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2018 Hyundai Tucson

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tucson years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson are substantially higher than the model-year median of 180.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

112 reports with mileage · 283 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports9 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

395 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL *THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED HYUNDAI OF WESLEY CHAPEL (27000 WESLEY CHAPEL BLVD, WESLEY CHAPEL, FL 33544, (813) 437-4745) WHERE IT WAS CONF…

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TL *THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED HYUNDAI OF WESLEY CHAPEL (27000 WESLEY CHAPEL BLVD, WESLEY CHAPEL, FL 33544, (813) 437-4745) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11406479

18,000 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Service BrakesCrashInjury

RECALL ON MY 2018 TUSCON BRAKES, BRAKES WERE ACTING ODD AND MY DAUGHTER UTIMATELY ENDED UP ROLLING AND TOTALLING IT IN OCT 2020. IN MARCH 2021, WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES. SHE HAD MENTIONED THE BRAKES ACTING FUNNY, BUT ONLY HAVING 18K MILES. WE ASSUMED IT WAS STILL NEWNESS. SHE RECEIVED A HEAD INJURY AND SEST B…

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RECALL ON MY 2018 TUSCON BRAKES, BRAKES WERE ACTING ODD AND MY DAUGHTER UTIMATELY ENDED UP ROLLING AND TOTALLING IT IN OCT 2020. IN MARCH 2021, WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES. SHE HAD MENTIONED THE BRAKES ACTING FUNNY, BUT ONLY HAVING 18K MILES. WE ASSUMED IT WAS STILL NEWNESS. SHE RECEIVED A HEAD INJURY AND SEST BELT SORES ON HER HIPS.

NHTSA ODI #11406025

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. ALL STAR HYUNDAI (10313 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70816, (225) 274-0071) WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. ALL STAR HYUNDAI (10313 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70816, (225) 274-0071) WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A 60 DAY BACK-UP FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11405630

88,000 miles · Mar 28, 2021
Engine

I CHANGED ENGINE OIL A MONTH AGO AND STILL HAVE 500MILE LEFT UNTIL RE-CHANGE, BUT AFTER WHEN I WENT SHOPPING THE ENGINE SOUND WAS BAD SO I CHECKED THE ENGINE OIL STATUS AND THERE WERE NO ENGINE OIL AT ALL. THIS WAS NOT FIRST TIME, DOING THIS. I HEARD HYUNDAI ENGINE EAT SOME OIL, BUT IT IS KIND OF DANGEROUS IF I DIDNT CHECK THE S…

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I CHANGED ENGINE OIL A MONTH AGO AND STILL HAVE 500MILE LEFT UNTIL RE-CHANGE, BUT AFTER WHEN I WENT SHOPPING THE ENGINE SOUND WAS BAD SO I CHECKED THE ENGINE OIL STATUS AND THERE WERE NO ENGINE OIL AT ALL. THIS WAS NOT FIRST TIME, DOING THIS. I HEARD HYUNDAI ENGINE EAT SOME OIL, BUT IT IS KIND OF DANGEROUS IF I DIDNT CHECK THE STATUS.

NHTSA ODI #11405207

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2021
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT PROPERLY. HAD THIS ISSUE SINCE AROUND 15K MILES PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES DEALER WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL AROUND 55K MILES REPLACED DUAL CLUTCH AND PROBLEM HAD COME BACK AFTER 5K MILES AND DEALER SAYS NOTHINGS WRONG... I FEEL UNSAFE IN A BRAND NEW CAR WITH REGULAR MA…

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TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT PROPERLY. HAD THIS ISSUE SINCE AROUND 15K MILES PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES DEALER WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL AROUND 55K MILES REPLACED DUAL CLUTCH AND PROBLEM HAD COME BACK AFTER 5K MILES AND DEALER SAYS NOTHINGS WRONG... I FEEL UNSAFE IN A BRAND NEW CAR WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE... HELP

NHTSA ODI #11404836

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2021
Service Brakes

RECALL FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE AT LEAST 01/12/21 BUT NOTICE NOT RECEIVED UNTIL 03/12/21. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS IN STOCK, WITH NO ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME, SO VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE AT RISK FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS DOCUMENTS HYUNDAI'S FAILURE TO ADDRESS SE…

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RECALL FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE AT LEAST 01/12/21 BUT NOTICE NOT RECEIVED UNTIL 03/12/21. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS IN STOCK, WITH NO ESTIMATED DELIVERY TIME, SO VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE AT RISK FOR ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. THIS DOCUMENTS HYUNDAI'S FAILURE TO ADDRESS SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #11404798

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 4960 N STATE RD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (888) 441-7737) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 4960 N STATE RD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (888) 441-7737) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11404432

47,546 miles · Mar 20, 2021
Unknown Or Other

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP... I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE CAR... THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME... I SAW NO DEBRIS ON THE CAR OR IN THE ROAD... THE ROAD WAS PAVED.. I WAS REALLY AT A LOST AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD POP... I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE CAR... THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF HAD SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME... I SAW NO DEBRIS ON THE CAR OR IN THE ROAD... THE ROAD WAS PAVED.. I WAS REALLY AT A LOST AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO IT.. UNTIL I STARTED RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT HAPPENS TO THESE SUNROOF OCCASIONALLY.. I AM WORKING WITH HYUNDAI NOW TRYING TO GET THEM TO REPAIR IT... IT REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL...

NHTSA ODI #11404065

15,800 miles · Mar 19, 2021
EnginePower TrainCrash

CAR WAS SLOWLY ENTERING GARAGE AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED IN GEAR. CAR WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL POWER AND CRASHED IN GARAGE. I AM ALLEGING CONDITION KNOWN AS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED AND THE COST OF REPAIR WAS OVER $4,000.00. PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON R…

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CAR WAS SLOWLY ENTERING GARAGE AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED IN GEAR. CAR WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL POWER AND CRASHED IN GARAGE. I AM ALLEGING CONDITION KNOWN AS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED AND THE COST OF REPAIR WAS OVER $4,000.00. PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. HYUNDAI PERFORMED AN INSPECTION ON VEHICLE UPON MY DEMAND TO DO SO. WHEN REPORT CAME IN, I WAS REFUSED A COPY OF EXACT REPORT BY INSPECTOR AND ONLY GIVEN A SUMMARY BY COMPANY AGENT. WHEN I ASKED FOR THE EXACT INSPECTOR REPORT TO BE READ TO ME OVER THE PHONE, THAT REQUEST WAS DENIED AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11403850

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL THAT THE ABS MODULES MAY CORRODE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE FIRE. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD PARTS ARE ON ORDER AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR APRIL 26..7 WEEKS AWAY..I WAS TOLD TO PARK MY CAR OUTSIDE OF ITS SECURED GARAGE UNTIL PART COMES IN. I THINK THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE & NOW I MAY HA…

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I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL THAT THE ABS MODULES MAY CORRODE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE FIRE. I TOOK CAR TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD PARTS ARE ON ORDER AND THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR APRIL 26..7 WEEKS AWAY..I WAS TOLD TO PARK MY CAR OUTSIDE OF ITS SECURED GARAGE UNTIL PART COMES IN. I THINK THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE & NOW I MAY HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO RENT A CAR TO DRIVE TO LOUISIANA FOR AN UPCOMING PLANNED TRIP??? WHY WOULD HYUNDAI ISSUE THIS DANGER AND THEN NOT HAVE PARTS TO FIX ?

NHTSA ODI #11403671

Official recalls

1

20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Go deeper into Hyundai Tucson problems