25 complaints reported

2018 Hyundai Tucson POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
25
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

Over the past nine months, I’ve been experiencing ongoing issues with my 2018 Hyundai Tucson engine and transmission. After four consumption tests and a flush confirming that the engine is burning between 0.8 and 0.3 liters of oil for every 1,000, I was informed Hyundai refuses to either repair the issue or conduct testing to determine the cause. The timeline is summarized below: •February 2025 – I was told by [XXX] my vehicle simply did not have enough oil after the last oil change; •March 2025 – I was informed an initial consumption test needed to be completed; •May 2025 – a second consumption test revealed the engine was burning more than 1 liter per 1000 and a flush was completed; •July 2025 – a third consumption test was completed, revealing that while the engine was excessively burning oil, it was not currently at 1 liter per 1000 based on that test; August 2025 – the oil light came on & I was instructed to put a liter of oil into my vehicle to make it to the certified dealer for next steps. The next steps were another consumption test. Unfortunately, because I was told to add oil to make it to the dealership, I was then informed that this added oil would alter the testing, and we had to start over. •September 2025 – I am now awaiting the results of the fourth consumption test. I have receipts for every 6 months or 7,500 of service since purchasing the vehicle., Despite the engine and transmission being under warranty, the dealership has refused to conduct testing to determine the cause of the issue or remedy the excessive consumption. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2025
Jul 2025

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GDI engine with only 79,000 miles was "knocking" and wouldn't accelerate. We pulled over and towed the vehicle to the local Hyundai Dealer who declared "oil level good but failed bearing clearance test". Diagnosed with a rod and bearing failure. They submitted to Hyundai Motor Warranty the vehicle needed new engine. They declined. I know this is covered under the Hyundai Engine 2 Class action lawsuit with the extended 15 year/150,000 mile warranty as a result of the catastrophic engine failures. I have all oil change service records for every 5,000-6,000 miles while I was the second owner, as well as, have obtained another from the dealer who bought it from a rental/lease company starting at 14,000 miles. Hyundai Corporate is claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" because of one missing oil change record from the rental company that I may not be able to obtain as the paper trail for the rental car company only states first owner was rental/fleet

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

On April 12, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Tuson which only has 99,000 miles started stalling out at random speeds. The vehicle stalled going up a hill and would not accelerate it would also not go past 55-60 miles per hour on the highway. There were no check engine lights or codes on the dashboard. The vehicle is also burning oil on 2 occasions when having the oil changed. I feel like my life and others is in danger because the vehicle is stalling at random speeds which could cause a major accident due to this issue. I could be hit by another vehicle while trying to accelerate or merge on the highway. I reported the oil consumption last November and I contacted Hyundai customer care who issued a case number in May 2025 for the stalling issue, they instructed me to take it to the Hyundai dealership to be diagnosed. There is a recall out, but they said my vehicle is not included in it. I took the vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed the vehicle was stalling and would not accelerate and were able to reproduce the issue. They informed me the vehicle needed a new transmission, and the vehicle only has 99,000 miles. Hyundai and the dealership declined to add the vehicle to the recall campaign for stalling vehicles. I had to cover the cost of $3,000 for a new transmission. I picked the vehicle up on June 6,2025 with the new transmission installed and it is still stalling and won't accelerate past 45 miles per hour.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
May 2025

While starting and accelerating my 2018 Hyundai Tucson, I began hearing abnormal engine knocking and noticed rough performance. I took the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where they diagnosed an internal engine defect. They confirmed the engine issue but refused to cover the repair, citing that I’m not the original owner—despite public information stating that Hyundai’s extended engine defect warranty (related to known bearing failures) applies to all owners for up to 15 years/150,000 miles. This creates a major safety concern, as I drive long distances on highways daily and fear the engine may seize or fail at high speeds. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is currently undrivable. I’ve submitted proper maintenance records, and the issue has been escalated through Hyundai Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. This appears to be a widely reported engine defect that Hyundai is not consistently addressing. The lack of coverage and delay in resolution places drivers at unnecessary risk.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer to be inspected and two oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer. The oil consumption tests showed no defects with the engine. The dealer performed an engine flush; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised to have oil changes performed every 3,000 miles instead of the recommended 5,000 miles. The contact stated that recently, after having an oil change, the dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush. The contact stated that after the transmission fluid flush was performed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2024
Mar 2025

