Diagsheet

Third generation (TL)

2018 Hyundai Tucson

  • 394owner complaints
  • 1recalls
  • 13involved a crash
  • 47,000median miles at failure

Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

miles

2018 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: HJUdall, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 115 complaints.

middle half of reports, median tick. Darker bars have 75 or more reports.

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    Around your mileage

      Ahead of you

        How this compares

        2018 Hyundai Tucson394
        Median 2018 model here (28 vehicles)662
        Median 2018 SUV here (15)666

        394 complaints is 1.7 times fewer than the median 2018 model on this site and 1.7 times fewer than the median 2018 SUV. Among the 13 Tucson model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

        Complaints filed by year

        1318
        2619
        2520
        7321
        4422
        5723
        5524
        6125
        4026

        73 complaints came in 2021, 2.9 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

        NHTSA investigations

        DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
        Engine · model years 2010 to 2022

        Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

        NHTSA summary
        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 as

        Recalls that include the 2018 Hyundai Tucson

        Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

        20V-543Sep 4, 2020
        Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

        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 and remedy
        Risk: 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.

        Other model years

        201419420152262016161620171084201839420193772020176202178202238020231312024942025278202659