YearToAvoid

2018 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 256 of 396 total complaints (65%) filed on the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. NHTSA lists no related recall for this engine issue on this model year, though 8 fires and 4 crashes were reported.

Engine complaints
256
65% of 396
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
60,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden engine fires, sometimes preceded by loud knocking or popping noises and loss of power while driving at highway or city speeds.
  • Some describe the vehicle stalling unexpectedly at speeds up to 50 mph, with dealerships reportedly unable to find a mechanical cause.
  • A few owners report sudden unintended acceleration, including one case where the engine revved to full power while parking.
  • Several complaints describe smoke turning from white to black before flames appeared from the engine compartment, with no dashboard warning lights.
  • One owner reported delayed acceleration of up to 10 seconds when pulling away from a stop, calling it unsafe for turns.

When 2018 Hyundai Tucson engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 1, 2018, latest Sep 14, 2026.

2018 Hyundai Tucson engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter172018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42021 Q42022 Q42023 Q42024 Q42025 Q4
256 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q3 (17).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Tucson model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200547 (25%)
  2. 200627 (20%)
  3. 200713 (20%)
  4. 200812 (28%)
  5. 20093 (17%)
  6. 201010 (17%)
  7. 201147 (38%)
  8. 2012172 (67%)
  9. 2013160 (60%)
  10. 2014114 (57%)
  11. 2015126 (56%)
  12. 2016504 (31%)
  13. 2017662 (61%)
  14. 2018256 (65%)
  15. 2019204 (54%)
  16. 202075 (42%)
  17. 202143 (54%)
  18. 2022124 (33%)
  19. 202333 (25%)
  20. 202423 (24%)
  21. 202524 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA data shows 256 engine-related complaints out of 396 total complaints filed for the 2018 Tucson, or 65% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for engine fires in the 2018 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA lists no related recall tied to this engine complaint category for the 2018 Tucson, based on the data available.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear in the 2018 Tucson?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2018 Tucson is 60,000 miles.
Have there been any injuries or fires linked to the 2018 Tucson's engine?
NHTSA complaint data for the 2018 Tucson's engine category includes 8 fires, 4 crashes, and 2 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.