FaultScore

2018 Hyundai Tucson other reported problems

42 of the 537 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson are about the other systems — 8% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 36,273 miles.

B

42

Complaints

1

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 42 100.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Hyundai Tucson year

2005 11 1.4%
2006 11 1.4%
2011 20 2.5%
2012 12 1.5%
2013 23 2.9%
2014 13 1.7%
2015 29 3.7%
2016 261 33.2%
2017 137 17.5%
2018 42 5.4%
2019 25 3.2%
2020 28 3.6%
2021 10 1.3%
2022 53 6.8%
2023 32 4.1%
2024 22 2.8%
2025 56 7.1%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Burien, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited equipped with the 1.6T engine and 7-speed EcoShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) is suffering from severe, dangerous clutch judder, slippage, and sudden acceleration hesitation. This vehicle matches the exact manufacturing defects and symptoms outlined in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB 21-AT-014H, but the defect has never been properly resolved by the manufacturer.The primary safety defect occurs when accelerating from a complete stop or during low-speed maneuvers (such as yielding at a roundabout or turning at an intersection). When pressing the gas pedal, the transmission violently shudders, hesitates, and fails to properly engage the clutch pack. This creates a severe, unpredictable time lag where the engine revs but the vehicle experiences a total loss of motive power and fails to move forward.This unexpected loss of propulsion has caused multiple near-miss situations where oncoming traffic had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting my vehicle because it stalled or lagged while pulling out. It is an immediate physical safety hazard to myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. The failure is completely unpredictable and significantly worsens in warm weather or during stop-and-go driving conditions.I previously presented this vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership to complain about this exact transmission hesitation and shuddering while the vehicle was still covered under the factory warranty window. The service department failed to properly log, diagnose, or repair the failing double clutch pack at that time. Because the defect was reported within the warranty period and never corrected, the safety hazard has persisted and deteriorated to the point where the vehicle is now unsafe to operate in normal traffic. Hyundai is currently refusing to cover the full cost of this safety-related transmission failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesburg, KY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car shaking, oil is burning , and drive hard. Engine and, oil light is now appearing.

NHTSA complaint #11748351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kapaa, HI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

January 9, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard a loud thud and the RPMs kept rising but the vehicle would not accelerate. Was very dangerous and barely avoided a collision with other drivers on the road. Barely got it home and shut it off. Tried to drive again but would not get out of reverse. Car was towed to Hyundai dealership for inspection. EGO4 Check Engine Light Diagnostic. 120883. Transmission and rear coupler/differential replaced. Test driven and dealership said it drove as designed and shifted as designed. Cost $10,955.29.

NHTSA complaint #11744822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnston, RI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN -A catalytic converter clogged after being installed - only 14 months following installation, causing rough and unsafe acceleration, inability to shift gears properly, and need to drive with hazards on. It is clear that there is an issue with the engine/exhaust and system in this vehicle. Additionally, the car needs oil added regularly and seems to be burning it, as indicated by low level.

NHTSA complaint #11738709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, ME Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on the highway. Police and fire responded. Insurance is investigating. If I was inside the vehicle, I would have certainly died.

NHTSA complaint #11729665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buffalo, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The situation I’m about to explain has happened twice—once in December 2025 and again on January 22, 2026. In December, the roads were very icy, but there was no snow on the ground. As I made a right turn into a Walmart parking lot, I heard a loud metal-breaking sound while turning. I immediately got out and looked underneath my 2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL but didn’t see anything unusual. After finishing my shopping, I started the SUV to pull out of the parking space. The car was trying to move, but the rear tires were not moving at all. A man waiting for my parking spot noticed this and told me one of the tires wasn’t turning. As I drove home, I heard extremely loud metal noises coming from the back of the vehicle—sounds like metal twisting, breaking, and falling to the ground. At no point did any warning lights come on. I took the car to a highly rated mechanic, Premier Car Care, where they did a thorough inspection and found nothing wrong. After being reassured that the vehicle was safe, I continued driving it. Then on January 22, 2026, the same issue happened again. I was driving to my internship, and the roads were slushy. Suddenly, the Tucson became unstable, slid unexpectedly, and I heard the same metal twisting and breaking noises. This time, the ABS light came on briefly and then went off. The vehicle felt unsafe and unstable, even though I was driving very slowly—around 15 miles per hour. I was terrified and nearly hit someone. I had the car towed through Triple A back to the mechanic, but once again, they were unable to find the cause after inspecting it, and it is sitting in my driveway. I am reaching out because I am on disability, I have three children with autism, and I am also currently in school. I rely on this vehicle, and I truly need help investigating what is happening so this issue can be properly identified and fixed before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA complaint #11714033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterford, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

