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.
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
I am dealing with engine failure after an out of pocket turbo repair cost
Engine, May 19, 2024
My engine failed while driving on a highway. The engine began ticking, and then completely failed. The tow truck driver reported oil leakage. I towed it to a mechanic and he said it was completely blown and irreparable. He reported this as a recurring problem with hyundai and kia cars that "eat up oil" and then damage the engine. The oil light has not been on, I've gotten regular oil changes and was within the distance of my most recent oil change. But apparently it was leaking, failed to inform me and now I have to purchase a new car or pay for a new engine. I looked up recalls, there are none. I looked up class action settlements and my car was mysteriously not on the list based on the VIN, despite being listed within the model and year range.
Power train, Engine, May 10, 2024
End of April/beginning of may, driving down highway check engine light flashing loud knocking and loss of power. Got it towed by AAA. Wasnt able to make appt until May 9th. Got it towed to the Hyundai dealership. Got phone call that is filed the bearing test and need a total engine replacement. Was told by the dealership that it could take 3 months or more to get an engine in and get it replaced. They have no loaners, and hyundai expeacts me to pay out of pocket for a rental for work to keep my job as well as my independent contracting job accounting/taxes. I have to have a vehicle. A rental is easily 1200+ a month. Hyundai refuses to give me a trade in value for my vehicle until the new engine is in. Hyundai also refunded to reimbursement me for a rental until all work is completed and a work order is in hand ( which can be many many months) I dont have money to pay 1200+ a month for a rental and also pay by car payment every month for a vehicle that is stuck at the dealership undrivable because Hyundai installed faulty bad engines. I am stuck and all Hyundai can tell me is that it takes months for the engines. Purchased the vehicle in Feb 2022 and have perfect maintance records, service records and everything else for upkeep. Still owe 15545 on the vehicle and its undrivable. So im paying a car payment on a vehicle that Hyundai made undrivable
Engine, May 1, 2024
KSDS engine software update was performed by Hyundai dealer on January 22, 2024. On or about February 11, 2024, the vehicle began stalling, intermittently, and would not restart for several minutes. On March 4, 2024, the vehicle stalled and, upon restarting, after nearly a 30 minute wait, it would not exceed 35 mph. The vehicle registered, nor recorded, any diagnostic codes at any time, during these events. The vehicle was taken to Edwards Hyundai service center for diagnosis and repair. No diagnostic codes were recorded in the vehicle history. Upon inspection, Edwards changed a loose timing chain and exhaust camshaft. The vehicle was picked up on 3/13/2024 and presented with the same issue on 3/14/2024, with the engine stalling and failing to restart for several minutes. When the vehicle did restart, it would not exceed 35 mph. It was then returned to Edwards Hyundai on 3/15/2024, where it duplicated the issue for Service Writers, failed to restart, and had to be pushed out of the service garage. The vehicle has since, without further diagnosis or repair, started and ran for technicians, who have since supposedly driven, approximately, 200 miles, in an effort to determine the issue. Edwards Hyundai then demanded the return of a loaner vehicle, in an effort to force us to retake possession of the vehicle, having failed to properly diagnose or repair the issue. A complaint has been filed with Hyundai corporate, which resulted only in them also trying to convince us to accept return of the vehicle in said state of disrepair. It has since become very clear, as evidenced by numerous reports of Hyundai vehicles experiencing the same effects and mechanical issues, after receiving the KSDS software update, that Hyundai, both at the corporate and service level, have been dishonest, as to being unaware of the cause of the issue and what must be done to resolve it. Given that the potential end result of the customer retaking possession of the vehicle in its
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Apr 30, 2024
Bought car [XXX] blew up 2 weeks later knock censor was not put on by first dealership so engine blew on interstate car was possible on fire due to as much smoke was coming from vehicle could of been rear ended engine failure due to that no warning of engine failure tucson knows all these problem and is currently in a class action lawsuit and have known the problem for years dealership had to of known this was going on with this engine but sold the car to unsuspecting consumer i think there was a lot of stuff going on this car was owned by stew hansons then sold to dewy ford to sale which my understanding is they own both dealerships. My safety and anybody that gets into my vehicle is still have a 50/50 chance of it happening again ! Have done a lot of homework and watched many youtube videos of these vehicle burn to the ground even one death . they are death traps and should not be on the road . im scared to put my grandchildren in it due to all the info i have obtained INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2024
