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
396 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Mar 3, 2022
very bad acceleration from a stop position, engine revs but does not move, in slow traffic it hesitates and lunges forward like it’s not sure what it’s suppose to do, when trying to merge or pass another car, you have to give yourself time, it’s very dangerous, took it to the dealer 2 times, was told that’s how the car is made, there is no way this is suppose to be the way the car was built. also a smell of antifreeze but no leaks detected,
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 1, 2022
Electric media screen (navigation, radio and etc) died. Screen went black and would not turn on. Car wouldn’t start on first attempt this morning. Mild Southern California conditions, garage parked. Car shakes / rattles when starting and powering down
Engine, Feb 24, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping noise emitting from underneath the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact saw that a fire had started from underneath the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle in front of hers witnessed the fire and assisted with calling the authorities to the scene. Both the fire and the police department arrived as the fire department extinguished the fire. Both a police and fire report were filed; no injuries were reported. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 17, 2022
As I Was Driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Down The Highway No Lights No Warnings Nothin My Car Just Shut Off In The middle of the road and would not even crank or turn over and had a burnt smell which could have got myself and others killed So Had Help Getting It To The Side of the road until the tow driver came Took it to the shop to realize the engine is seized How could this happen on a new vehicle without no warning signs it’s had regular oil changes and very well kept car i have talked to many repair shops that have said that have said my car is not the first one they have seen with this year with these problems you guys really need to put out a recall before someone gets killed because of Hyundais engines I could have got myself and my kids killed without WARNING ! I will never buy a Hyundai again a new car and the motor is seized it’s ridiculous and has put my life and kids in danger
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2022
While driving after a snow storm 1/29/2022 I had the heat up in the SUV I started smelling something burning. I then lowered the heat and the smell became less. I recently purchased this vehicle as a pre own on December 3rd 2021.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and exiting the highway, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and the vehicle started jerking. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to depress the brake until the vehicle responded. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred with increased intensity while driving. The brake warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
Catastrophic engine failure due to loss of oil pressure without warning at highway speeds. Traveling approximately 70mph on the freeway. Engine develops a rapid knock in sync with engine RPM's and immediate loss of power. At the same moment, I exited the freeway. As I left off the accelerator to apply the brake, the engine stalls completely. Once stopped, I checked the engine oil, which was within specifications. Had vehicle towed to a mechanic and diagnosed as engine failure due to loss of oil pressure. Before this, the engine regularly consumed 2-3 quarts of oil per oil change starting at approximately 45,000 miles. Catalytic convertor has been replaced once due to being plugged by consumed oil. Hyundai fails to remedy.
Power train, Jan 10, 2022
When merging into traffic, the car lost all acceleration and the transmission revved to a very high rpm. This has been an ongoing problem since the car was purchased. The dealer keeps saying they “cannot replicate”. This car is going to kill me.
Engine, Jan 7, 2022
My engine has locked up on me and stalled because of water in the oil. I was never informed about this “knock sensor” update for Hyundai that would have prevented all this in the first place. I’ve had to come out of pocket for 2 tow trips and loaner car all while my vehicle is under 5 year/ or 60,000 mile warranty!! Now this apparent “America’s best warranty” local dealership is trying to tell me that my repairs are not covered under the warranty and I would have to pay $10,000 out of pocket for the repairs! This is going on 3 months now and still no one has contacted me and no one is helping me. That vehicle is my ONLY source of transportation to and from work an hour away! I am unsatisfied with my Hyundai Tucson and the false advertisement for claiming to be “America’s best warranty” and for not providing a safe reliable vehicle like Hyundai promises!
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
A connecting rod bearing was thrown through the engine block causing it to stall out on the freeway. This is exactly what is occurring with vehicles in the Theta Class Action Settlement but the company states my VIN number is not included.
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2021
Rod bearing failure. Sounded like a tractor all of a sudden and stalled every time I’d come to a stop. Had it towed to the dealership. Awaiting word from Hyundai as to whether the warranty will cover this. Checked oil and wasn’t low. No check engine lights or oil lights or anything ever came on. No noises prior to this happening. Kept up on routine maintenance.
