general problems of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson - part 1

While idling at a standstill (in a drive-thru queue), my 2018 Hyundai Tucson suddenly experienced a severe engine overheat, causing the vehicle's air conditioning system to immediately blow hot air and shut down. The vehicle was brought directly to an authorized Hyundai dealership (chapman Hyundai on [xxx]) for an emergency inspection. The dealership's certified technicians confirmed that the electric engine cooling fan assembly completely failed and subsequently caused the main front wiring harness and fuse box to physically melt. The dealership documented this catastrophic electrical and thermal meltdown under repair order #xxx. This is a critical safety defect. A melted engine wiring harness poses an immediate and severe risk of an electrical short circuit, sudden vehicle stalling in live traffic, or a catastrophic under-hood engine fire. Because this component controls the primary cooling of the powertrain, its failure creates an extreme hazard to the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. Hyundai must investigate this component failure before it results in a thermal fire incident or an accident due to sudden power loss. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On June 5, 2026, driver was on i25, when driver heard engine making a winding and weird noise. Vehicle immediately went from 60 mph to 40 mph. It was extremely dangerous and driver barely evaded a collusion with several other vehicles. A check oil and engine light came on. Towed back to same Hyundai dealership. They claim engine needs replaced and needs maintenance kit. Total cost $16,892. 87. Note: prior to, in January 2026 the transmission and differential were replaced. Was told there were no other issues (same Hyundai dealership).

Unknown -a catalytic converter clogged after being installed - only 14 months following installation, causing rough and unsafe acceleration, inability to shift gears properly, and need to drive with hazards on. It is clear that there is an issue with the engine/exhaust and system in this vehicle. Additionally, the car needs oil added regularly and seems to be burning it, as indicated by low level.

While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership technician formally diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic internal "pin failure" (structural failure of an internal engine pin component). This component defect caused a total mechanical breakdown of the engine assembly. Hyundai motor America has issued a corporate warranty denial for an engine replacement, despite the vehicle being covered under the Hyundai engine ii class action settlement (which extends powertrain protections due to widespread internal engine manufacturing defects), a sudden, un-warned loss of engine power while driving poses a severe and immediate safety hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists on the highway. Hyundai's refusal to remedy this known structural defect leaves a dangerous vehicle un-repaired. I am requesting an investigation into Hyundai's denial of coverage for structural engine component failures on the 2. 0l nu engine platform.

Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on the highway. Police and fire responded. Insurance is investigating. If I was inside the vehicle, I would have certainly died.

The oil consumption issue has begun. At about 75k miles, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson 1. 6l turbo is burning oil at an insane rate. And there is no indicator of it occurring (no codes or anything on the dash) until it's too late. Hyundai is now well known, and aware, for this problem and it is a catastrophic safety issue because of the possibility of the engine seizing and disabling the vehicle. It isn't negligence on the consumers part either, especially when timely and consistent oil changes are being done. *note* my vehicle has had the transmission (6 speed dual clutch) replaced at around 30k miles and is having the same issue again (at 75k miles). So first the transmission and now the engine!.

The 2. 0l engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indications of any kind preceded the failure. The failed engine is currently at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed catastrophic engine failure and submitted an engine replacement request to Hyundai motor America. Hyundai motor America declined the engine replacement request, citing incomplete status on service campaign 966 (knock sensor detection system update for connecting rod bearing wear). The owner purchased the vehicle used and was never notified by Hyundai of service campaign 966. The owner also was never notified of NHTSA recall 20v543000 (abs module fire risk), which remains open and unrepaired on this vehicle, demonstrating a pattern of failed manufacturer notification to the current registered owner. This vehicle is a class vehicle in the Hyundai/kia theta ii engine class action settlement (in Hyundai and kia engine litigation), which extended powertrain coverage to a lifetime warranty for connecting rod bearing failure on 2018 Tucson vehicles equipped with the theta ii 2. 0l engine. The failure mode experienced is precisely the defect this settlement and campaign 966 were designed to address. Component that failed: engine, specifically connecting rod bearing/short block assembly. Component is available for inspection. Vehicle has approximately 71,000 miles. The failure created an immediate and severe risk of fatal collision involving a child passenger. Manufacturer has been contacted and has denied warranty coverage. Nhtsa action is requested regarding both the engine defect denial pattern and the unrepaired abs fire-ri.

