VehicleVerdict

2018 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 525 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Tucson year — the 2018 model ranks #4 of 22 Tucson years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 46% of all reports (239 of 525), far ahead of transmission at 99. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

525

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine23946%
Transmission9919%
Brakes418%
Other408%
Electrical System285%
Fuel System214%
Speed Control163%
Lighting122%
Body & Structure82%
Airbags51%
Steering41%
Driver Assistance31%
Seats31%
Suspension20%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seat Belts10%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V543000BrakesSeptember 4, 2020 · 652,024 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT WHILE REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 50MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON 8/25/3020 IT STALLED AGAIN AND CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. I AM TERRIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2020 · crash

“CAR WAS SLOWLY ENTERING GARAGE AND CAME TO A FULL STOP WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED IN GEAR. CAR WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL POWER AND CRASHED IN GARAGE. I AM ALLEGING CONDITION KNOWN AS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD THE DAMAGE REPAIRED AND THE COST OF REPAIR WAS OVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 15, 2021 · crash

“RECALL ON MY 2018 TUSCON BRAKES, BRAKES WERE ACTING ODD AND MY DAUGHTER UTIMATELY ENDED UP ROLLING AND TOTALLING IT IN OCT 2020. IN MARCH 2021, WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES. SHE HAD MENTIONED THE BRAKES ACTING FUNNY, BUT ONLY HAVING 18K MILES. WE ASSUMED IT WAS STILL NEWNESS. SHE RECEIVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 19, 2020 · crash

“ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT WHILE REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 50MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO BE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON 8/25/3020 IT STALLED AGAIN AND CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. I AM TERRIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 21, 2020 · crash

“After an impact with a large buck (deer) on a main highway while traveling 70 miles per hour, the airbags failed to deploy. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 11, 2025 · crash

2018 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 525 complaints put the 2018 model at #4 of 22 Tucson years. It is one of the Tucson years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (239 complaints), transmission (99 complaints), brakes (41 complaints).

Does the 2018 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Tucson under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Hyundai Tucson earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.