Engine, Dec 21, 2021
I bought my 2018 tuscon one year ago in June 2020. 70,000 miles on it now, regular maintenance. No warning lights, everything was running OK. I started experiencing hesitation taking off then lunging when stopped in the last few months. Now I'm sitting in the driveway because it won't start. Realized oil was low which is odd because I've noticed it's been burning more than previous but no more than a quart so it's not like it was dry. I'm supposed to be able to get 5k on an oil change now adays but starts running poorly if it's not changed by 3k. Needless to say iadded qt of oil I was going to get oil changed yesterday but wouldn't start. I changed the battery, still won't start, starter was tested good, fuses all in tack, changed camshaft sensors at 90 dollars a piece still nothing. Check alternator that's fine. It clicks one time but have all lights power everywhere it should. In 2 days I've spent 215 on a battery, 200 with tax on sensors, 50 code reader no code by the way. Did have p0014 which indicated need for either oil change or camshaft sensor. Nothing. I'm a sitting duck and all the things I've experience are what they experienced in the theta engines like hesitated, burning oil, ticking sounds, lunging etc. GDI isn't any better. I hate this car. After this one is paid off and I guess put a new engine in I'll be getting rid of it. Going back to a solid Buick. I'll never buy another hyundai. This is the second vehicle with engine problems we bought. Not to mention the risk of for but hyundai near me hasn't been able to get the parts for over a year. I'm currently in a wait list.
Engine, Dec 19, 2021
Emission light is on and called dealer for an appointment, stated they will called me when they can line me up with a tech and I still waiting.
Service brakes, Dec 8, 2021
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.
Engine, Dec 5, 2021
Buy brand new off lot. Never miss Regular maintenance on engine oil and filters. Car had only 55200 miles. After 500 miles regular oil interval maintenance. Car underbody show no oil leaks anywhere on 12/05/2021 park on driveway. This morning Car not start without oil indicator or engine light warning comes up. Open hood up, check oil dip stick show no oil residue. Yike, where is low oil warning light sensor when no oil in engine. Apparently it not working or never have it on in my opinion. Gotta be recall issue for this. So I ran to Walmart get a quart of sythenic oil recommended and fill it up. Car start up find and drive ok for now. Not sure in future. This is a must recall on No Oil Indicator Sensor Malfunction!!!!!!!!!
Engine, Dec 1, 2021
Purchased new on 5/30/2018. 3/2021 I noticed shaking, noises, pinging, whining sounds and vibration coming from engine as I turn engine on / off and in drive. 3/24/2021 I brought vehicle for inspection. Service Advisor felt the shaking, vibrations and heard the pinging / noises and whining sounds as I turned the vehicle off. Vehicle went for oil change and inspection, stayed overnight and no fault found, service bay stated they could not reproduce the occurrence. The sensations worsened and I brought vehicle back on 3/30/2021 for inspection as I did not feel safe driving vehicle. 4/02/2021 dealer said the sensations could not be detectable and it was suggested that maybe the Turbo dual clutch engine. 10/15/2021 the air conditioner failed. Brought vehicle in for inspection. Service performed diagnostic testing on vehicle and found internal failure on a/c compressor. New compressor was ordered and replaced. Replacement air conditioner is not as powerful or cold as original part. Vehicle is still making pinging, whining, vibrations. 11/29/2021, engine light came on. I reversed out of a parking spot and it felt different. Put gear in drive and immediately the gas pedal went to half way to floor and the vehicle jerked and then seemed to catch the gear. Then the pedal went to the floor and there was no go, then it kicked in. Repeated multiple times. Tried reverse and there was none. No rpm movement and quickly came a strong burning smell. Had vehicle towed dealer. All vehicle services are current and up to date.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
Recall was corrected via el cajon hyundai, however not updated with nhtsa website.
