CarModelProblems.com

2018 Hyundai Tucson Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
394Complaints
1Recalls
13Crashes
9Fires
10Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (61.4% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.

Engine complaints here are 4.9× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine242 · 61.4%Investigation closedDP22003
Power Train100 · 25.4%No official action
Electrical System27 · 6.9%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System22 · 5.6%No official action
Service Brakes21 · 5.3%RecalledRecall 20V543000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic19 · 4.8%RecalledRecall 20V543000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE242 · 61.4%
POWER TRAIN100 · 25.4%
Unspecified / other43 · 10.9%
SERVICE BRAKES21 · 5.3%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC19 · 4.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14 · 3.6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10 · 2.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY8 · 2%

Percentages are the share of the 394 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 20V543000 · 2020 · reported 09/04/2020

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“Emission light is on and called dealer for an appointment, stated they will called me when they can line me up with a tech and…”NHTSA complaint 11444328 — filed 12/19/2021 · ENGINE
“Buy brand new off lot. Never miss Regular maintenance on engine oil and filters. Car had only 55200 miles. After 500 miles regular oil interval…”NHTSA complaint 11442736 — filed 12/05/2021 · ENGINE
“My engine blew on the freeway. And we believe it to be a rod bearing issue. Regular oil changes and maintenance done since I owned…”NHTSA complaint 11441608 — filed 11/24/2021 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

192018342019402020832021602022812023772024872025612026

Frequently asked questions

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

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 242 of 394 NHTSA complaints (61.4%), followed by power train (100), unspecified/other issues (43), electrical system (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have?

394 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, and 10 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 20V543000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.