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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | There is a very well known issue with Hyundai (and Kia) and oil consumption issues, no recalls have been issued yet and I am another person dealing with this without any real support from Hyundai to solve the issue. In 2024 I did an oil consumption test, they found it was burning oil excessively and I had to pay $700 out of pocket for a cleaning they recommended. Afterwards it was burning only 1 quart every 1k miles which they said is acceptable so we moved on. Less than a year later I am still dealing with this issue only it has gotten worse, I am burning 5-6 quarts every 1k miles. I do keep up with my oil changes, I now have to check it and top it off almost daily, and even without being a car expert I know that something HAS to be done... why aren't there any recalls yet? Despite keeping up with my maintenance, there are other issues that can be related from this issue, including the engine stalling or skipping which is a safety issue when driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I was driving on the highway, about to change lanes, when I looked in my rear view mirror and saw black smoke coming from my appeared to be my exhaust. I immediately started to pull over, and that is when the oil light first appeared on my dashboard. By the time I had put the car in park, the check engine light had also appeared. After calling my boyfriend and a tow truck, I exited the vehicle and noticed a large pool of oil by my front tire. With the car on the tow truck, I could see oil continue to drip out. The car was towed to the local Hyundai dealership. Since this occurred on a Saturday afternoon, the service dept. was closed, and Hyundai called me on Monday, Aug 11, 2025 to explain that i should contact the auto mechanic that last changed my oil, as the oil plug had fallen out, and my engine had seized. (Had I not noticed the smoke right away, I could have been in an accident on the highway when the engine seized.) I explained to Hyundai that I had my oil changed 3,000 miles ago, and hadn't seen any indication of oil leakage, nor had the oil light come on prior to the incident on Aug 9, 2025. Hyundai insited I contact the oil change mechanics as it was clearly a craftsmanship defect, not the fault of Hyundai parts or material. Hyundai provided photos showing the oil plug was still laying on the block. I visited Superior Auto (mechanics that did the previous oil change) and they also deny responsibility due to the fact that the car drove fine for 3,000 miles without any indication of oil leakage, so there is no proof of fault craftsmanship. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | I have regular oil changes (every 3k mi) and every time I go get say there’s no or low oil. At the beginning of July my engine coil in column 3 failed and I had all four coils and spark plugs replaced. Since the replacement my engine is still consuming a quart of oil per week | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am submitting this formal safety complaint regarding my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle has 101,900 miles and has been well maintained. Recently, it began experiencing severe performance issues, including difficulty accelerating and consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed catalytic converter with an estimated repair cost of over $8,000. While Hyundai has an active recall on the engine for this model year, they have stated that my specific problem is not covered, despite the fact that the catalytic converter failure appears to be directly related to the engine defect. The oil consumption and acceleration issues raise serious safety concerns, as the vehicle can lose power unexpectedly while driving. I am a teacher, a parent, and have one child with special needs. I have no other form of transportation and am still making payments on a car I cannot safely drive. Hyundai’s refusal to address this issue as part of the known recall leaves me with an unsafe and inoperable vehicle through no fault of my own. I believe this matter warrants further investigation by the NHTSA, as it suggests that related component failures stemming from the defective engine are not being adequately addressed, leaving owners at financial and safety risk. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate whether Hyundai is failing to address a known defect’s full scope and to take appropriate action to ensure the safety and fair treatment of affected consumers. Thank you for your attention to this matter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Evidence package for dealer fraud: demand letter, SMS threats, sales contract, diagnostic report. Catalytic converter failure caused by chronic oil overfill (2+ quarts excess). Symptoms: - Loud whistling noise from exhaust - Severe power loss (unable to reach 60 mph) - Check engine light activation (codes P0011/P000A) Safety risks: 1. Stalling hazard at highway speeds 2. Fire risk from clogged converter 3. Engine seizure due to oil contamination Confirmed by Hyundai dealer (Evansville, IN) on [XXX] - ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASE. Defect existed pre-sale: - Dealer admitted exhaust issue in writing: "probably will be in the exhaust" - Formal demand letter documented hidden defects on 04/28/2025 - Vehicle returned to dealer on 