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2018 Hyundai Tucson problems

What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.

399owner complaints
1safety recalls
13involved a crash

Also reported: 9 fires, 10 people injured, 0 deaths. Each complaint is counted once even if it lists several components.

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Most reported problems

Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 399.

Engine244
Usually 25,000–90,000 miles (middle half of 57 reports with mileage)
Power train101
Usually 5,500–31,623 miles (middle half of 33 reports with mileage)
Unknown or other44
Usually 19,650–70,780 miles (middle half of 8 reports with mileage)
Electrical system29
Usually 15,500–58,512 miles (middle half of 7 reports with mileage)
Fuel/propulsion system22
Usually 1,500–15,000 miles (middle half of 5 reports with mileage)
Service brakes21
Usually 8,500–34,425 miles (middle half of 10 reports with mileage)
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Usually 83,000–164,000 miles (middle half of 5 reports with mileage)
Vehicle speed control16
Usually 1,250–19,250 miles (middle half of 7 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Accelerator pedal (1); Cables (1)
Exterior lighting13
Usually 16,000–30,000 miles (middle half of 5 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Headlights (1); Headlights › bulbs (1)
Engine and engine cooling8
Usually 70,803–88,600 miles (middle half of 8 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (3); Exhaust system › emission control (1)

When problems show up

Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.

Engine

57 reports with mileage · median 60,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Power train

33 reports with mileage · median 15,800 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Unknown or other

8 reports with mileage · median 36,273 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Safety recalls (1)

Recalls that cover the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.

Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module

Campaign 20V543000 · 2020-09-04 · 652,024 vehicles

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…

Full recall text and remedy

Summary: 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.

Questions to ask the seller

Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.

244 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 25,000 and 90,000 miles.

Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.

101 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 5,500 and 31,623 miles.

Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.

29 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 15,500 and 58,512 miles.

Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.

22 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system, half of the reports with mileage are between 1,500 and 15,000 miles.

When were the brakes last serviced? On the test drive, check for pulsing, grinding, a soft pedal, or ABS warnings.

21 owner complaints mention the brakes, half of the reports with mileage are between 8,500 and 34,425 miles.

Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year.

Other Hyundai Tucson years

Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.

Compare all years on one chart

Source: NHTSA complaints file (FLAT_CMPL, updated 2026-10-21) and NHTSA recalls file. Page generated 2026-10-22.

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