2018 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
2018 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (369) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 21 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with 61 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Hyundai Tucson before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Tucson Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Tucson years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 355 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 1054 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 159 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 1588 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 61 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 222 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Hyundai Tucson Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
136 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyPower Train
43 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Hyundai onlyPower Train,Engine
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Hyundai onlyService Brakes
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability Score
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brake Hydraulic Control Unit/Module Hyundai recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles due to service brake hydraulic control unit/module issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Catastrophic Engine Failures Reports of connecting rod throws and sudden loss of power have been documented. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Hyundai Tucson:
Issues with service brakes hydraulic control unit/module.
Multiple reports of catastrophic engine failures.
Recall Details for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson by NHTSA:
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 custom...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
I bought this car 6 months ago. I did not know it had a recall on the engine. The engine just died a week ago. I brought it to hyundai and the confirmed it was a recall and go ahold of corporate. Corporate is refusing to fix the recall because they said "I should have brought it in at the original recall in 2020." I did not own the car there and I was not aware of the recall at all. [XXX] is my...
My specific Tucson is equipped with 1.6L Turbo and a 7 speed Dual-Clutch Transmission. I see there are recalls for the 2016 models equipped with the same transmissions, so I'm concerned as to why there hasn't been a recall for the newer models. My transmission was replaced by Hyundai when the car only had approximately 15,000 miles (give or take) and now at 73,000 miles, I'm experiencing the same ...
I have experienced two near-fatal incidents involving a sudden, uncommanded loss of motive power while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH). On February 11, 2026, the vehicle entered "Limp Home Mode" without warning, dropping speed to 60 MPH and 2000 RPM in heavy traffic. This caused an immediate and dangerous speed differential, nearly resulting in a high-speed rear-end collision. Simulta...
Hyundai Tucson has been jerking and shaking for over over 4 years now and either when taking to the dealership they reset the dual clutch and have replaced the same part twice in the dual clutch. This shaking has been happening since the car was bought brand new like a year after. The vehicle now will get stuck in gear and while driving will go down to 20 mph and get stuck in that speed. This is ...
I am writing this letter to formally document a series of catastrophic safety failures and gross negligence regarding my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. On two separate occasions, including as recently as Wednesday, February 11, 2026, I narrowly escaped a fatal high-speed collision because this vehicle entered "Engine Protection Mode" while traveling at highway speeds. Incident Timeline: Previous Service: I ...
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure when a connecting rod threw while driving. The engine burned through its oil and the vehicle became inoperable. Hyundai denied warranty coverage for this engine failure because I had not completed the 2021 KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) recall. I was never notified of this recall. The KSDS recall is a software update int...
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder lane, engine oil was added, and the contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed; however, the dealer w...
While driving on a public road, the vehicle experienced multiple simultaneous, dangerous malfunctions: Dashboard Warnings: All lights illuminated, including engine (flashing), ABS, traction control, airbag, TPMS, and parking brake, which stayed on though disengaged. Engine & Transmission: Tachometer fluctuated wildly in park; engine revved without accelerator input. Shifting to drive/reverse cau...
Purchased 9/5/25 at 76,280 and oil change light shown by 10/1/25 when i received an oil change at Valvoline and was told of my engine issues at 77,733 miles. Car then looked at by Elizabeth Auto Sales [XXX] and confirmed oil consumption at no fault of my own and metal shavings in oil. Car then towed to #1 Cochran Hyundai Monroeville [XXX] and looked at by Dale. Oil change and oil consumption tes...
DRIVING ON FREEWAY NO WARNING LAMPS ON DASHBOARD. EXIT FREEWAY TO GET GAS AND THERE IS MINIMAL ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. CYLINDERS ARE NOT FIRING, NO COMPRESSION. ENGINE FAILURE CONFIRMED BY HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.
The situation I’m about to explain has happened twice—once in December 2025 and again on January 22, 2026. In December, the roads were very icy, but there was no snow on the ground. As I made a right turn into a Walmart parking lot, I heard a loud metal-breaking sound while turning. I immediately got out and looked underneath my 2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL but didn’t see anything unusual. After fini...
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated no-start conditions. The vehicle was initially diagnosed by Randy Wise Hyundai in Flint, Michigan, and I paid approximately $776 for tune-up services that did not resolve the issue. Shortly afterward, the vehicle continued to fail to start. The dealership later determined the starter had failed and provided an estimate of approximately $985 for replacem...
The car began making a knocking sound on my 5.8 mile drive. On my drive home from work, the knocking was louder, and the car barely accelerated on the highway and over-revved trying to hit at least 50 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. I took the car to the Hyundai Service Center immediately using city streets rather than the highway. I had a family member follow me to make sure I made it to...
There is oil that leaks on a couple spark plugs.....when I remove the plug there is oil on the plug cover and inside where the plug goes in.........disturbing.....can you help....supposed to be a recall but I don't know what to do.....I would like to get that straightened out..... I want to keep it .....also like to buy my wife a new one......can you help on this problem.... They were supposed t...
The engine and engine management system of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated failures resulting in loss of propulsion and unsafe drivability. In November 2025, while traveling approximately 75 mph on a freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered limp mode without any prior warning, causing an abrupt loss of power in active highway traffic. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failu...
The engine is burning excessive oil. Down 3 quarts over approx. 3,000 miles. Mechanic verified there are no leaks - it is burning the oil.
High Oil Consumption
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson has been experiencing oil consumption issues for over a year. It began at around 80k miles, when it should have been covered by warranty but they made me pay out of pocket for an oil consumption test only to ultimately recommend a top end cleaning, which I also paid for and it did not solve the problem. This is a known issue with Hyundai, and they have settled many lawsuits...
Oil consumption, will change oil and within weeks i will be down 23 Quarts of oil
The engine on this vehicle burns oil quickly which is a known defect. I took the vehicle to the dealership and both times I was told everything was working fine. On 12/5/2025 the vehicle just lost power while driving. After getting the vehicle towed to a mechanic they said I needed a new engine.
Showing 20 of 369 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
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...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
Has the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 369 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 13 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON involve engine (136 complaints), power train (43 complaints), power train,engine (25 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 13 crash reports associated with the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 369 total complaints (3.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 8 fire reports for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 369 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 369 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON are: 1. ENGINE (136 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (43 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (25 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (17 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 136 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Ensure your 2018 Hyundai Tucson is up to date with recalls and check for engine and brake issues. The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 369 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 369 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 21 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service brake hydraulic control unit/module and Catastrophic engine failures.
What are the known issues with the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Known issues with the 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON include: Service brake hydraulic control unit/module, Catastrophic engine failures. These are based on patterns found across 369 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for my 2018 Hyundai Tucson?
Yes, there is a recall for service brake hydraulic control unit/module issues.
What are the signs of a catastrophic engine failure?
Signs include sudden loss of power, engine management system issues, and oil leaks.
How can I prevent brake issues in my Hyundai Tucson?
Regularly check and maintain your service brakes and ensure they are up to date with recalls.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Ensure your 2018 Hyundai Tucson is up to date with recalls and check for engine and brake issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Hyundai Tucson
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The data includes 369 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 8 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Hyundai Tucson an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16