29 days after I bought a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle started making a ticking noise and stopped accelerating. I called the dealership and they said we didn't get a warranty. I said no that isn't correct, no warranty was offered and after seeing ALL the known engine problems I understand why ken ganley in medina wouldn't offer one. Now not even a month into having this vehicle, I have a brand new 5 year loan and a vehicle that won't move until I put a new engine in it and the dealership won't do anything for me. This is the worst experience I have ever had purchasing a vehicle

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Feb 2025

In late September of ‘24 my husband was driving our oldest to school when my 2018 Hyundai tuscon seized mid drive with our son in the back seat with no oil or engine light warning. Husband inspected the oil and I was still full. A Hyundai dealer towed at their expense in October, diagnosed an engine failure. Denied me service since my extended warranty expired and I didn’t have the KSDS update. I wish they would as I still owe on the vehicle and I’m out of work. Making this complaint is to only spread awareness that 2017 Tucson with the 2.0 L engine had an engine failure connecting to rod bearings. My 2018 has the same engine type and failure as the 2017. Hyundai Corp fails to recognize the problem. My 2018 didn’t fail due to lack of oil changes as I can I prove that. My 2018 failed on Hyundai’s fault. Now my car sits at the dealership in Anchorage, Alaska and I still owe 9k and I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. 360 miles away from me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024
Jan 2025

Me my wife and our dogs were driving from California to Las Vegas when we experience loss of power in the engine we managed to Coast downhill to State Line Nevada and got to the off ramp and then had to push the car to the nearest gas station it was towed the next day to Centennial Hyundai in Las Vegas, case # [XXX] this happened while on vacation just before Christmas they were not able to look at it till after Christmas but they found that one of the valves had broken and was sitting on top of the piston we were told that the engine the turbo the exhaust and the catalytic would all have to be replaced also later they discovered a leak in the transmission on the Dual clutch which also needed replacing we were just told that they have finished the work and we would be responsible for about $5,300 worth of the work I have all maintenance records on this vehicle it had all scheduled maintenance done at the dealership including oil changes and any other repairs that or needed including engine cleaning once the car reached about 100,000 MI it started consuming about a quart of oil every oil change I'm [XXX] old and have had many new and used cars and have never ever had an engine failure happen at such a low mileage when this occurred the car had approximately 122,000 miles on it I have a claim with Hyundai customer care, case # [XXX] and they have not been very cooperative they don't seem to be able to contact the dealership to get any kind of resolution for the costs that I don't feel are my responsibility this is unbelievable I will never recommend anybody by a Hyundai or a Kia I will tell them buy a Honda or a Toyota not a Hyundai or a Kia they have horrible engines and Transmissions it should not be failing at less than 100,000 miles or before the car is even paid off unbelievable don't know how we're going to cover the cost the dealership wants to get our car back I guess they'll just have to keep it for a while. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2024
Oct 2024

End of April/beginning of may, driving down highway check engine light flashing loud knocking and loss of power. Got it towed by AAA. Wasnt able to make appt until May 9th. Got it towed to the Hyundai dealership. Got phone call that is filed the bearing test and need a total engine replacement. Was told by the dealership that it could take 3 months or more to get an engine in and get it replaced. They have no loaners, and hyundai expeacts me to pay out of pocket for a rental for work to keep my job as well as my independent contracting job accounting/taxes. I have to have a vehicle. A rental is easily 1200+ a month. Hyundai refuses to give me a trade in value for my vehicle until the new engine is in. Hyundai also refunded to reimbursement me for a rental until all work is completed and a work order is in hand ( which can be many many months) I dont have money to pay 1200+ a month for a rental and also pay by car payment every month for a vehicle that is stuck at the dealership undrivable because Hyundai installed faulty bad engines. I am stuck and all Hyundai can tell me is that it takes months for the engines. Purchased the vehicle in Feb 2022 and have perfect maintance records, service records and everything else for upkeep. Still owe 15545 on the vehicle and its undrivable. So im paying a car payment on a vehicle that Hyundai made undrivable

