2018 Hyundai Tucson: Common Problems, Recalls and Vehicle Data

What the public data shows

Complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson are not evenly spread across categories -- they concentrate heavily in one area. Engine complaints account for 182 of 389 filings, with drivetrain complaints adding another 99, meaning these two categories together make up the large majority of the complaint record, well ahead of brakes and other categories further down the list. The single investigation on record, DP22003, examined the engine and is closed rather than open. A closed investigation does not indicate a confirmed defect or an ongoing question -- it simply notes that this component drew formal review at some point. There is one recall for this model year, 20V543000, tied to the service brakes, hydraulic system, with a stated concern about engine compartment fire risk. With only one campaign filed, the recall record for this year is narrow rather than showing a cluster across multiple systems, and there are no repeat-repair campaigns indicating a prior fix that had to be redone. Separately, manufacturer service bulletins -- which address repair guidance for dealers rather than safety recalls -- show a concentration in the engine and engine cooling system, with 31 of 131 bulletins there, followed by 22 on the electrical system. This shows where dealers were told to look for symptoms, not a confirmed defect pattern. As with any complaint database, these figures reflect how many owners reported an issue to NHTSA, not a measured rate of how many vehicles actually experienced a problem.

393 complaints on file with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, grouped into CarTold's broad component categories.

Most frequently reported, by the specific component NHTSA logged each complaint under (not CarTold's category groupings above):

• ENGINE — 148 complaints (38%)
• POWER TRAIN — 44 complaints (11%)
• POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — 27 complaints (7%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 18 complaints (5%)
• SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — 17 complaints (4%)
• SERVICE BRAKES — 13 complaints (3%)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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 away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

ENGINE

Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12

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 complai…

NHTSA crash-tests each body-style/drivetrain configuration separately, so ratings can differ by variant — shown as tested, not averaged. See how the 5-star ratings work, including why an overall score isn't the average of the three category scores.