My vehicle had been in the shop for 30 day due to engine shutdown in the middle of the road, I barely was able to get vehicle off the road and avoid oncoming traffic. I got my vehicle back and driven it a total of 40 minutes within a 3 day time period. During my drive to work my vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway and would not turn on again. My concerns are not being taken seriously with Hyundai and it is a disaster waiting to happen. I have a one year old daughter and I can not risk her safety as well as the other on-coming people on the road when it quits and oncoming traffic has to swerve to not T-bone me. Hyundai will not take any action to correct this other than giving it a temporary fix of a 45 minute drive before they allow me to get back on the road and put myself and others at risk of injury.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2024
ABS SENSOR, downhill light, traction control light stays on. In August 2023 the transmission had to be rebuilt from slipping. After work there is still transmission slipping. Media display goes blank often and will not show all of display sometimes.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
My knock sensor came on and Hyundai is saying issue is not part of recall or covered under warranty and I have had all scheduled oil changes
Engine, Apr 16, 2024
Timing Chain/ Engine failure. Alert/Dashboard failure. The car ran out of oil from the leaking oil pan. Car failed to notified the driver of low oil. Engine failure due to low oil while driving on interstate. Causing to low all power in the middle of the road. Vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and Tow company. Both said it was the timing chain and that the engine was not good anymore. No warning lamps or messages or any other symptoms prior to the incident.
Power train, Apr 15, 2024
While on the highway going 70mph the check engine light flashed on the immediately off out of nowhere and car started aggressively shaking before loosing temporary power. My wife and toddler were in the car and we were all pretty shaken up. Luckily I was able to gain control of the car but I'm concerned that another issue may occur. I immediately took my car in to the shop and they were unable to replicate the issue. Spark plugs, oil, transmission fluid and coolant fluids were all as regular maintenance but no real issue was addressed. My car has also had issues with struggling to accelerate from stop, causing jerking motion and my oil seems to be burning faster than usual.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2024
The car experienced a red, blinking check engine light. We had the car towed to the local Hyundai dealership. Please see attached document for the work that was done. This was in November 2023, and we just now had to have the car towed to the dealership again (April 2024).
Engine, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Apr 8, 2024
The engine became inoperable, warning lights and sounds, came up while driving the engine experienced some hesitation and turned off.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that an emissions leak was present causing the engine light to illuminate; however, the cause of the emissions leak was not yet identified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Engine, Mar 15, 2024
Spun bearing in motor at only 32000 miles poor oiling. Same as other years and models of Hyundai. 2.0L engine
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
There is a known issue with this particular engine burning oil. I’ve had to replace three catalytic converters, among other parts in the exhaust. I am 3000 miles away from an oil change and my engine is flashing lights and stalling while running. Something needs to be done as it can cause the engine to fully fail
Engine, Mar 7, 2024
My wife was picking up our daughter from school. The car shutdown as my wife was getting into the left hand turn lane to go onto our main street. The warning dash lights turned on, but she could not turn on the car. She called me and I left work early to help her out. She called me a few minutes later telling me she was able to get the car started but that it sounded as though "rocks were in the engine." When I got home, I opened the hood and checked the dip stick and noticed metal flecks and shavings on the end. I tested the dipstick 3 more times and each time I inspected it noticed the flecks and shavings. I then called a tow truck to have the car transported to Hyundai. The sudden engine failure led me down a rabbit hole online and realized this is a widespread issue with a lot of Hyundai vehicles. Luckily, the dealership is replacing the engine since it is still under warranty. I plan on getting rid of the vehicle as soon as possible. The quality of their engines is awful. Despite taking the car for regular maintenance it still failed. It's also telling that the dealership I'm at has several other Hyundai's they're servicing FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE! I was also informed it can take up to a month for the engine to be replaced. Stay away from Hyundai and Kia. There's a reason why they have the types of warranty's for their vehicles. They know they're unreliable and faulty.