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 husband he is the other owner of the car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

This complaint involves a catastrophic engine failure in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson that appears to be part of a broader pattern of similar failures reported by other owners. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption and progressive engine performance issues. These symptoms have been widely reported by other consumers with the same vehicle, suggesting a systemic defect rather than an isolated incident. The engine failed completely while the vehicle was being driven to a mechanic for evaluation. The vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and shut down in the middle of an active intersection, creating a significant safety hazard and risk of collision or fatality. Online consumer reports, forums, and complaints indicate that many 2018 Hyundai Tucson vehicles experience similar symptoms—specifically excessive oil consumption followed by engine failure. Despite this apparent pattern, no comprehensive recall or sufficient consumer warning has been issued. The manufacturer has refused to provide assistance, citing warranty limitations, which raises concerns that known defects are not being addressed and unsafe vehicles remain in operation. This issue presents a serious safety risk due to sudden and unexpected loss of engine power while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this as a potential widespread defect and initiate a formal investigation that could lead to a recall to protect consumers.

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. Simultaneously, the ac system disabled, indicating a severe engine protection event. Manufacturer negligence: the vehicle was taken to courtesy Hyundai of tampa twice for this issue (code p0087). They performed a "knock sensor" replacement and cleared data points, assuring me the vehicle was safe. The failure recurred immediately. I subsequently took the vehicle to brandon Hyundai on February 13, 2026. Despite my reports of near-fatal highway failures, brandon Hyundai was instructed by Hyundai corporate to merely repeat the "knock sensor" replacement—a repair that had already failed to resolve the dangerous condition. Critical safety admission: on 02/23/2026, brandon Hyundai service advisor abel gomez explicitly admitted that this repair is "not a fix, it is a temporary thing until it shows again," yet stated they must follow corporate’s directive to release the car. Requested action: Hyundai is knowingly releasing a vehicle with a recurring, life-threatening defect (p0087/sudden power loss) by performing "band-aid" sensor swaps instead of addressing the high-pressure fuel system or internal engine failure. This practice is a direct violation of the safety act. I request an immediate investigation into Hyundai’s refusal to perform permanent repairs on gdi engines displaying these catastrophic failure codes.

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 have visited courtesy Hyundai of tampa twice for engine-related symptoms and code p0087. They replaced the knock sensor and assured me the vehicle was safe. Safety incident (Feb 11, 2026): while driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, dropping to 60mph and 2000 rpm (limp mode) in heavy traffic. This sudden deceleration nearly caused a high-speed rear-end collision. Current status: the vehicle is currently at brandon Hyundai (as of Feb 13, 2026). I have been told a review will take 3-5 business days, leaving me without safe transportation or a loaner vehicle. Negligence and liability: courtesy Hyundai of tampa was aware of the recurring p0087 code and engine performance issues. By clearing codes or replacing minor sensors (knock sensor) without addressing the underlying high-pressure fuel or internal engine failure, they released a dangerous, defective product onto the road. This vehicle is clearly covered under the theta ii gdi engine settlement and service campaign 966. The local dealerships are willfully avoiding a necessary engine replacement to save on internal costs, despite knowing the vehicle is prone to sudden failure. Demand for action: immediate loaner vehicle: I require a safe rental/loaner vehicle immediately, paid for by Hyundai, while my car is being inspected. Full engine replacement: I am demanding a full engine replacement as previously indicated by technicians should the light return. Expedited review: I am extremely unsatisfied to be told again I have to wait "3-5 business days" for a safety-critical evaluation of a vehicle that has alre.

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 intended to detect engine knock. It does not prevent mechanical engine failure. Denying warranty coverage due to a software update that I was unaware of raises safety concerns, as engine failure can occur suddenly while driving and creates risk of crash or injury. This appears related to known engine issues in Hyundai vehicles. I am concerned this is a broader safety defect affecting other consumers.

