NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 398 owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Most complaints involve engine (243) and power train (101). The EPA rates it 22–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tucson model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 255 |
| 2013 | 266 |
| 2014 | 203 |
| 2015 | 229 |
| 2016 | 1,626 |
| 2017 | 1,096 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 389 |
| 2023 | 136 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 295 |
| 2026 | 64 |
“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 vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the parking brake was engaged. The vehicle stalled and was towed to the nearest gas station. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the residence. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.”
“There is a definite KNOWN problem with the transmissions in all 2018 Hyundai Tucsons and maybe other model years as well. This is well documented via the Internet by the number of articles concerning this ongoing problem! This problem seems to have been unresolved over a pretty long period of time now! It is most definitely a safety issue and should be addressed. When issue happens it leaves the vehicle at the mercy of surrounding traffic! It definitely requires your consideration and your looking into! Search the internet concerning this transmission failure problem…. Why has this NOT been addressed prior to or long before now?”
“Issues: 1. Stop lights failure light turns on and off. 2. Engine light failure notification turns on and off. 3. Headlights low bims failure notification turns on and off. Actions taken: 1. Headlights low bims bulbs were changed. 2. Engine light codes reviewed and updated as report showed; however, warning light still turning on. 3. Stop light fuse has been changed, light bulbs still working.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 334 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| Tucson FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 375 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 388 |
| Tucson AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 22 | $2,900 | 396 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 398 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (243), power train (101), electrical system (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Tucson at 22–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Hyundai Tucson 5 out of 5 stars overall.