Engine, Mar 7, 2024
The engine in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson is burning oil at an excessive rate. I have to change my oil every 2000 miles or less due to engine knocking if I don't. Due to the excessive oil consumption, I now have to replace all 4 engine coils for over $1500. There have been multiple codes given to me every time I take the car in, including 3 times for the knock sensor which was replaced under a nationwide recall. Hyundai settled a class action case with some consumers, under the radar, for excessive oil consumption and is leaving every other consumer unaware unless they start digging for information. One of the times my engine light came on, I was on a very busy California highway and my car went into limp mode. This is unacceptable and a major safety hazard. My car is currently at the dealership for the third time and not drivable until I spend $1500 to repair a problem that their faulty engine has caused.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
It started [XXX] when i took my car to the dealership due to it going into limp mode. The dealership took it in and said it was throwing error code p1326 which is the knock sensor code. they replaced the knock sensor, drove my tucson home after the replacement, by the time i got home it went into limp mode again, took my car back to the dealership turns out it was a faulty sensor they received. So the dealership replaced the sensor again, did not have an issue with it until decemember 2023, so i took it to get the error code read again and it was the p1326, so i make an appointment with the dealership to bring it back in and they said hyundai of america says it needed the combustion chamber cleaning, which i had to pay for. even though it was throwing the p1326 error code. but after the cleaning is done i pick it back up and not even ten miles from the dealership my car goes back into limp mode, so i turn around and take it back. they just got back to me on [XXX] saying hyundia of america is declining to replace my engine since its no longer under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
Vehicle is experiencing engine failure. Hyundai has been no help in the situation. Vehicle has loss of power and speed but no illuminating check engine light has ever came on.
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
Engine started Knocking took to Hyundai dealer and was informed that the Motor has to be replaced, due to know issues with them. Month goes by was informed that the motors are on back order and that its going to be 6 months or more before they can get my car fixed. No recalls on the motor were sent to me and non are listed on the web site. Was informed that I'm not able to drive it anymore as the motor could freeze up and cause issues.
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
We had previously been to Allen Samuels Hyundai in Jackson, TN for an oil consumption test. We received a call the following week telling us that the mileage was too high for warranty or to continue the consumption test. I was adding a quart of oil once a week. I never had any lights appear for any problems due to low oil or overheating. On a Sunday evening we were returning home on [XXX]. We had the cruise set at 70 mph. We started to lose power and the engine started to shake. The car quit and would not restart. We called for a wrecker to tow us to the nearest shop. We were informed the following Friday that we had low compression and needed to replace the engine. Something should be done due to numerous engine failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 17, 2024
Check engine light stayed on vehicle transmission unable to shift in reverse and lower power when car is driven in a low speed.
Engine, Feb 16, 2024
I was driving on the highway at 60mph. I had driven for 30 miles. My car began to shake and would not accelerate. I made my way to the shoulder on the highway and was able to coast down an exit. My engine had died. Right before this occurred the check engine light went on. I still was able to steer and brake. I did get off the highway only because I could tell the car was losing power. By the time I stopped it was dead. I have had my car checked out because of the way it drives. It burns oil at a rate which should not occur. I keep it maintained and in good condition. As I said I have had concerns about the way my engine runs yet have been told "its like a truck" and this model "burns oil" I did not get hurt as I am an experienced driver. I could tell that the engine was failing and was able to get to the shoulder. Had I not i would have been killed as i was on a highway and engine failed. My car is currently at the dealer. It has 107000 miles. It is just 7,000 miles over warranty. There is no reason a car that is taken care of should have engine failure with no signs or symptoms. From what I've read looks like this is a newer problem with 2018 vehicles. I am prepared to supply any maintenance receipts or work done on the vehicle. Clearly there is a safety risk. It also appears its happening once the car has high miles. This is very disturbing, scary and sad that it appears another person actually tried to fight this, and Hyundai won.