2018 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 41owner reports
- 38,900median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Oct 27, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026
41 of the 394 complaints on this car describe brake wear.
Tick what matches of 41 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the brakes covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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
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.
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Tucson
Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 16,000 and 83,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“ABS SENSOR, downhill light, traction control light stays on. In August 2023 the transmission had to be rebuilt from slipping. After work there is still transmission slipping. Media display goes blank often and will not show all of display sometimes.”
Filed Apr 21, 2024
“Good day, I hope your day is going well. I have a 2018 Hyundai Tucson and on several occasions when I have tried to stop rapidly my break seem to fail and the car slid further than expected. I noticed that there was an anti lock break hydronic recall on the 2018-2022 models but I never received a letter for my vehicle”
Filed Oct 18, 2022
“In many Instances, I come close to get involved in accident. I cannot apply HARD BRAKING. When the hard braking is applied, I feel my foot is touching the ground and the brake cable is going to break. It is very scary and unsafe.”
Filed Dec 8, 2021
“2018 Hyundai Tucson. Consumer writes in regard to NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-543. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH AN UNREPAIRED OPENED RECALL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR IN THE NEAR FUTURE.”
Filed May 18, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 41 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 115 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 78 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 63 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 62 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 40 reports