2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

500

Owner Complaints

22 Crashes 11 Fires

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

7

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON has received a total of 500 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (219 complaints), Power Train (94 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (37 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, potentially affecting up to 652,024 vehicles.

Recall 20V543000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 652,024 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

500 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11719222 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
Hyundai Tucson has been jerking and shaking for over over 4 years now and either when taking to the dealership they reset the dual clutch and have replaced the same part twice in the dual clutch. This shaking has been happening since the car was bought brand new like a year after. The vehicle now will get stuck in gear and while driving will go down to 20 mph and get stuck in that speed. This is a serious safety issue. The dealer could replicate the shaking but not the gears being stuck. It has happened on more than one occasion and they just reset something but this continues to happen. There are no warning lights when the gears get stuck it just happens while driving and it has happened twice now in the last 3 weeks.
#11719222 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | N/A miles
Hyundai Tucson has been jerking and shaking for over over 4 years now and either when taking to the dealership they reset the dual clutch and have replaced the same part twice in the dual clutch. This shaking has been happening since the car was bought brand new like a year after. The vehicle now will get stuck in gear and while driving will go down to 20 mph and get stuck in that speed. This is a serious safety issue. The dealer could replicate the shaking but not the gears being stuck. It has happened on more than one occasion and they just reset something but this continues to happen. There are no warning lights when the gears get stuck it just happens while driving and it has happened twice now in the last 3 weeks.
#11718106 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
I am writing this letter to formally document a series of catastrophic safety failures and gross negligence regarding my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. On two separate occasions, including as recently as Wednesday, February 11, 2026, I narrowly escaped a fatal high-speed collision because this vehicle entered "Engine Protection Mode" while traveling at highway speeds. Incident Timeline: Previous Service: I have visited Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa twice for engine-related symptoms and code P0087. They replaced the knock sensor and assured me the vehicle was safe. Safety Incident (Feb 11, 2026): While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, dropping to 60mph and 2000 RPM (Limp Mode) in heavy traffic. This sudden deceleration nearly caused a high-speed rear-end collision. Current Status: The vehicle is currently at Brandon Hyundai (as of Feb 13, 2026). I have been told a review will take 3-5 business days, leaving me without safe transportation or a loaner vehicle. Negligence and Liability: Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa was aware of the recurring P0087 code and engine performance issues. By clearing codes or replacing minor sensors (knock sensor) without addressing the underlying high-pressure fuel or internal engine failure, they released a dangerous, defective product onto the road. This vehicle is clearly covered under the Theta II GDI Engine Settlement and Service Campaign 966. The local dealerships are willfully avoiding a necessary engine replacement to save on internal costs, despite knowing the vehicle is prone to sudden failure. Demand for Action: Immediate Loaner Vehicle: I require a safe rental/loaner vehicle immediately, paid for by Hyundai, while my car is being inspected. Full Engine Replacement: I am demanding a full engine replacement as previously indicated by technicians should the light return. Expedited Review: I am extremely unsatisfied to be told again I have to wait "3-5 business days" for a safety-critical evaluation of a vehicle that has alre
#11717412 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure when a connecting rod threw while driving. The engine burned through its oil and the vehicle became inoperable. Hyundai denied warranty coverage for this engine failure because I had not completed the 2021 KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) recall. I was never notified of this recall. The KSDS recall is a software update intended to detect engine knock. It does not prevent mechanical engine failure. Denying warranty coverage due to a software update that I was unaware of raises safety concerns, as engine failure can occur suddenly while driving and creates risk of crash or injury. This appears related to known engine issues in Hyundai vehicles. I am concerned this is a broader safety defect affecting other consumers.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder lane, engine oil was added, and the contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer suggested that the contact occasionally add oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and that an oil change was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,400.

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Safety Rating for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

Hyundai Motor America has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

24-EM-002H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain 2016-2021MY Tucson (TL) 2.0L vehicles may experience continued DTC P1326 after the ECU update has been performed per TSB 22-01-028H-1 (or later) “ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 966)”.

23-BE-010H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the remote start module to eliminate the horn...

22-EM-001H-1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

20-AT-025H — POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the TCU for vehicles that may exhibit a hesitation at acceleration particularly from a rolling stop condition. This update optimizes the TCU torque control logic.

Campaign T3G DBP — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedures on TSB #20-01-004H (supersedes TSB #19-01-006H-4) rotate the crankshaft, perform the bearing inspection (if crankshaft does rotate) and/or replace the engine based on the crankshaft/bearing inspection results.

19-FL-004H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software logic update for the DTC P0128 ? ?Coolant thermostat - coolant temp below thermostat regulating temperature?.

19-FL-004H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software logic update for the DTC P0128 ? ?Coolant thermostat - coolant temp below thermostat regulating temperature?.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI TUCSON

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Other HYUNDAI Models

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