Engine, Nov 24, 2021
My engine blew on the freeway. And we believe it to be a rod bearing issue. Regular oil changes and maintenance done since I owned it. It is currently at the dealership awaiting to hopefully be repaired through extended warranty. The service lot was filled with Tucson's and the service repair man said it was the same issue in all of them. This is a major safety concern as engine failure anywhere on the road can lead to accidents and stalling vehicles. Upon the engine failure, there were no engine lights or any signs that this was going to happen. My car stopped accelerating so I began to pull over and before I could get fully over, all of the engine lights started flashing and the engine began smoking. I just don't want this to continue to happen as this is clearly an ongoing issue, there was a recall with the rod bearing in the 2017 2.0 model, which is my model but being a 2018. I appreciate your time in reviewing this and hope it catches some attention.
Engine, Nov 22, 2021
With 2018, Hyundai Tucson, I was accelerating on the highway coming off of an exit ramp. I was on my way to the dealership to investigate a knocking sound I just started hearing with the engine. Suddenly, the engine failed completely and I started to smell burning. I was able to roll into the shoulder and have my car towed to the dealership. An engine light came on a few miles before the engine failed, but I had no warnings at the start of the trip. Car was at 60,000 miles.
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.
Power train, Nov 10, 2021
The vehicle almost stalls and doesn't want to take off 1st thing in the morning then suddenly it accelerates abruptly well above the amount of pedal pushed. It also has inconsistent shifts at anytime during a drive. Sometimes it won't shift until we leave off the gas. This has been twice in for diagnosis at Rom Marhofer in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Both times they tell us--they could not get the vehicle to produce the symptoms. It does this everyday of the week for us--everyday. The service writer says this is common for the dual clutch transmission. This is a safety issue with not having power to move then suddenly--wham.
Power train, Oct 24, 2021
About 6 months of owning this vehicle, I started noticing while sitting in traffic that when letting off of the brake the car would start to jerk as you gave it a little throttle. I took the car to the Hyundai in Glendora where I purchased the vehicle from and they stated that there was nothing wrong with it. The issue continues to this day and I have voiced the complaint each time I bring the Vehicle in for maintenance. One of the service techs said that they felt the hesitation with the transmission but said that it was not bad enough to fix per Hyundai policy. This car is equipped with the Dual Clutch Transmisson because of the turbo. I have been dealing with this problem now for about 2 1/2 years and I feel that it is a safety issue being that the jerkiness and the hesitation could cause a crash. I actually talked to someone at another dealership and he told me that there was a Class Action Suit for this problem and to go that route. I just want Hyundai to own up to the problem and fix the issue.
Power train, Oct 20, 2021
Hyundai has historically had an issue with the dual-clutch transmission and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle frequently shutters / shakes at a stop and when accelerating from a stop. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally loses power to the wheels when driving-up a moderately steep grade. Additionally, the vehicle has delayed acceleration when trying to increase speed from a constant speed. This has put my safety and the safety of others at risk by being unable to properly accelerate into a turn while driving at highway speed, by being unable to keep up with the speed of traffic while driving on the interstate in the mountains, by being unable to drive in adverse weather, and by not being able to account for the jolting of the vehicle in busy city traffic. I've taken it to two manufacturer dealerships who have ran a shutter test and could not generate an error message, but acknowledged the effects felt when driving the vehicle and the commonality of the problem. They said their hands are tied if the manufacturer's testing generates a pass result. There have not been any warning lamps or messages. To date, I have been unable to come to a resolution, but the vehicle is dangerous to drive.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they informed her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts for the recall were unavailable. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for four months and recently informed her that her engine needed to be replaced; she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine, Oct 6, 2021
Bought car on 7/14/2021 with 43,200 miles - on September 18, 2021 the car stopped working on the highway. Towed to dealership and after 7 days in the lot was told it had a cracked engine block. Over 2 weeks later they still have no idea when the replacement block will be in and when the vehicle will be fixed. Can't offer a loaner even though warranty calls for them to supply one.