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, May 3, 2023
Purchaseing the vehicle two months ago, the engine service light started blinking. Taking the vehicle to several shops including two hyundai dealers, I was informed the vehicle had an off market catalytic converter. I asked the dealership several times if there was any issues with the vehicle and they stated there was not. The engine first came on two weeks after the purchase of the vehicle. It is not safe to drive.The warranty nor the dealership will cover or assist.
Engine, May 2, 2023, fire
While diving home from a baseball game my car caught fire with me and my family inside.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
Oil light came on while driving. Pulled over checked oil and it was full and clean. Engine started making a rattling sound. Car then died and had to be towed. Mechanic says needs a new engine. Hyundai engine issue very dangerous and I don't know if they will replace. Starting the process
Service brakes, Apr 10, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle sporadically accelerated which caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. No air bags were deployed. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair center. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where engine oil was added. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred him to the dealer for an oil consumption test. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
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.
Engine, Mar 24, 2023
When accelerating, my car seems to hesitate. This happens regularly. The other day, making a left turn in an intersection with on-coming traffic, the engine hesitated to the point that the vehicle stopped moving forward. This was a concern since I did make a timely turn, but hadn't planned on my vehicle almost stopping in the middle of an intersection. My check engine light has not turned on, and the vehicle has less than 30,000 miles on it. I am concerned to the point that I will be taking it to a dealer to check it out.
Engine, Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to gain speed and the vehicle continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that the engine revved and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and turned the vehicle off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had her father inspect her vehicle, he then replaced the battery and was able to restart the vehicle and drove it to her residence at a slow speed. The contact stated that her father told her that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds in the engine. The contact stated that she later saw that oil had puddled under her vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the drain plug had fallen after a previous oil change. The contact stated that the oil change had been performed nearly 4 months prior. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: DP22003 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, she was made aware of an oil leak; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while depressing the accelerator pedal while driving at various speeds, and while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #1 and that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for repair. The contact stated that after she made a local dealer aware of the failure, she was informed that the engine was discontinued and advised to contact the manufacturer for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was made aware that the warranty had expired and that she was responsible for the costs of the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Feb 15, 2023
My wife was driving home. She had taken the highway home when she had suddenly lost power with no warning or indication from the cars dashboard there was no warning lamps or messages explaining why the car lost power and that the car would not turn back on. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the engine was seized up and that the motor needed to be replaced and that the car had no oil in the engine. Which is not possible since the cars Maintenace intervals were maintained. It was also later determined that the oil pan bolt was under tighten due to bad threading on the oil pan and bad oil pan seals. The car will be towed to a dealership for further inspection. This issue presents a possible fire hazard or risk of accident while at high speeds. My wife did suffer a small injury to her forehead after rapid loss of speed from the steering wheel.
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.
Engine, Feb 4, 2023
Compression test found cylinder 3 @ 58. Found cylinder leakage between cylinder 2 & 3. Engine replacement suggested by dealer. Vehicle has 149990. Dealer also stated engine is warp which is not included in diagnostic statement. Dealer engine replacement cost $12,324.23
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tuscan. The contact stated that while her daughter was operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty sensor, which had malfunctioned when the oil change was due. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions when the oil change was due. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was not available.
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, Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2023
When driving at night and low-beams are on, there is a black void (looks like a black bar horizontally across the headlight projected area on roadway). Black void is eye level with driver’s view of the roadway. With the black void present, driver is unable to see the roadway clearly at night, which inhibits the drivers visibility and ability to see road hazards or animals crossing the road. Low-beam and high-beam bulbs have been replaced and checked for any burn spots or malfunction in the bulb itself; with brand new bulbs installed professionally, the black void is still present. Hyundai repair stated it is a known issue that has yet to be addressed by Hyundai Manufacturers. Issue has been present for 2-months now. While driving on interstate, went to pass a vehicle and while accelerating the vehicle would not increase in speed. The RPM needle jumped to 5-6 and a “whiny” noise was coming from engine area. Pressed harder on the accelerator so the car would speed up and with the pedal to the floor, the vehicle speed increased 1 mph in 5-sec intervals. Exited the interstate and was traveling on road with 60mph speed limit. Tried to accelerate again, and the vehicle would make the whiny noise and would not increase speed or shift. Let off of the accelerator and the RPM drops instantly to 2-3. RPM’s need does not smoothly increase or decrease, but instead jumps or drops instantly. When accelerator is pressed or when trying to increase speed, the whiny noise comes from engine. The vehicle sounds and acts like it is not shifting. Took to dealership and they said there are no recalls on transmission, but will not fix my transmission. 10-year/100000 mile warranty is still active, as it is a 2018 w/ 89500 miles. Safety concern as the vehicle will not accelerate or shift when needed and could cause serious accident if in a situation where evasive action is required.