04/24/2025 where it remains Evidence confirms fraud: - Diagnostic report shows pre-existing conditions - Dealer demanded $300 to release vehicle, then $900 for repairs - "As-is" claim invalid due to defect concealment Warning signs appeared immediately post-purchase. Vehicle available for inspection. Legal violations: - Clean Air Act (emissions warranty breach) - KRS 367.110 (deceptive acts) - FTC Used Car Rule (undisclosed defects) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 29 days after I bought a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle started making a ticking noise and stopped accelerating. I called the dealership and they said we didn't get a warranty. I said no that isn't correct, no warranty was offered and after seeing ALL the known engine problems I understand why ken ganley in medina wouldn't offer one. Now not even a month into having this vehicle, I have a brand new 5 year loan and a vehicle that won't move until I put a new engine in it and the dealership won't do anything for me. This is the worst experience I have ever had purchasing a vehicle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | It's an engine failure. The car died in the middle of the rode at a traffic light with busy traffic flowing. It was confirmed by a independent service center. No one other an the independent service center has inspected it. There were no warning lamps or messages before failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | Since I purchased the car in 2018 I took great care of it, keeping the services going on time. But recently in October 2024 even tough I did services the oil service’s sign keep on showing up. I then schedule an appointment with a dealer ship near my area in January and they told me that they were no oil in the car. But I show them the date ans mileage on my stickers I specified that is the reason I am here and to double check for me for filtration because something is wrong, they told me that the car was fine. Days after I had to go in my regular service place for another service and on May I drove the car from Massachusetts to New York and in the middle of the way car start shaking, making noise and when I drove it to a shop they diagnose a failed engine. I left the car in Goshen NY in a Hyundai dealer ship and they told me a valve un the engine was burned and that where the problem came from . They said , they fixed it. A friend pick up the car and 30 mnt driving it police came to rescinde her in the highway, they then told me that’s it’s was a failed engine and days after ask for services record, I provide the last 6 times , they asked me from 0 until today. The shop were I take care of the car don’t keep record from so long. Talking about 2018. They said they won’t fixed it without those record . The car is still under warranty with 71321 miles and I have it for 7 years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GDI engine with only 79,000 miles was "knocking" and wouldn't accelerate. We pulled over and towed the vehicle to the local Hyundai Dealer who declared "oil level good but failed bearing clearance test". Diagnosed with a rod and bearing failure. They submitted to Hyundai Motor Warranty the vehicle needed new engine. They declined. I know this is covered under the Hyundai Engine 2 Class action lawsuit with the extended 15 year/150,000 mile warranty as a result of the catastrophic engine failures. I have all oil change service records for every 5,000-6,000 miles while I was the second owner, as well as, have obtained another from the dealer who bought it from a rental/lease company starting at 14,000 miles. Hyundai Corporate is claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" because of one missing oil change record from the rental company that I may not be able to obtain as the paper trail for the rental car company only states first owner was rental/fleet | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Won’t shift so that I can gain speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | After an impact with a large buck (deer) on a main highway while traveling 70 miles per hour, the airbags failed to deploy. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for two minutes and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #1 and #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 177,000 |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | Component: Engine Vehicle: 2018 Hyundai Tucson VIN: [XXX] Approx. Mileage at Failure: 79,413 miles Incident Date: [XXX] Where It Happened: While driving [XXX] At 79,413 miles, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX}) suffered complete engine failure without warning. The vehicle had been properly maintained (records from Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers), and was operating under normal conditions. The dealership diagnosed total engine failure and quoted $7,723.88 for replacement. They are not replacing the engine with the same type, which may indicate a known issue. There are no active recalls, but similar engines in Hyundai vehicles from this era have been subject to recalls and warranty extensions. I believe this may be due to a manufacturing defect. No injuries occurred, but the failure posed a safety risk while in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | On April 12, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Tuson which only has 99,000 miles