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 caused unexpected “kicks. ” vehicle sometimes failed to move when pressing gas, requiring engine restart. Driving issues: speedometer read 0 or jumped inconsistently. Rpm continued erratically while maintaining speed without accelerator. Steering became extremely difficult. I immediately determined the vehicle was unsafe to drive and returned home with it, which was only a couple miles away. Follow-Hyundai advised dealership diagnosis; they suggested a backup camera module will resolve the issues I experienced in entirety, but also in the same email stated that they could not guarantee it would resolve all of the issues I experienced. This is the second major engine/powertrain failure: first approximately ~70,000 miles (full engine replacement), current approximately ~95,000 miles (approximately ~25,000 miles post-replacement). Recurrence indicates a serious, unresolved safety defect. I am deeply concerned for passenger safety, including children. Other owners report similar issues; the attorney general’s office advised reporting to NHTSA. Summary of safety risks: sudden loss of control/power, erratic acceleration, dashboard failures, steering resistance, unpredictable handling, recurrence of major defect. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to request investigation of these recurring defects. I do have video documentation of all of this, as well as all written communication with Hyundai national consumer affairs and the dealership. I am having a hard time uploading them because of the file limits. Please let me know if any of this will be helpful to you.

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.

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.

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 the service center as well as give me a ride home after I dropped off the vehicle. As I was driving there, the car had a hard time accelerating from a stop and barely maintaining speed of the flow of traffic and the “check engine” light came on and flashed as I got closer to the dealer service center. The dealer service center confirmed that the engine needs to be replaced due to the connecting rod bearing failure, a common issue with the 2. 0l i4 f dohc 16 v engine in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai service manager has repeatedly confirmed that the engine issues presented in my car are consistent with a recall for the same model engine found in my car.

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 failure. After the loss of propulsion occurred, the check engine light, battery light, and oil light illuminated sequentially. Diagnostic trouble codes p1326 and p0326 were recorded. Initial inspection indicated severe oil consumption despite a recent oil change less than 2,000 miles earlier. A Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensors under warranty. Shortly after release (30 miles), the vehicle again exhibited severe drivability issues, including a flashing check engine light, and required immediate towing. A second Hyundai dealership replaced the short engine block under warranty. Approximately 180 miles after the engine replacement, the vehicle again developed unsafe drivability symptoms, including delayed throttle response, failure to accelerate unless the accelerator was fully depressed multiple times, jerking or lugging when slowing or stopped, and a faint whining noise. The check engine light illuminated again. These failures represent repeated loss of propulsion and unsafe operation following manufacturer-approved repairs, including full engine replacement. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 57 days and remains in the custody of a Hyundai dealership awaiting diagnostics. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden and unpredictable loss of power at highway speed created a significant risk of collision and serious injury to the driver and surrounding motorists.

My car on the expressway wouldn't go over 40 and this was happening intermittently so my car was unsafe. No check engine light but it was just at the dealership for an oil change. Has. Been an ongoing problem since I bought the car! smells, gets hot!.

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 replacement. Hyundai motor America denied goodwill assistance and reimbursement for the prior misdiagnosed repair and stated the starter replacement is customer-pay. The vehicle’s inability to start caused loss of reliable transportation and safety concerns due to being stranded. I am submitting this complaint to document starter failure and potential diagnostic issues affecting vehicle safety.

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced complete engine failure at around 118,000 miles. The motor suddenly blew without warning. This vehicle uses an engine type known for widespread engine defects, including bearing wear and internal failure. I bought the vehicle used in 2023, maintained it regularly, and there were no warning lights or overheating before the failure. I had to put oil in my vehicle every week. I had to use 5qts of oil. It smelled like fumes coming through the vents. It then stalled on the highway while we had our son in the vehicle and shaked profusely. Mind you we had our son in the vehicle. How unsafe is that. I then did my research and found out Hyundai engines of this generation have a history of stalling, seizing, and internal damage. I am filing this complaint because this appears to be part of a known safety defect that can cause sudden loss of power while driving. We took it to shop and confirmed the motor blew. It was faulty. Also, sometimes the electrical components would turn off in vehicle such as radio and would go black. Also the turn signal would be on and then turn off. It would also shake while driving. This needs to be taken care of ASAP as it almost caused danger to my family and also caused financial strain on my family too as I now had to roll over my vehicle loan into a new safe vehicle. I would like to be contacted in regards to this. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing off and on. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle remained running. The contact waited for a while and then shifted to drive(d) and was unable to accelerate above 30 mph. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a parts store and was scanned, and dtc: p1326 was retrieved. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was no longer driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