Engine, Dec 22, 2022
Engine (1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder) had a catastrophic failure driving along highway. Engine instantly lost power and stalled. No indicators on instrument cluster prior to engine stall, temperature gauge for coolant indicating nominal conditions. Upon pulling over to the side of the road, check engine & batter indicator lights shown on the instrument cluster. Hyundai's roadside assistance system, Bluelink, did not activate with the engine's stall. It was observed that a mix of antifreeze and oils were dripping behind the engine onto the ground. Dealer later discovered that a piston connection rod had punched through the wall of the engine block. Dealer has submitted issue to Hyundai Corporate. Vehicle is aggressively service with manufacture dealerships according to recommended service intervals with synthetic fluids.
Power train, Dec 1, 2022
Leaving a parking lot, vehicle was hard-shifting at 10mph, 20mph, 30mph and was not gaining typical acceleration. Every slow down or stop sign/stop light this behavior continued with automatic hard shifting between gears and lethargic acceleration to the point where I felt this may cause an accident or cause another vehicle to have an accident due to lag response of my vehicle. Upon home arrival, I attempted to back vehicle into my parking spot but after shifting into Reverse, the R indicator on console was flashing but vehicle would not move. I drove back around the complex parking circle and again attempted to back vehicle in to a different parking space but experienced the same issue where R indicator was flashing but vehicle would not back up. My daughter and 2 grandsons then had to push my vehicle back in to the parking spot. I turned vehicle off, waited approximately 90 seconds and restarted the engine. When I shifted into Reverse gear, the car abruptly and harshly shut down. At that point, I put the vehicle back into Park gear and turned off ignition. Had the vehicle towed to closest dealership on Nov 28th - they have not been able to replicate issue nor find any fault codes when running diagnostics. No dashboard errors appeared, only the flashing Reverse indicator light on shift console. No prior issues earlier in the day when using vehicle, nor has this issue occurred in the 4 years I have owned it. It was severe enough I wasn't sure the vehicle would clear intersections in a timely manner, and worried it may leave myself and my daughter and grandsons stranded on the 20 minute ride to home.
Service brakes, Nov 30, 2022
The component or system failing is the brake system. When applying the foot to the brake pedal, sometimes it goes to a very low level. The problem was reproduced with the service technicians of a dealer. They made a maintenance service (break flush) to the brake system. Problem seemed to be solved, but it came back again. The mileage between the first service and second service was 1,591 miles. In the second service, technicians made inspection to the brake pads, they were found within parameters. Test drive was made, and the problem was not reproduced. Not sure if they made additional service. After few weeks, the problem repeated again. This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes occurs, but not always. No warning lamps or indicators present at the time the problem occurs.
Power train, Engine, Nov 25, 2022
Vehicle stalls when accelerating at low speeds. It appears to be a delay when the car transitions from 1st to 2nd gear. This creates a safety concern, especially when taking turns into traffic due to delays/stalls when turning.
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
The headlight and taillight/break lights burn out constantly. Turns out taillights are melting in socket. My car is not uniquely affected. Many are having same problems. Suddenly losing lights while driving on freezing dark roads. Incredibly unsafe. Not isolated to my car. Very dangerous. The company should replace these sockets and reimburse for the bulbs which have been replaced approximately 6 times in 12 m.
Engine, Nov 18, 2022
I went to get an oil change on Sept 3, 2022. After that oil change my car went back to normal but started to slow down in speed. On my way home my vehicle stalled. The more I drove the slower it got and loud grind it would make. My vehicle stalling could've caused an accident. My vehicle had a recall done March 21, 2021, which after Sept 7, 2022, I received a letter for a recall for a sensor for my vehicle that was issue per Hyundai website March 31, 2021. Hyundai has been able to confirm the issue. Only thing warning sign I received was my vehicle cut off the day I got the oil change Sept 3, 2022. We thought it may have been my battery.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's daughter stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power. The daughter stated that she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The daughter stated that she pulled over and stopped the vehicle and placed the vehicle in park(P). The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as designed. The contact's daughter stated that the vehicle was making hissing sounds while depressing the accelerator pedal. The daughter stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure occurred while driving over 50 MPH. The daughter stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,200.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 13, 2022
The car will jerk while driving. The problem was fixed last year and again it is happening now.Worse..the car while being driven will suddenly slow down inspite stepping more on the gas pedal.
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
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2022
The oil fuel tank has been burning oil too fast in the GDI Engine & the oil has burnt through my alternator and spark plugs that I recently fixed only three weeks ago. This caused the engine to lock up completely while I was driving several times & I lost control while driving - having to restart the car multiple times to move it to a safe area. Now, the engine has locked permanently and I am unable to start the car at all despite replacing several parts and getting an oil change every 3-5000 miles (which continues to leak too quickly and harm other parts in the car).