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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 25, 2023
Acceleration issue, from a stop position on a red light or stop sign, when the gas pedal is pressed the engine revs but does not move immediately, after a couple of seconds it lundges forward, also when trying to merge you must wait for a very big gap to safely merge, the car does not respond and this is very dangerous, Hyundai need to rectify this issue before someone dies.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2023, fire
I was driving, my oil and battery light went on, my engine stalled I pulled over. The car started to smoke and caught on fire. The car is totally a lost cause.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 8, 2023
The oil plug fell out of my Tuscon while I driving on the highway and it burned out my entire engine on January 2, 2023, at approximately 5:40 pm EST. The tech at the dealership found the plug in the tray under the spot where the plug goes. It was inspected by a technician at a Hyundai dealership. The car is a 2018 Tuscon--had less than 55,000 miles on it and is now basically worthless and undrivable, quoted $13,000 to fix it. My entire engine now needs to be replaced. I was within the lifespan of my last oil change when the plug fell out. A red oil light flickered on and then a battery subsequently came on. Within approximately three minutes of the light first flickering on, the car was dead on the side of the highway. The car would not turn over once it was stopped on the side of the highway. The car is still at the dealership and available for inspection as of today, but I am not sure how long it will be there because I am not sure what is the best path forward in terms of repair because of the financial cost. I'm lucky that I was able to navigate my car onto the shoulder of the highway and secure a tow without injury. It was a very foggy day and it was already dark when this occurred and I was afraid I would be struck if I exited my car. My car drifted to a stop at the start of an exit ramp with a highway barrier that prevented me from going farther right onto the shoulder.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 10, 2022
I’ve been having an issue with the car “jerking rapidly” when in traffic and rolling slowly and when climbing relatively small hills, it began about 2 months ago but have become progressively worse over the last month. I was told by someone with a similar vehicle that it is the “lower arm control. Need help with is or if there is a recall
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 27, 2022
check engine light comes on bout 25 times a week i plug my scanner into it and it reads knock sensor faulty I seen a RECALL for these cars why doesn't my car have a recall of this on going issue?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 1, 2022
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!
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
Recall was corrected via el cajon hyundai, however not updated with nhtsa website.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2021
My car will excelerate with no warning
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, May 7, 2021
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2021
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...
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2021
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 20, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 27, 2020, crash
ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT WHILE REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 50MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON 8/25/3020 IT STALLED AGAIN AND CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. I AM TERRIFIED TO OPERATE THIS VEHICLE ON PUBLIC ROAD WAYS NOW.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2019
THE 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON SEL HAS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP, BUT IDLE FORWARD FOR ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS, UNTIL THE VEHICLE GOES. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS RESET THE PROGRAMMING ON THE TRANSMISSION 2X. THERE ARE OTHER INDIVIDUALS ONLINE THAT ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THEIR 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. IN JUNE 2019, I WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE I WAS COMPLETING A LEFT HAND TURN ON GREEN WHEN AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DECIDED TO RUN THE LIGHT. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. ON 10/7/19 - I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO RIDE WITH A TECHNICIAN. DURING THE 30 MINUTES RIDE, I FELT LIKE I HAD REPLICATED THE ISSUE SLIGHTLY BUT THE MECHANIC ONLY ASKED ME WHAT KIND OF CAR I PREVIOUSLY DROVE. WHEN I CHECKED OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, I ASKED FOR PAPERWORK TO DOCUMENT MY ENCOUNTER, EVEN IF THE MECHANIC CLAIMED IT WAS UNFOUNDED - BUT WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH ANY AND TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING TO DOCUMENT.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 4, 2019
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).