2018 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (157) · Power Train (81) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (20)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Tucson model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
112 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/Module 2020-09-04 · campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles ⚠ PARK OUTSIDE
Defect: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (170)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Back Over Prevention: Warnings 2026-10-15 · 26-GI-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (pdw) sensor(s) that may trigger various dtcs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the pdw sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. this condition may be a res
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Engine 2026-09-16 · 26-EM-014H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine may exhibit a continued dtc p132600 after an ecm logic update has been performed per tsb 24-01-068h, engine monitoring logic (service campaign 966). this bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · Z05 OL · Warranty Program/Extension
certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. this warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint
Engine 2026-05-21 · 26-01-013H-2 DN · Service Campaign
certain santa fe (tma), santa fe sport (an), sonata (lfa), and tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with theta ii engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. the california air resources board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed federal and california stan
Showing the 6 most recent of 170 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-10 · Exterior Lighting“issues: 1. stop lights failure light turns on and off. 2. engine light failure notification turns on and off. 3. headlights low bims failure notification turns on and off. actions taken: 1. headlights low bims bulbs were changed. 2. engine light codes reviewed and updated as report showed; however, warning light still turning on. 3. stop light f…”
2026-10-09 · Unknown Or Other“while driving to work, the vehicle abruptly shut down in the middle of the highway. there were no signs or warning given. the vehicle was towed almost 100 miles home. the vehicle was later jump started and the alternator and battery were tested and it passed all tests. …”
2026-09-26 · Engine“engine stalls jurks lose of power engine light blinking excessive oil use…”
2026-09-17 · Power Train“there is a definite known problem with the transmissions in all 2018 hyundai tucsons and maybe other model years as well. this is well documented via the internet by the number of articles concerning this ongoing problem! this problem seems to have been unresolved over a pretty long period of time now! it is most definitely a safety issue and shoul…”
2026-09-14 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 164,000 mi“the contact owns a 2018 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started shaking aggressively. the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. the vehic…”
2026-09-03 · Unknown Or Other“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 …”
2026-09-03 · Engine“2018 hyundai tucson catastrophic engine failure consistent with known hyundai nu engine defect pattern documented across 141 prior owner-filed nhtsa complaints for this same vehicle. obd codes p0326, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304 documented july 19–25, 2026. independent licensed mechanic confirmed in writing that engine requires replacement. authorize…”
2026-09-02 · Engine“i own a hyundai tucson 2018 sel plus. my problem is my vehicle is coming to the end of it's 100,000 mile warranty. this vehicle started burning oil about 30,000 miles and it got worse. i checked on recalls and there was no recalls for my vin number for this vehicle. my hyundai vehicle is burning a quart of oil every 300 miles and this is no exagger…”
2026-08-29 · Engine“my engine is consuming an excessive amount of oil due to a known issue with the hyundai engine design impacting cars from 2011-2018. my car only had approximately 89,900 miles on it when i noticed the issues. hyundai is aware of the defect and has re-engineered their engines due to the issue. the engine is available for inspection upon request. …”
2026-08-17 · Engine“my 2018 hyundai tucson with the 2.0l engine has suffered catastrophic engine failure. the engine lost compression in cylinder 4 and now requires a full replacement . this is part of a broader pattern—the 2016–2018 tucson is known for excessive oil consumption that leads to engine failure, with over 1,900 engine-related complaints filed with nhtsa a…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.