2018 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson — 61% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started shaking aggressively. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, and the…”
filed Sep 14, 2026
“2018 Hyundai Tucson catastrophic engine failure consistent with known Hyundai Nu engine defect pattern documented across 141 prior owner-filed NHTSA complaints for this same vehicle. OBD codes P0326, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 documented July 19–25, 2026. Independent licensed mechanic confirmed in…”
filed Sep 3, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these…
26-01-013H-2 DN · Service Campaign · issued May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine…
26-01-013H-2 TSB · Service Campaign · issued May 21, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting…
9C2 OL · Service Campaign · issued Apr 14, 2026
Engine problems in other Tucson years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 2 | 3% |
| 2025 Tucson | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 Tucson | 14 | 15% |
| 2023 Tucson | 23 | 17% |
| 2022 Tucson | 115 | 30% |
| 2021 Tucson | 38 | 49% |
| 2020 Tucson | 71 | 40% |
| 2019 Tucson | 196 | 52% |
| 2017 Tucson | 594 | 55% |
| 2016 Tucson | 423 | 26% |
| 2015 Tucson | 118 | 52% |
| 2014 Tucson | 110 | 55% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.