Hyundai Tucson Engine Failure and Knocking (2016-2018): Recall and Warranty

What applies to which Tucson, based on Hyundai and NHTSA documents:

For 2018 Hyundai offered the 2.0-liter with a 6-speed automatic and a 1.6-liter turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch (Hyundai).

Engine complaints by model year:

2019 and 2021 are shown for context and are not in the 666. Their counts are small and were not hand-checked.

The failure. Hyundai's recall notice for 2017 Tucsons says the connecting rod bearings can wear early. A worn bearing can cause knocking and an oil-pressure warning. If driving continues, the engine can be damaged and stall, and a broken rod can puncture the block and leak oil onto hot parts, which can start a fire (recall 21V-727 notice). The recall covers certain 2017 Tucsons with the 2.0-liter Nu engine (Hyundai bulletin). Owner reports follow the same sequence: noise, low oil or a warning light, then loss of power.

KSDS. Hyundai's Knock Sensor Detection System is a software update that listens for bearing noise. When it hears it, the check-engine light flashes, it stores code P1326 and it limits the engine to about 1,800-2,000 rpm so the car can be driven to a dealer (Hyundai campaign 966). It warns of damage. It does not repair the engine.

The warranty and the class action. In October 2021 Hyundai extended coverage for connecting-rod-bearing damage to 15 years or 150,000 miles on 2016-2017 Tucsons with the 2.0-liter (bulletin 21-EM-005H-1). Hyundai's current dealer notice lists 2016-2021 Tucsons with that engine (March 2026). The settlement in In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II includes 2014-2021 Tucsons with the 2.0-liter Nu GDI. To keep the extended warranty, the KSDS update must be done before the engine fails, except on cars covered by recalls 198 or 209. Most cash claim deadlines passed on July 8, 2024 (settlement site). Hyundai did not admit liability.

The regulator's view. NHTSA's investigation of Hyundai and Kia engine fires (EA21-003) reviewed recall 21V-727 among others. It closed in February 2024 after Hyundai agreed to remind owners of open engine recalls every eight months for three years (closing résumé).

1. Confirm the engine. The 2.0-liter (6-speed automatic) is the one covered. The 1.6-liter turbo (7-speed dual-clutch) is not on the coverage lists.
2. Run the VIN at Hyundai and NHTSA. Hyundai's campaign lookup shows recall 209 and the KSDS campaigns (966 or 982), open or completed.
3. Make sure KSDS is done before you buy. If it is open, have a Hyundai dealer install it. On most cars the extended warranty depends on it.
4. Ask for the engine history. Get records of oil changes, oil-consumption tests, bearing inspections or a replacement engine. A replacement under the program is a known history, not necessarily a bad sign.
5. Listen to a cold start and a hot idle. Knocking that rises with engine speed, or ticking that does not fade, needs a mechanic. Check the oil level: low oil between changes appears often in reports.
6. Scan for P1326. That code means KSDS has detected abnormal bearing noise.
7. Watch for exclusions. Hyundai says salvaged vehicles and commercial resellers are not eligible for the extended warranty. A salvage title can end the coverage.

Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects. We read 60 randomly chosen matched 2016-2018 reports by hand. 53 (88%) described engine failure or internal engine noise. One miss was about the dual-clutch transmission rather than the engine. The knocking tag was right in 16 of 16 sample reports that had it. Reports about oil consumption alone are not counted. Most complaints do not say which engine the car has. Owners file more often after a recall or a lawsuit, which inflates later filing years. Warranty and settlement terms are summarized from Hyundai's documents. Hyundai decides eligibility case by case.

Queried from CarTold's copy of NHTSA complaint, recall, investigation and manufacturer-communication records on October 29, 2026. A complaint is counted when it describes engine failure, seizure, knocking, a thrown rod, rod-bearing damage, KSDS or an engine replacement. Each complaint is counted once, by its ODI number, under its model year.

Accuracy check. One random sample of 60, read by hand: 53 correct. Recall, warranty and settlement terms come from Hyundai documents published by NHTSA, Hyundai's settlement website and NHTSA's EA21-003 closing résumé (copy hosted by CCH). Engine availability comes from Hyundai's 2018 Tucson release.

• Hyundai Tucson: all model years
• 2017 Hyundai Tucson report
• 2018 Hyundai Tucson report
• Warranty extension vs. recall
• What NHTSA complaint counts tell a used-car buyer
• Used-car inspection checklist