the car seemed to stop running and the oil light turned on. I called a tow truck but since this occurred on the weekend, the dealer wasn’t open. Local mechanic stated it was the engine. I had it towed to Hyundai and it’s awaiting diagnosis.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2024
When accelerating from a stop (particularly when taking a left turn across traffic, and uphill), the car often will hesitate and near-stall. It does not respond to driver “punching” the accelerator even to the floor, the car won’t respond, then suddenly catches and lurches forward. This problem has occurred since the purchase time in 2020 as a certified used vehicle from a Tucson dealer. I have reported the issue multiple times and ask the dealer frequently about it. They tell me no issue, never heard of it, no recall or repair. Online I see many people have reported this as a problem. It is definitely unsafe as drivers evaluate distance of oncoming cars in taking a left turn. When the car hesitates and doesn’t engage, time is lost to make the turn in time to make it.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while in a drive-through line and turning the steering wheel, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was violently shaking and lunging forward. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like it was running out of fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent, who stated there was no engine light illuminated, but the mechanic replaced the coils, oil, and spark plugs. The contact called the local dealer and left a message. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2024
My car was parked under the parking lot of my apartment. on Thursday morning 11am some one came in without any special took just with screwdriver within in 10 second they broke in my driver side door lock and damaged my door lock cylinder. and no alarm system turn on. this is completely unacceptable that the door lock is so fragile that anyone without any special equipment or tool can break in my car in 10 seconds.and if car is opened without the original key how come the alarm system dosent go on. it cost me 550 to fix the door lock cylinder and the central lock system plus i bought manual wheel lock and steering wheel lock because i dont trust security of hyundai.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 26, 2024
My car was working fine since I bought it in April 2023. I passed inspection in November 2023. On January 24, after driving for about 15mins, my check engine light began flashing. The car would not accelerate over 25mph. I brought it to a dealership where it has been for 3 days. All communication about this problem was initiated by me, and the only answers I get are vague comments about testing.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 17, 2024
Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Clogged catalytic converter due to metal shavings from piston ring failure. This put my safety and the safety of others at risk due to potential engine failure which disables all other safety features of the vehicle. confirmed by a hyundai dealership. inspected by a hyundai certified dealership. No warning lamps but oil consumption has been an ongoing issue.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2024
I just purchased this car and I can't insure it in nys all of the insurance company's are claiming they black listed this car and can't insure it I'm not really sure how it's legal to sell somebody a 21000 car and you can't drive it because you need insurance in nys
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2023
Catalytic converter failure. Driving and vehicle slowed down while attempting to pass another vehicle in spite of foot being on accelerator. We were nearly hit head on by a semi trailer. Vehicle unable to increase speed over 50 mph. Taken to dealership. Diagnosed with problem with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle has 82,000 miles. Failure occurred suddenly. Vehicle has also been burning oil since June 2022. Dealership and Hyundai have covered nothing and offered no solutions other than to replace catalytic converter at cost of $3,693.35. There are multiple other complaints of exact same issue online and the safety of this vehicle is questionable as vehicle will refuse to accelerate suddenly which results in a dangerous situation for vehicle's occupants.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 15, 2023
Lots of engine oil consumption And transmission since I bought car spend excessive engine oil and transmission fluid as well
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
Was told Hyundai is having a problem with motors and it’s burning oil quickly. There are recalls for it but not for my model and year. And my mechanic told me I have the same problem. Hyundai should extend the recall for 2018 Tucsons
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2023
The engine, rod bearing failure, constantly ABS Kits, Engine monitoring system (car is available for inspection). Our safety and others put at risk because the auto stopped dead on Interstate during rush hour traffic barely escaped death and seriously injuries to all travelers close to us. Towed it to a dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed it's the engine and rod bearing system on report of inspection and estimate invoice. Manufacture told us to take it to a dealership and we took it to Wallace Hyundai of Stuart Florida. The warning was a knocking sound and oil light flickering just before auto began to sliw down to final stop. All took place on August 8, 2023. I have 7 photos to upload but your site is not allowing more than 10 documents. I tried to delete some documents but it did not have a delete function once I uploaded the documents.
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2023
Paint on the bonnet started peeling and flaking off. You can easily slide your finger on the edges of the paint and it will peel right off.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 14, 2023
I have only owned the car for 1 month. I had gotten an oil/filter change and a new oil pressure sensor at ~80,100 miles. I had requested the oil sensor be changed because it would flicker on and off when the car was idling/low RPMs once it had heated up fully. This had fixed that issue seemingly. At ~80,700 miles the car had started riding a bit "rough", especially at higher speeds, so I decided to have a look under the hood. I was terrified to see that my dipstick was bone dry. There was never any evidence of any noticeable leak underneath the car on the driveway nor any evidence of blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. After some research (Hyundai corporate was telling me over the phone multiple times that there was no known issues with my specific car/engine) I was appalled to see I was essentially lied to. I found multiple official TSBs, NHTSA notices, and hundreds if not thousands of other customers noting the exact same experience. I had tried to take it to Hyundai for the oil consumption tests laid out in multiple TSBs but I was denied "due to the original warranty expiring". To my knowledge this exact issue has caused Hyundai and Kia to extend to 150k miles for all owners. This is my only mode of transportation and I am so worried my car will stall/seize/catch fire on the highway. This is beyond unsafe and unacceptable but I assume I may have to wait until the final litigation hearing in September for official recalls to be issued. If my car makes it that long.