started stalling out at random speeds. The vehicle stalled going up a hill and would not accelerate it would also not go past 55-60 miles per hour on the highway. There were no check engine lights or codes on the dashboard. The vehicle is also burning oil on 2 occasions when having the oil changed. I feel like my life and others is in danger because the vehicle is stalling at random speeds which could cause a major accident due to this issue. I could be hit by another vehicle while trying to accelerate or merge on the highway. I reported the oil consumption last November and I contacted Hyundai customer care who issued a case number in May 2025 for the stalling issue, they instructed me to take it to the Hyundai dealership to be diagnosed. There is a recall out, but they said my vehicle is not included in it. I took the vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed the vehicle was stalling and would not accelerate and were able to reproduce the issue. They informed me the vehicle needed a new transmission, and the vehicle only has 99,000 miles. Hyundai and the dealership declined to add the vehicle to the recall campaign for stalling vehicles. I had to cover the cost of $3,000 for a new transmission. I picked the vehicle up on June 6,2025 with the new transmission installed and it is still stalling and won't accelerate past 45 miles per hour. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | I noticed my vehicle was burning through oil, initially indicated by a P011 code, when I called Hyundai they said its often a symptom related to low oil pressure. After oil changes, the code would clear, but it returned multiple times, and on two occasions, the dipstick showed no oil when checked. Despite staying current on oil changes and maintenance, I was dismissed as excessive oil burning being “common” for this engine. After recent recall updates at the dealership, a technician confirmed excessive carbon buildup and that my catalytic converter was beginning to plug. I inquired about an extended warranty offered due to the knock sensor installation but was told it only covers rod bearing failure. Hyundai Corporate echoed this, stating no coverage until catastrophic engine failure occurs, despite the ongoing damage from oil burning and converter clogging. Since my visit to the Hyundai dealership, the symptoms have rapidly escalated. Now, my vehicle is extremely loud and acceleration is poor. It takes a long time to get up to speed, and I worry about driving it as it may result in an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | While starting and accelerating my 2018 Hyundai Tucson, I began hearing abnormal engine knocking and noticed rough performance. I took the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where they diagnosed an internal engine defect. They confirmed the engine issue but refused to cover the repair, citing that I’m not the original owner—despite public information stating that Hyundai’s extended engine defect warranty (related to known bearing failures) applies to all owners for up to 15 years/150,000 miles. This creates a major safety concern, as I drive long distances on highways daily and fear the engine may seize or fail at high speeds. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is currently undrivable. I’ve submitted proper maintenance records, and the issue has been escalated through Hyundai Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. This appears to be a widely reported engine defect that Hyundai is not consistently addressing. The lack of coverage and delay in resolution places drivers at unnecessary risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | I was driving my car and the engine started knocking and when I stopped the car kept stalling and losing power especially going up a hill. I had oil in the car. I bought the car to a repair shop and the mechanic advised me to go to Hyundai because they’re having problems with the engines in the Tucsons. I found out they extended the warranty from 100k to 150k so I’m covered I thought. They started diagnosing my car and they said the engine needs to be replaced. They contacted Hyundai corporate to dis cuss this. Corporate said they’re no t responsible for this because there was sludge in the engine. The car has 103k miles on it. The diagnosis charge I owe so far is about 400.00 Hyundai corporate wants further diagnosing of the engine. The dealership said Hyundai corporate said I have to pay the additional diagnostic charges of approximately 900.00 before they’ll determine the outcome of my claim. I don’t think it’s fair at all. I believe they should be paying for information they’re requesting. I’m having a hard time with Hyundai corporate with this runaround they’re giving me. I do t l ow what else to do? I can’t afford to pay for an engine replacement that they should be responsible for this problem. I hope I’ve proved enough information. Thank you sincerely. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | The oil sensor doesn't illuminate the light on the dash when the oil level becomes low. The only warning is when it becomes really low and then the check engine light will appear. It's a safety concern due to the engine possible failure and or damage may occur at that point if continuing driving happens. This causing the engine to stall and loss of control of the vehicle. Which could lead to a vehicle crash resulting in injury or death to the occupants and or others nearby. