Diagsheet

2018 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

  • 115owner reports
  • 74,600median miles
  • $6,000median quote
  • 2involved a crash

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

248 of the 394 complaints on this car are about the engine. 115 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Tucson.

Tick what matches of 115 reports

57
15
23
25
45
20

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (110 reports) and the turbo (6 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 9, 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.

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
EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021
Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

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

NHTSA summary
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

What owners paid

15 of the 115 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 56 reports that gave a mileage.

319
320
1421
1122
1923
2624
2025
1926

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 115 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.

Other problems on this car