2018 Hyundai TUCSON: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
394 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
31,623 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 111 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 242 of 394 complaints (61.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 58 | 14.7% |
| Engine operation | 58 | 14.7% |
| Braking behavior | 49 | 12.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 18 | 4.6% |
| Steering behavior | 8 | 2.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 4 | 1.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 242 |
| Power Train | 100 |
| Unknown Or Other | 43 |
| Electrical System | 27 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 22 |
| Service Brakes | 21 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 19 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 |
Engine: 242; Power Train: 100; Unknown Or Other: 43; Electrical System: 27; Fuel/Propulsion System: 22; Service Brakes: 21; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 19; Vehicle Speed Control: 14
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 47 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 21 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 17 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 13 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 12 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 47; 25,000 to 49,999: 21; 50,000 to 74,999: 17; 75,000 to 99,999: 13; 100,000 to 149,999: 12; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (47). 283 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 73 |
| 2022 | 44 |
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 40 |
2018: 13; 2019: 26; 2020: 25; 2021: 73; 2022: 44; 2023: 57; 2024: 55; 2025: 61; 2026: 40
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 58 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 58 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 49 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11099178 · 2018-06-01 (June 1, 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.
Owner-reported narrative. 3 miles reported. Look up ODI 11099178 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11099866 · 2018-06-04 (June 4, 2018)
THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,980 miles reported. Look up ODI 11099866 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11122439 · 2018-08-26 (August 26, 2018)
THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING SEVERE INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ACCELERATE. FAILURES OCCURR FROM A STOP AND WHILE IN MOTION. ALL GEAR LEVELS APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED. FAILURES WERE FIRST NOTICED AT APPROXIMATELY 7000 MILES.
Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11122439 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11124143 · 2018-09-03 (September 3, 2018)
VEHICLE SEVERELY HESITATES TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP WHILE IN TRAFFIC (GEAR SHIFT IS IN DRIVE POSITION). FAILS TO ACCELERATE WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. PROBLEM PERSISTS REGARDLESS OF DRIVING MODE SELECTION.
Owner-reported narrative. 156 miles reported. Look up ODI 11124143 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11124241 · 2018-09-04 (September 4, 2018)
THIS TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE CAR TO NOT ACCELERATE WHEN IT SHOULD, AND WHEN THE TRANSMISSION KICKS IS THE CAR TAKES OFF TO FAST LIKE IT IS OUT OF CONTROL. SOME TIMES THE TRANSMISSION MAKES THE CAR JERK THREE TO FOR TIMES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THIS IS UNSAFE AND I'M WEIGHTING FOR SOME ONE TO REAR END ME OR ME HITTING SOMEONE ELSE. I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HALF WAY THRU THE TURN THE CAR TOOK OFF ON ME BUT I GOT IT UNDER CONTROL. I CANT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THIS CAR AND THAT IS A SHAME BECAUSE…
Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11124241 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11129724 · 2018-09-16 (September 16, 2018)
ONCE MY BRAND NEW TUCSON HIT 500 MILES ON IT, IT SUDDENLY UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATES WHILE MY FOOT IS ALREADY PRESSING FIRMLY ON THE BREAK PEDAL. THE FIRST TIME, IT HAPPENED AS I WAS APPROACHING THE PEAK OF A HILL. I WAS GOING 25 MPH. MY FOOT WAS ALREADY PRESSING ON THE BREAKS, ANTICIPATING THE DECLINE, WHEN MY CAR JOLTED FORWARD AND TOOK OFF. MY FOOT SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS EVEN HARDER, HOWEVER I WATCHED MY SPEEDOMETER HIT 40 MPH WHILE SIMALTANEOUSLY, MY RPM DECREASED TO 1... (YES, DOWN A HILL.) FOR ABOUT 5-7 SECONDS THE RPM AND SEPPDOMETE…
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11129724 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11132166 · 2018-09-28 (September 28, 2018)
BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM DEALER THIS PAST MAY. CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS WITH DYNAMIC BENDING LIGHT. WE HAVE NOT DONE MUCH NIGHT DRIVING UNTIL RECENTLY WE DROVE ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY WHERE THERE WASN'T MUCH SURROUNDING LIGHT. WHEN TURNING AROUND A CURVE IN THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A BLACK BAND ACROSS THE PAVEMENT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET IN FRONT OF US AND THE EXTENDING WELL PAST THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT. WHEN WE GOT BACK IN TOWN DRIVING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE SOLID BLACK RECTANGLE APPEARED A COUPLE OF HUNDRED FEET IN…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11132166 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11141712 · 2018-10-21 (October 21, 2018)
AROUND 1500 ,ILES THE CAR STARTED TO EITHER STALL COMPLETELY OR "JUMP" FORWARD IN AL DRIVEMODES, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP , THEY SAID IT HAS TO DO WITH TRANSMISSION BEING ESSENTIALLY A STANDARD. THEY TOLD US THEY RESET THE COMPUTER AND IT NEEDS THIS OCCASIONALLY. REALLY NEVER HEARD OF THAT. OUR GASMILEAGE IS ALSO CONSTANLTY GOING DOWN. NOT HAPPY WITH THE CONSTANT SUDDEN ACCELERTION ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO INTERSTATES. BOUGHT THIS THING BRAND NEW FEB 2018.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11141712 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V543000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2020-09-04 (September 4, 2020)
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 customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
NHTSA campaign record ↗