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | STRUCTURE | The paint on my 2018 Hyundai Tucson began peeling off the side mirrors and the shark-fin antenna on the roof. I have found that many other Hyundai owners are experiencing the same issue. It appears to be a widespread manufacturing defect related to improper paint adhesion, and I believe it should be addressed even though my vehicle is out of warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The white paint on the hood began to flake off. Currently, the missing paint is about 3 inches in diameter. There is an appearance of paint bubbling on the roof of the vehicle and in the hood. The vehicle was taken to dealership, but a member of their service department conveyed nothing to be done because no current warranty on it. No outside company has reviewed the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The sunroof on my Hyundai Tucson will not close. Seems to be a motor problem. I brought it to a mechanic and it will be a lot of money to fix. I have looked up if this is a common problem and it’s all over the internet. I am not sure if it should be a recall. Thank you. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | 1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine is failing/malfunctioning. Yes it is available upon request 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No oil can cause an engine to overheat and/or catch fire. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by Hyundai of Medford. Oil consumption test was completed. Preauth was submitted for a new engine and was denied. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, inspected by manufacturer (Hyundai of Medford). No leaks or other issues that could cause this were found. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, no warning lamps or messages were shown or sent. Even when low on oil. Consuming oil extremely quickly. Oil change was completed and I was only able to drive 700 miles before I was low on oil. I have history of oil changes and top offs every 1000 miles for about a year. It has only gotten progressively worse. Hyundai of Medford Confirmed the issue and confirmed there were no oil leaks or other issues that could cause this. They recommended I request a new engine for Hyundai. I submitted the Pre-Authorization and it was denied. After more research I have found that thousands of people have had the same exact issue with the same year, make and model of my care. There is even an entire Facebook group dedicated to this issue. The manufacture needs to be held accountable for these faulty engines. Thousands of cars should not need a new engine before they reach 100k miles. I am writing hoping to shine some light on this issue that is effecting thousands of Hyundai owners. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | 1.The engine is consuming oil excessively. 2 and 3. I was informed during a service visit that this is a common problem. I asked how to get it fixed and was advised to lock the engine up. I informed the service advisor that I would not lock the engine up and told him I have a [XXX] son. I told him I'm trying to do everything I can to prevent that very scenario. 4. Yes, I will provide records. Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed in California under their Lemon Law. Do a quick google search. Everyone I have spoken to at the dealership has confirmed they are all well aware, however they can only do what corporate allows under the Warranty. I am the first and only owner supposedly covered until 100k miles. This problem began at 79k. I'm at 86k and still struggling to get anything moved forward. 5. Unknown 6. My oil light flickered briefly but never stayed on. I immediately checked to discover not a drop on the dipstick. I will provide photo. My oil has been below the low mark several times since this photo and has never come back on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | My daughter‘s car was in park and still running and she got out of the car and went to the back of the car opened up the hatch cleaned her window went to the side of the car passenger side went to go get out her lunchbox and the car ran over my daughter And crushed her left side and tore off part of her face. The car came out of park on its own in my driveway and I have a video of this from my camera. She was taken obviously to the hospital by ambulance and she sees a plastic surgeon every week now this just happened March 5. Something is not right. The car shouldn’t have ever come out of park on its own in order for it to come out of park and go backwards you need to press your foot on the break and put it in reverse it reversed on its own onto my daughter. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer to be inspected and two oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer. The oil consumption tests showed no defects with the engine. The dealer performed an engine flush; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised to have oil changes performed every 3,000 miles instead of the recommended 5,000 miles. The contact stated that recently, after having an oil change, the dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush. The contact stated that after the transmission fluid flush was performed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 94,000 |