2018 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

116owner reports
74,600median miles
$6,000median quote
2involved a crash

Newest report Sep 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026

250 of the 397 complaints on this car are about the engine. 116 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Tucson.

Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (53 reports)

No recall on this systemas of Oct 2, 2026

2 crashesin 116 reports

2 people hurtin these reports

1 firein 116 reports

NHTSA investigation1 covering the 2018

Tick what matches of 116 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

Engine failure on other Tucson years

201471 reports 201564 reports 2016166 reports 2017265 reports 2018116 reports 201992 reports 202027 reports

Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

What this problem usually is

These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.

Read the full explainer · Which cars report it most

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (111 reports) and the turbo (6 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Tucson

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2010 to 2022

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

What owners paid

15 of the 116 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,500 to $10,000.

$1,500$6,000$10,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 60,000 and 95,000 miles, from the 57 reports that gave a mileage.

Is this a known problem?

The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 15 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson that deal with this problem. Newest first.

Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.

Service campaign24-01-068HAug 19, 2024
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Jul 11, 2023
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine ...
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.

11 more on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson page.

What owners wrote

“Had oil consumption problems for a while started around 60,000mi. I got regular and frequent oil changes and the engine seized up at 94,000mi while driving. Hyundai refused to take accountability.”
Filed Jan 17, 2025 · 60,000 miles

“I have had several incidents of my car running out of oil before the recommended oil change date or mileage. The low oil light never comes on. On the last occurrence of my oil being too low the check engine light did come on and the engine began to make a knocking or ticking-like sound. I have already had to have the catalytic converter replaced on this vehicle and it is around 90,000 miles.”
Filed Oct 21, 2024 · 90,000 miles

“Oil light came on while driving. Pulled over checked oil and it was full and clean. Engine started making a rattling sound. Car then died and had to be towed. Mechanic says needs a new engine. Hyundai engine issue very dangerous and I don't know if they will replace. Starting the process”
Filed Apr 26, 2023

“Compression test found cylinder 3 @ 58. Found cylinder leakage between cylinder 2 & 3. Engine replacement suggested by dealer. Vehicle has 149990. Dealer also stated engine is warp which is not included in diagnostic statement. Dealer engine replacement cost $12,324.23”
Filed Feb 4, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 116 reports involved a crash and 2 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. How reports land on this sheet.

Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found