2018 Hyundai Tucson recalls and problems

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has 1 recall and 399 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

Park outside warning. Owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until the repair is done, because of a fire risk. Campaign: 20V543000.
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: 2018 Hyundai Tucson by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2018 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 22 Tucson model years — 3rd most.

1recalls
399complaints
13crashes
9fires
10injuries
32,300median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Service Brakes

Sep 4, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles
Park outside

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2018: 13 complaints20182019: 26 complaints20192020: 25 complaints20202021: 73 complaints2021732022: 44 complaints20222023: 57 complaints20232024: 55 complaints20242025: 61 complaints20252026: 45 complaints202645

NHTSA investigations

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023
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…

2018 vs. other Hyundai Tucson years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2018. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, the latest from Sep 4, 2020 (service brakes). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (250), power train (101), unknown or other (44). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.

Is it safe to drive the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

1 recall advises parking outside because of a fire risk. Only vehicles with the recall open are affected — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.