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Feb 2024

issues with the 2018 Tucson- Transmission has always sputtered, had numerous updates and resets for it. still an issue. also it doesn't want to go into gear sometimes and bob when going into drive, or reverse. slow pick up from a complete stop, the other morning it became a safety concern when I had my daughter in the car. The car start to move when I stepped on the gas, then stopped in the middle of the intersection of [XXX] four way. The RPM's as I was stepping on the gas was shifting between 5-7 and the car it wasn't moving. Engine- in September I noticed my oil pressure light flashing on and off, this pointed me to check the oil. the oil was very low, added oil to the vehicle. since then I have had the dealer involved due to high oil burning . in [XX] I had an oil change done and no oil was found in the engine after I had placed oil in it prior. they did the oil change and I went back at the end of October and they had noticed my oil burnt off again. they did the combustion cleaning and returned the vehicle back to me [XXX]. Since then I drove 950 miles on the vehicle, Last Saturday the oil pressure light was flashing as I took my daughter to her dance class, I checked the oil and the oil was reading below the low mark on the dipstick. I returned to the dealer that morning for the oil consumption test, in which they said it was only a quart low which seemed odd to me since it was low on the dipstick. I have had corporate involved as well and all my concerns have gone as this is normal for your car. Hyundai has had issues with my Year Tucson, from my research since I started having the issues they have settled a lawsuit for the problems with the engine and transmission which I have in it.my research, as the vehicle ages, the engine burns large amounts of oil and transmission failure, stopping while driving. I would like them to replace the engine and transmission before my warranty is up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2023 Fire

I was driving home from a family get together with my husband and daughter in my car. We smelled something burning, and suddenly smoke was coming out of my center console. I pulled over and flames were coming out of the driver side. As soon as we evacuated the vehicle, it burst into flames. There was no warning, nothing lit up on the dashboard to warn me of this hazard. A witness was driving behind us and called 911 when he noticed flames underneath my vehicle right before I pulled over. A police report was filed and it was reported to my insurance agent, it is currently still under investigation since it just happened 2 days ago during a Holiday weekend. My safety and my family's safety was put at risk due to no warning, how fast the vehicle went up in flames, etc. The car was a total loss.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2023

The engine has failed in my 2018 Hyundai Tuscon. I was driving the car daily since purchasing in July of 2023. Everything was fine until the first week of October, I had just picked up my son and was getting on the interstate when my check engine light came on and my oil light would flash on and off occasionally not persistently. I had the car checked immediately and there was no oil in the car at all. I added oil to the car, but it was too late the engine had already blown. I drove my son to school the next morning and the car sounded like a lawn mower and was knocking continuously. The dealership has the car now and this is a known problem with this model car. The car could've locked up while I was on the interstate with my child and we or others could have been severely hurt in an accident or car fire if the engine caught fire. The dealership is not offering to remedy the situation even knowing this is a known problem for their cars. There is already a recall for most of these cars but for my engine the cut off stops at year 2017, I think this should be reconsidered and 2018 should also be included in the recall as I have read many testimonials regarding people having the same problem I had, there was no indication anything was wrong with the oil or engine until it was too late.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2023
Oct 2023

As I was pulling out of a bank driveway onto a busy access road my car just died. Lost all power. NO warning bells, no lights on the dash, no warning at all. This could have potentially caused an accident. I could have been hit by another vehicle as my car was dead. Pushed it out of the way of traffic, checked oil and there was none. Ended up having it towed to the dealership. The dealership told me that my engine had failed and would need to be replaced due to cylinder 3 rod bearing failure due to oil consumption (a known problem from this manufacturer).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

When I accelerate from a stop sign or yield it Jerks and hesitates to accelerate. I have to release the gas and push again sometimes doing this multiple times when this happens daily. I've taken it to Hyundi shops and they say it's a normal chararistic if a Tuscan. It also uses an excessive amount of oil. I am told this is because of the engine. If I go change my oil right at every 3k miles my oil level is well below the minimum line so I have been changing it every 1500 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
Aug 2023

This very low mileage vehicle recently had the same incident for I believe the fifth time since I've owned the car. In a very dangerous situation the car exibited the car going almost dead after normal acceleration. It regains power after 3-5 seconds and rapidly returning to acceleration. It happened to my wife soon after purchase and she has refused to drive it since. Last week while I attempted to make a left turn at a yellow light it again went dead and traffic was forced to slow while the car behind me almost rea ended me. Recently the engine seems to run rough at times. Never have I seen any engine trouble lights since I've owned it. Three separate Hyundai dealers have looked at and seemed to be aware of what's causing it, but chose their words carefully. My neighbor owns one of the largest new cars dealerships in the Midwest. I spoke with him about this problem and he said his used car manager would NEVER purchase one with this engine/transmission for resale! A Hyundai service manager told me to get rid of it soon. When told I was planning on gifting it to my daughter, he said he wouldn't... The car only has 33,000 miles and looks new. Always garaged, never driven in snow.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jun 2023

i received a letter in the mail stating the nock sensor has been replaced i dont know howlong ago but my 2018 tucan is stuck in false sage mode saying the nock senor was bad! if it is a on going issue and there is has been a recall on the part why does it show no recalls for my mode car?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2023
Nov 2022