High Oil Consumption

NHTSA complaint #11707773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Evansville, IN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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)

NHTSA complaint #11678267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atwater, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Won’t shift so that I can gain speed

NHTSA complaint #11670399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taunton, MA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11655523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Attleboro, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A few months back my car started to loose its ability to accelerate on the highway. I stopped to get my oil changed to see if that would help but the acceleration was still very limited. Now a month ago, my car started pouring smoke out of the exhaust. It was brought to a mechanic who said it was a turbo and or engine issue. I took it to a Hyundai near me for a clear diagnoses and they diagnosed it as needing a new turbo. I got a new turbo put into the car. My car worked for 1 day before pouring oil out of the bottom of it. I then had a new turbo put in. My car worked well for 1 week but now is leaking oil from the exhaust and making loud knocking, go kart noises. Most people I have talked to say it's the engine and that these problems are way too common in Hyundais well before 100k miles. My car has also been peeling white paint from the hood of my car for 2 years. I have passed hundreds of white hyundai's with the same paint problem.

NHTSA complaint #11620519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yountville, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On 10/5, after exiting the highway, check engine light began blinking. A loud cranking noise was present and the car began “puttering.” I immediately pulled over to find a parking spot. As I parked, the car seemed to stop running and the oil light turned on. I called a tow truck but since this occurred on the weekend, the dealer wasn’t open. Local mechanic stated it was the engine. I had it towed to Hyundai and it’s awaiting diagnosis.

NHTSA complaint #11619235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Middletown, CT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When accelerating from a stop (particularly when taking a left turn across traffic, and uphill), the car often will hesitate and near-stall. It does not respond to driver “punching” the accelerator even to the floor, the car won’t respond, then suddenly catches and lurches forward. This problem has occurred since the purchase time in 2020 as a certified used vehicle from a Tucson dealer. I have reported the issue multiple times and ask the dealer frequently about it. They tell me no issue, never heard of it, no recall or repair. Online I see many people have reported this as a problem. It is definitely unsafe as drivers evaluate distance of oncoming cars in taking a left turn. When the car hesitates and doesn’t engage, time is lost to make the turn in time to make it.

NHTSA complaint #11618825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles Fresno, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while in a drive-through line and turning the steering wheel, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was violently shaking and lunging forward. The contact stated that the vehicle felt like it was running out of fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent, who stated there was no engine light illuminated, but the mechanic replaced the coils, oil, and spark plugs. The contact called the local dealer and left a message. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11593105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pomona, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car was parked under the parking lot of my apartment. on Thursday morning 11am some one came in without any special took just with screwdriver within in 10 second they broke in my driver side door lock and damaged my door lock cylinder. and no alarm system turn on. this is completely unacceptable that the door lock is so fragile that anyone without any special equipment or tool can break in my car in 10 seconds.and if car is opened without the original key how come the alarm system dosent go on. it cost me 550 to fix the door lock cylinder and the central lock system plus i bought manual wheel lock and steering wheel lock because i dont trust security of hyundai.

NHTSA complaint #11578740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Media, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car was working fine since I bought it in April 2023. I passed inspection in November 2023. On January 24, after driving for about 15mins, my check engine light began flashing. The car would not accelerate over 25mph. I brought it to a dealership where it has been for 3 days. All communication about this problem was initiated by me, and the only answers I get are vague comments about testing.

NHTSA complaint #11568086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peru, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Clogged catalytic converter due to metal shavings from piston ring failure. This put my safety and the safety of others at risk due to potential engine failure which disables all other safety features of the vehicle. confirmed by a hyundai dealership. inspected by a hyundai certified dealership. No warning lamps but oil consumption has been an ongoing issue.

