2018 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Burns oil or oil level rises

63owner reports
60,000median miles
$3,000median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

251 of the 394 complaints on this car are about the engine. 63 of those describe oil consumption.

Tick what matches of 63 reports

adding oil between changes

the oil level rises

low oil light came on

the dealer called it normal

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (11 reports), the engine (6 reports) and the turbo (4 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 Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs 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

10 of the 63 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,500 to $7,693.

$1,500$3,000$7,693

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 80,100 miles, from the 38 reports that gave a mileage.

120

421

122

1223

1424

2225

926

What owners wrote

“My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo (VIN [XXX] , 113,000 miles) burns oil excessively and was deemed to need full engine and turbo replacement ($15,382.95). Hyundai refuses responsibility (case #XXX). This is a widespread defect that causes potential loss of power while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Oct 22, 2025 · 113,000 miles

“2018 Hyundai Tucson has excessive oil consumption. Burns multiple quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai refuses to remedy the oil consumption. Oil consumption has also led to having to replace the catalytic converter due to oil burn off.”
Filed Oct 22, 2025 · 1,000 miles

“74,000 miles Excessive oil consumption, 1 quart per 1000 miles. Low oil pressure warning. Oil warning light, repeated and various codes. Noticeable ticking/clatter at startup. Not included in current recalls.”
Filed Feb 15, 2025 · 74,000 miles

“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

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 63 reports involved a crash. 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.