2018 Hyundai Tucson
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 57 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 201 |
| 2015 | 226 |
| 2016 | 1616 |
| 2017 | 1083 |
| 2018 | 391 |
| 2019 | 374 |
| 2020 | 175 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 376 |
| 2023 | 131 |
| 2024 | 92 |
| 2025 | 276 |
| 2026 | 57 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
61% of complaints: engine — 239 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving home from a family get together with my husband and daughter in my car. We smelled something burning, and suddenly smoke was coming out of my center console. I pulled over and flames were coming out of the driver side.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231127
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191015
My car had a lot of trouble accelerating itâs delayed
NHTSA ODI report, 20260728
26% of complaints: power train — 100 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
In May 2024 my Hyundai Tucson died in a middle of an intersection with no warning. Worse than that is Hyundai motor USA informed me that the car was on a recall list for an engine failure issue that was apart of class action suit .
NHTSA ODI report, 20240823
10% of complaints: service brakes — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN A SHOPPING PARKING LOT AND STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AND WOULD NOT STOP, ULTIMATELY ROLLING UP OVER THE CURB ONTO THE GRASS AREA AND CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20181209
7% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 20V543000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Hyundai Tucson — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (239 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (100 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V543000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Hyundai Tucson is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.