NHTSA complaint #11566168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newark Valley, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I just purchased this car and I can't insure it in nys all of the insurance company's are claiming they black listed this car and can't insure it I'm not really sure how it's legal to sell somebody a 21000 car and you can't drive it because you need insurance in nys

NHTSA complaint #11565831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Apple Valley, MN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Catalytic converter failure. Driving and vehicle slowed down while attempting to pass another vehicle in spite of foot being on accelerator. We were nearly hit head on by a semi trailer. Vehicle unable to increase speed over 50 mph. Taken to dealership. Diagnosed with problem with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle has 82,000 miles. Failure occurred suddenly. Vehicle has also been burning oil since June 2022. Dealership and Hyundai have covered nothing and offered no solutions other than to replace catalytic converter at cost of $3,693.35. There are multiple other complaints of exact same issue online and the safety of this vehicle is questionable as vehicle will refuse to accelerate suddenly which results in a dangerous situation for vehicle's occupants.

NHTSA complaint #11553978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Millville, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Lots of engine oil consumption And transmission since I bought car spend excessive engine oil and transmission fluid as well

NHTSA complaint #11544833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Imperial, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Was told Hyundai is having a problem with motors and it’s burning oil quickly. There are recalls for it but not for my model and year. And my mechanic told me I have the same problem. Hyundai should extend the recall for 2018 Tucsons

NHTSA complaint #11544143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Saint Lucie, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The engine, rod bearing failure, constantly ABS Kits, Engine monitoring system (car is available for inspection). Our safety and others put at risk because the auto stopped dead on Interstate during rush hour traffic barely escaped death and seriously injuries to all travelers close to us. Towed it to a dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed it's the engine and rod bearing system on report of inspection and estimate invoice. Manufacture told us to take it to a dealership and we took it to Wallace Hyundai of Stuart Florida. The warning was a knocking sound and oil light flickering just before auto began to sliw down to final stop. All took place on August 8, 2023. I have 7 photos to upload but your site is not allowing more than 10 documents. I tried to delete some documents but it did not have a delete function once I uploaded the documents.

NHTSA complaint #11543532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Simpsonville, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Paint on the bonnet started peeling and flaking off. You can easily slide your finger on the edges of the paint and it will peel right off.

NHTSA complaint #11531697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hainesport, NJ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have only owned the car for 1 month. I had gotten an oil/filter change and a new oil pressure sensor at ~80,100 miles. I had requested the oil sensor be changed because it would flicker on and off when the car was idling/low RPMs once it had heated up fully. This had fixed that issue seemingly. At ~80,700 miles the car had started riding a bit "rough", especially at higher speeds, so I decided to have a look under the hood. I was terrified to see that my dipstick was bone dry. There was never any evidence of any noticeable leak underneath the car on the driveway nor any evidence of blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. After some research (Hyundai corporate was telling me over the phone multiple times that there was no known issues with my specific car/engine) I was appalled to see I was essentially lied to. I found multiple official TSBs, NHTSA notices, and hundreds if not thousands of other customers noting the exact same experience. I had tried to take it to Hyundai for the oil consumption tests laid out in multiple TSBs but I was denied "due to the original warranty expiring". To my knowledge this exact issue has caused Hyundai and Kia to extend to 150k miles for all owners. This is my only mode of transportation and I am so worried my car will stall/seize/catch fire on the highway. This is beyond unsafe and unacceptable but I assume I may have to wait until the final litigation hearing in September for official recalls to be issued. If my car makes it that long.

NHTSA complaint #11527064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ormond Beach, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11513769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Twentynine Palms, CA Fire

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.

NHTSA complaint #11506487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flint, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11500673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11493043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Hill, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

check engine light comes on bout 25 times a week i plug my scanner into it and it reads knock sensor faulty I seen a RECALL for these cars why doesn't my car have a recall of this on going issue?

NHTSA complaint #11481551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wimauma, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a Hyundai 2018. I bought it in 2019 with about 64,000 miles on it. I keep up with all the maintenance on my SUV. I noticed once I moved from Illinois to Florida, after having the car for a year, it started consuming a lot of oil. I've never had an oil leak anywhere on the car. In November of 2020 I went to Take 5 to get my oil changed and the mechanic said make sure to check my oil often because my truck burns a lot of oil. I'm find myself putting oil in my truck once a week. Every 500 miles it needs oil. The crazy thing is, is that the oil light never once came on. The engine light will come on. I went to a recall appointment 2 weeks ago, which was the same day I got my oil changed June 11, 2022, and I told them about this issue and they did nothing. By June 23rd I needed more oil! I see California has a lawsuit about this issue. I want to trade in my truck because this is costing too much money feeding this truck gas and now oil!

NHTSA complaint #11471949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2018 Hyundai Tucson problems

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