Complaint volume
377 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Hyundai Tucson Complaints
377 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, grouped by component category.
377 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
9 Fire reports
8 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, power train,engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 9 fire reports, 8 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 111 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 44,882 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, power train,engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Hyundai Tucson?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Hyundai Tucson complaints?
13 Crash
9 Fire
8 Injury
0 Fatality
23 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Tucson complaint categories?
ENGINE 138
POWER TRAIN 44
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 27
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17
SERVICE BRAKES 13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 9
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7
377 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | ENGINE | In the last 3 months I have had my vehicle go into Limp Mode due to a faulty engine. All 3 times while I was on the highway and I was almost seriously injured due to traffic. Ever since I got the Knock Sensor update, I have had nothing but problems. I have had a new catalytic convertor, new spark plugs, oil change, air filter and fuel injector replaced in Dec 2022. The spark plugs are dripping in oil only after 8,000 miles. All of those parts have now failed and I am burning oil at an increased rate. I have contacted Hyundai multiple times and have had case files opened and I have not got any resolution or help. I have spent close to $6,000 on repairs and rental cars and there has still not been any resolution. My engine needs to be replaced due to the recall but no one is helping. I have attached all of the paperwork that has been done. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE | EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION! Vehicle has less than 60k and I have to check and put oil in about every 1,000 miles. Engine light comes on and this is how I know to check the oil. This is ridiculous and should not be happening. I change my oil as directed at every 5,000 miles and at least 2-3 times before next oil change I am adding more oil. WHY AM I BURNING SO MUCH OIL? No oil is leaking that I can see... | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ENGINE | Three months after I bought my 2018 Hyundai Tucson it started having engine problems. It has went into limp mode multiple times and has been to the shop several times to have it fixed. The knock sensor has been replaced twice by two different Hyundai dealerships. The engine is losing oil rapidly and has to be replaced every few weeks. It has been advised by both Hyundai dealerships that a new engine is required at this point but Hyundai corporation themselves won’t allow the engine repair. This type of car and engine are known for engine replacements around this exact type of engine and amount of mileage on the vehicle. My safety and my sons safety is in jeopardy every time we get in this vehicle as it can go back into limp mode at any given time and if we are driving and it just stalls we are liable to get into an accident. I have to keep taking the vehicle to the shop to have oil replaced and a temporary fix put on it until it just blows as they put it. They are also unable to advise where all the oil keeps going. I shouldn’t be liable for a new engine and it should be replaced by the Hyundai corporation as this happened very shortly after I bought the vehicle, I can be in potential danger when driving, it is a known issue with this type of vehicle and engine, multiple Hyundai dealerships have advised it falls within engine replacement guidelines. I need Hyundai to be responsible for repairing my engine! I have all receipts and documentation from every repair that has been done and every time the vehicle has been taken in. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 72,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 72,000 |
| May 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the headlights intermittently failed to operate as needed. The headlight bulbs detached from the headlight socket with the headlight message displayed on the instrument panel. The headlights were replaced multiple times by an independent mechanic. Due to the failure, the headlight wiring harness kit had melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained in the dealer's possession unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| May 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The headlights and taillights fail frequently. I have replaced each every 90 days. I find the contacts melted on them when they fail. I have never seen this happen on any other vehicle I have owned. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ENGINE | While diving home from a baseball game my car caught fire with me and my family inside. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | 69,000 |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,000 |
| Mar 2023 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 46,000 |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | 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 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Jan 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |