NHTSA has received 398 owner complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, or 45.3 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints (complaint index 1.12, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #51 of 76 by complaints per year (#1 = fewest). Against other Hyundai models its rate is 16% lower; against other Compact SUVs it is 25% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-06-01 and 2026-10-10. Median delay from incident to filing: 12 days.
398Complaints
45.3Complaints per year on the road
1.12Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls · ⚠ 1
5.5%Share involving a crash or fire
60Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 49.2 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 39 complaints, 55% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (62.6% of complaints), followed by Transmission / powertrain (14.6%) and Brakes (7.8%). Engine complaints are 2.8 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. 22 reports (5.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 10 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 60 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (50% of incidents). In the last 12 months 60 new complaints were filed, versus 51 in the 12 months before — up 18%.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 1 NHTSA investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Loss of Motive Power” (defect petition, opened 2022-09-12, closed 2023-12-12).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles1.12
vs. other Hyundai models0.84
vs. other 2018 models0.96
vs. other Compact SUVs0.75
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (39)0.45
Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit.
Engine · 2026-04-07 · ODI 11729665 · Fire
On October 13th 2025, we were involved in a serious collision while driving our 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was struck from behind and spun into a semi-truck, totalling the vehicle.
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.
Electrical · 2026-10-10 · ODI 11770323
While driving to work, the vehicle abruptly shut down in the middle of the highway. There were no signs or warning given. The vehicle was towed almost 100 miles home.
Electrical · 2026-10-09 · ODI 11770194
Engine stalls jurks lose of power engine light blinking excessive oil use
Engine · 2026-09-26 · ODI 11767171
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
DP22003 · defect petition · ENGINE · Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12 · Model years: 2018, 2019, 2022
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints i…