Vehicle stalls when accelerating at low speeds. It appears to be a delay when the car transitions from 1st to 2nd gear. This creates a safety concern, especially when taking turns into traffic due to delays/stalls when turning.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2022
Apr 2022

my 2018 Hyundai Tucson starting having lurching issues on when first started. i have to back into my driveway so i dont have to go in reverse then go forward. it jerks back and forth so hard. It finally took its toll on the transfer case and it exploded internally. the Dealership said they had never seen this before. i was hoping that was the cause of the issue but it wasnt. Still doing it and am afraid it will do it again. i was under warranty when it happened, so teh $2000 replair was covered. i'm concerned it will happen again. teh problem goes away after it's been completely warmed up. but like many others, its a scary issue when first started. it also will also shift hard when it firsts get's going (after the initial hard lurching back and forth). i dont know what to do. Love the car otherwise, but concerned with ever buying a Hyundai again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2021
Mar 2022

very bad acceleration from a stop position, engine revs but does not move, in slow traffic it hesitates and lunges forward like it’s not sure what it’s suppose to do, when trying to merge or pass another car, you have to give yourself time, it’s very dangerous, took it to the dealer 2 times, was told that’s how the car is made, there is no way this is suppose to be the way the car was built. also a smell of antifreeze but no leaks detected,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2021
Dec 2021

Rod bearing failure. Sounded like a tractor all of a sudden and stalled every time I’d come to a stop. Had it towed to the dealership. Awaiting word from Hyundai as to whether the warranty will cover this. Checked oil and wasn’t low. No check engine lights or oil lights or anything ever came on. No noises prior to this happening. Kept up on routine maintenance.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2021
Mar 2021 Crash

CAR WAS SLOWLY ENTERING GARAGE AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED IN GEAR. CAR WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL POWER AND CRASHED IN GARAGE. I AM ALLEGING CONDITION KNOWN AS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED AND THE COST OF REPAIR WAS OVER $4,000.00. PICTURES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. HYUNDAI PERFORMED AN INSPECTION ON VEHICLE UPON MY DEMAND TO DO SO. WHEN REPORT CAME IN, I WAS REFUSED A COPY OF EXACT REPORT BY INSPECTOR AND ONLY GIVEN A SUMMARY BY COMPANY AGENT. WHEN I ASKED FOR THE EXACT INSPECTOR REPORT TO BE READ TO ME OVER THE PHONE, THAT REQUEST WAS DENIED AS WELL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2021
Oct 2020

CAR CONSTANTLY HESITATES WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE. WHEN YOU BEGIN TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE CAR HESITATES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE BEGINNING TO MOVE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN MAKING TURNS AT STOP LIGHTS OR IN INTERSECTIONS. GOING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CAR RUNS FINE AND ACCELERATES WITHOUT ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN AT SLOW SPEEDS OR AT A STOP AND YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, WHEN GOING SLOW OR SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP, THE CAR SEES LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL AND THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO JERK AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO STALL. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AT SLOW SPEEDS WITH SOME QUICK ON/OFF BREAKING, THE CAR HESITATES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO STALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2020
Sep 2020

THE TRANSMISSION SEVERELY LAGS IN THE INITIAL TRANSITION INTO FIRST GEAR, AS WELL AS FROM FIRST TO SECOND. WHEN INITIALLY ENGAGING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM REVERSE, THE CAR RUMBLES AND CHOPS INTO FIRST GEAR. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A DUAL CLUTCH CAR, IT SEVERELY LAGS INTO ACCELERATION, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT THEY HIDE BEHIND THE EXCUSE THAT THIS IS A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED AT AROUND 500 MILES. IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN WORSE SINCE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2020
May 2020

THE CAR WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. *TR

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2020
Jan 2018

DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM STOP. VERY UNSAFE WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AS IT WILL TAKE UP TO 10 SECONDS FOR THE CAR TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN BUT NOT ALWAYS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2018

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has 25 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.