I purchased this car [xxx] as a cpo vehicle from a Ford dealership. By [xxx] the oil pressure light would flicker and it was clear the car was burning a lot of oil between changes. On 8/22 an oil change was completed at dealer. On [xxx] the oil pressure light flickered and it was three quarts down. An oil consumption test was started at 112,000. On sat [xxx] while driving to dealer for oil check, the car began shuddering violently and the check engine light came on, and went into limp mode. I was on a dangerous mountain pass at the time and it could have been a major issue. The day before a tractor trailer had almost run me off the road, if my car had stalled then I might not be here. Hyundais have a known issue with oil burning and engine damage. Right now I am stuck in a 14k loan with a car that is unsafe to drive. I am not sure what the dealer plans to do, or what the diagnosis is, but its clear these engines are not safe. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2018 Hyundai Tucson has excessive oil consumption. Burns multiple quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai refuses to remedy the oil consumption. Oil consumption has also led to having to replace the catalytic converter due to oil burn off.

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 1. 6 turbo (VIN [xxx] , 113,000 miles) burns oil excessively and was deemed to need full engine and turbo replacement ($15,382. 95). Hyundai refuses responsibility (case #xxx). This is a widespread defect that causes potential loss of power while driving. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact's sister owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted, prompting her to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with all four fuel injectors and the injector assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,563.

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson sel plus limited showed a flashing check engine light on 10/14/2025 and basically gave up acerating pass 60mph while I was driving , I pulled over and called the dealership where I bought it from they told me to drive it in, I did and they did an oil change and filled up, we then began the oil consumption test which I brought it back yesterday 10/24/2025 and was told the whole engine needed to be replaced due to a major oil consumption problem, they advised me to bring it the Hyundai dealership to get it fixed they rudely told me no we can't fix this, we would have to wait for it to flash the check engine light again and it would have to fail a bearings test before it can be fixed and still have a possibly of it not fixing. Only confirmed by the lot I bought it from since Hyundai refused to look at it.

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 test started and confirmed of burning more than 1 qt per 1k miles. 2/4/2026 engine test cleaning requested and denied. Car stalls at random times can possible cause an accident. Yes the problem was produced to the dealership purchased from which was kenny ross Subaru irwin PA 15642. Yes the problem was confirmed by Hyundai on 11/7/25. Only warning was the oil change light flashing which forced me to get an oil change less than a month of purchasing on 10/1/25 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Shortly after purchase, I had an oil change and vehicle inspection performed. I was informed that my engine may have an internal defect causing it to burn oil excessively. I later took the vehicle to a aaa-approved Hyundai service center, where they confirmed that the engine is burning oil due to a known manufacturer issue and that it is not the result of owner misuse or neglect. I have been quoted approximately $11,000 for a replacement engine, which is an extreme and unexpected cost for a recently purchased vehicle in otherwise good condition.

I own a 2018 Hyundai Tucson with 87,000 miles that consumes about four quarts of oil per 1,000 miles. I first noticed the problem at 51,000 miles, despite regular maintenance. The issue has worsened, repeatedly damaging spark plugs and causing the car to seize. Hyundai has denied my request for a replacement engine because I am the second owner. I bought the vehicle at 26,000 miles, believing it carried the 100,000-mile warranty. I was never informed that coverage drops to 60,000 miles for second owners. I have maintained the vehicle with oil changes every 3,000 miles, yet it remains unsafe to drive long distances. This defect presents a serious safety risk, and Hyundai has not provided a resolution.

I have regular oil changes (every 3k mi) and every time I go get say there’s no or low oil. At the beginning of July my engine coil in column 3 failed and I had all four coils and spark plugs replaced. Since the replacement my engine is still consuming a quart of oil per week.

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.

It's an engine failure. The car died in the middle of the rode at a traffic light with busy traffic flowing. It was confirmed by a independent service center. No one other an the independent service center has inspected it. There were no warning lamps or messages before failure.

My engine stopped and locked up. It happened while I was driving on the highway/interstate. Yes it has been diagnosed by the dealership. There was no warning lights prior to the system failure.

My connecting rod came apart and went through the oil pan while I was on the highway. There were no engine or oil lights until the engine was already smoking and no longer accelerating luckily I was in the far right lane already and was able. To coast to safety. Hyundai is also refusing to honor my warranty. It requires a completely new engine. So this was a catastrophic engine failure with no warning.