2018 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 244about this part
- Share
- 61%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 244 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, 61% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a interstate got off on a exit and my car started doing a loud ticking noise and would not accelerate over 40 MPH. I drove the car to get the car tested to see the problem .the code read knock sensor.got the knock sensor replaced by a local mechanic and the car drove the say way before I took it to his shop.the car only has 67,00 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11395855, filed 2021-02, 67,000 miles“I have a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. We heard knocking noise in the engine while driving at night and then the car failed to accelerate. We were able to get to the side of the road without crashing. We had it towed to a shop. The shop says that the engine had knocking noise were rod bearings and there was coolant/antifreeze in the engine block.”
NHTSA complaint #11390398, filed 2021-01, 74,000 miles“I changed engine oil a month ago and still have 500mile left until re-change, but after when I went shopping the engine sound was bad so I checked the engine oil status and there were no engine oil at all. This was not first time, doing this. I heard Hyundai engine eat some oil, but it is kind of dangerous if I didnt check the status.”
NHTSA complaint #11405207, filed 2021-03, 88,000 miles“On six different occassions my vehicle has stalled out while reaching speeds of up to 50mph. I have taken it back to the dealership on 3 separate occasions to be told there is nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle. On 8/25/3020 it stalled again and caused me to be rear ended. I am terrified to operate this vehicle on public road ways now.”
NHTSA complaint #11351688, filed 2020-08, 19,867 miles“The car started making a loud noise my oil lamp light started flashing, after I stopped at a red light I accelerated then my alternator light came on the car died. Within seconds my car started smoking a white color lightly and then within minutes the smoke turned black and heavy then car caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11268441, filed 2019-10, 32,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11037434Sep 16, 2026Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11031416Apr 14, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated…
- 11030625Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
- 11030619Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 3% |
| 2025 | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 | 14 | 14% |
| 2023 | 23 | 17% |
| 2022 | 115 | 30% |
| 2021 | 39 | 49% |
| 2020 | 73 | 41% |
| 2019 | 201 | 52% |
| 2018 | 244 | 61% |
| 2017 | 602 | 55% |
| 2016 | 424 | 26% |
| 2015 | 120 | 52% |
| 2014 | 110 | 54% |
| 2013 | 156 | 59% |
| 2012 | 160 | 63% |
| 2011 | 40 | 32% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 12% |
| 2007 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 12 | 9% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
101 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology