There are 50 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Tucsonin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The oil consumption issue has begun. At about 75k miles, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson 1.6L Turbo is burning oil at an insane rate. And there is no indicator of it occurring (no codes or anything on the dash) until it's too late. Hyundai is now WELL KNOWN, and aware, for this problem and it is a catastrophic safety issue because of the possibility of the engine seizing and disabling the vehicle. It isn't negligence on the consumers part either, especially when timely and consistent oil changes are being done. *NOTE* My vehicle has had the transmission (6 speed dual clutch) replaced at around 30k miles and is having the same issue again (at 75k miles). So first the transmission and now the engine!
I bought this car 6 months ago. I did not know it had a recall on the engine. The engine just died a week ago. I brought it to hyundai and the confirmed it was a recall and go ahold of corporate. Corporate is refusing to fix the recall because they said "I should have brought it in at the original recall in 2020." I did not own the car there and I was not aware of the recall at all. [XXX] is my husband he is the other owner of the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have experienced two near-fatal incidents involving a sudden, uncommanded loss of motive power while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH). On February 11, 2026, the vehicle entered "Limp Home Mode" without warning, dropping speed to 60 MPH and 2000 RPM in heavy traffic. This caused an immediate and dangerous speed differential, nearly resulting in a high-speed rear-end collision. Simultaneously, the AC system disabled, indicating a severe engine protection event. Manufacturer Negligence: The vehicle was taken to Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa twice for this issue (Code P0087). They performed a "Knock Sensor" replacement and cleared data points, assuring me the vehicle was safe. The failure recurred immediately. I subsequently took the vehicle to Brandon Hyundai on February 13, 2026. Despite my reports of near-fatal highway failures, Brandon Hyundai was instructed by Hyundai Corporate to merely repeat the "Knock Sensor" replacement—a repair that had already failed to resolve the dangerous condition. Critical Safety Admission: On 02/23/2026, Brandon Hyundai Service Advisor Abel Gomez explicitly admitted that this repair is "not a fix, it is a temporary thing until it shows again," yet stated they must follow Corporate’s directive to release the car. Requested Action: Hyundai is knowingly releasing a vehicle with a recurring, life-threatening defect (P0087/Sudden Power Loss) by performing "band-aid" sensor swaps instead of addressing the high-pressure fuel system or internal engine failure. This practice is a direct violation of the Safety Act. I request an immediate investigation into Hyundai’s refusal to perform permanent repairs on GDI engines displaying these catastrophic failure codes.
I am writing this letter to formally document a series of catastrophic safety failures and gross negligence regarding my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. On two separate occasions, including as recently as Wednesday, February 11, 2026, I narrowly escaped a fatal high-speed collision because this vehicle entered "Engine Protection Mode" while traveling at highway speeds. Incident Timeline: Previous Service: I have visited Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa twice for engine-related symptoms and code P0087. They replaced the knock sensor and assured me the vehicle was safe. Safety Incident (Feb 11, 2026): While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, dropping to 60mph and 2000 RPM (Limp Mode) in heavy traffic. This sudden deceleration nearly caused a high-speed rear-end collision. Current Status: The vehicle is currently at Brandon Hyundai (as of Feb 13, 2026). I have been told a review will take 3-5 business days, leaving me without safe transportation or a loaner vehicle. Negligence and Liability: Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa was aware of the recurring P0087 code and engine performance issues. By clearing codes or replacing minor sensors (knock sensor) without addressing the underlying high-pressure fuel or internal engine failure, they released a dangerous, defective product onto the road. This vehicle is clearly covered under the Theta II GDI Engine Settlement and Service Campaign 966. The local dealerships are willfully avoiding a necessary engine replacement to save on internal costs, despite knowing the vehicle is prone to sudden failure. Demand for Action: Immediate Loaner Vehicle: I require a safe rental/loaner vehicle immediately, paid for by Hyundai, while my car is being inspected. Full Engine Replacement: I am demanding a full engine replacement as previously indicated by technicians should the light return. Expedited Review: I am extremely unsatisfied to be told again I have to wait "3-5 business days" for a safety-critical evaluation of a vehicle that has alre
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure when a connecting rod threw while driving. The engine burned through its oil and the vehicle became inoperable. Hyundai denied warranty coverage for this engine failure because I had not completed the 2021 KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) recall. I was never notified of this recall. The KSDS recall is a software update intended to detect engine knock. It does not prevent mechanical engine failure. Denying warranty coverage due to a software update that I was unaware of raises safety concerns, as engine failure can occur suddenly while driving and creates risk of crash or injury. This appears related to known engine issues in Hyundai vehicles. I am concerned this is a broader safety defect affecting other consumers.
The engine is burning excessive oil. Down 3 quarts over approx. 3,000 miles. Mechanic verified there are no leaks - it is burning the oil.
Oil consumption, will change oil and within weeks i will be down 23 Quarts of oil
The engine on this vehicle burns oil quickly which is a known defect. I took the vehicle to the dealership and both times I was told everything was working fine. On 12/5/2025 the vehicle just lost power while driving. After getting the vehicle towed to a mechanic they said I needed a new engine.
The car began making a knocking sound on my 5.8 mile drive. On my drive home from work, the knocking was louder, and the car barely accelerated on the highway and over-revved trying to hit at least 50 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. I took the car to the Hyundai Service Center immediately using city streets rather than the highway. I had a family member follow me to make sure I made it to the service center as well as give me a ride home after I dropped off the vehicle. As I was driving there, the car had a hard time accelerating from a stop and barely maintaining speed of the flow of traffic and the “Check Engine” light came on and flashed as I got closer to the dealer service center. The dealer service center confirmed that the engine needs to be replaced due to the connecting rod bearing failure, a common issue with the 2.0L I4 F DOHC 16 V engine in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Service Manager has repeatedly confirmed that the engine issues presented in my car are consistent with a recall for the same model engine found in my car.
DRIVING ON FREEWAY NO WARNING LAMPS ON DASHBOARD. EXIT FREEWAY TO GET GAS AND THERE IS MINIMAL ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. CYLINDERS ARE NOT FIRING, NO COMPRESSION. ENGINE FAILURE CONFIRMED BY HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated no-start conditions. The vehicle was initially diagnosed by Randy Wise Hyundai in Flint, Michigan, and I paid approximately $776 for tune-up services that did not resolve the issue. Shortly afterward, the vehicle continued to fail to start. The dealership later determined the starter had failed and provided an estimate of approximately $985 for replacement. Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill assistance and reimbursement for the prior misdiagnosed repair and stated the starter replacement is customer-pay. The vehicle’s inability to start caused loss of reliable transportation and safety concerns due to being stranded. I am submitting this complaint to document starter failure and potential diagnostic issues affecting vehicle safety.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing off and on. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle remained running. The contact waited for a while and then shifted to drive(D) and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a Parts Store and was scanned, and DTC: P1326 was retrieved. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was no longer driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
2018 Hyundai Tucson has excessive oil consumption. Burns multiple quarts of oil per 1000 miles. Hyundai refuses to remedy the oil consumption. Oil consumption has also led to having to replace the catalytic converter due to oil burn off.
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo (VIN [XXX] , 113,000 miles) burns oil excessively and was deemed to need full engine and turbo replacement ($15,382.95). Hyundai refuses responsibility (case #XXX). This is a widespread defect that causes potential loss of power while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's sister owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted, prompting her to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with all four fuel injectors and the injector assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who then diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,563.
My 2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL PLUS limited showed a flashing check engine light on 10/14/2025 and basically gave up acerating pass 60mph while I was driving , I pulled over and called the dealership where I bought it from they told me to drive it in, I did and they did an oil change and filled up, we then began the oil consumption test which I brought it back yesterday 10/24/2025 and was told the whole engine needed to be replaced due to a major oil consumption problem, they advised me to bring it the Hyundai dealership to get it fixed they rudely told me no we can't fix this, we would have to wait for it to flash the check engine light again and it would have to fail a bearings test before it can be fixed and still have a possibly of it not fixing. only confirmed by the lot I bought it from since Hyundai refused to look at it.
Shortly after purchase, I had an oil change and vehicle inspection performed. I was informed that my engine may have an internal defect causing it to burn oil excessively. I later took the vehicle to a AAA-approved Hyundai service center, where they confirmed that the engine is burning oil due to a known manufacturer issue and that it is not the result of owner misuse or neglect. I have been quoted approximately $11,000 for a replacement engine, which is an extreme and unexpected cost for a recently purchased vehicle in otherwise good condition.
Purchased 9/5/25 at 76,280 and oil change light shown by 10/1/25 when i received an oil change at Valvoline and was told of my engine issues at 77,733 miles. Car then looked at by Elizabeth Auto Sales [XXX] and confirmed oil consumption at no fault of my own and metal shavings in oil. Car then towed to #1 Cochran Hyundai Monroeville [XXX] and looked at by Dale. Oil change and oil consumption test started and confirmed of burning more than 1 qt per 1k miles. 2/4/2026 engine test cleaning requested and denied. Car stalls at random times can possible cause an accident. yes the problem was produced to the dealership purchased from which was Kenny Ross Subaru Irwin pa 15642. Yes the problem was confirmed by Hyundai on 11/7/25. Only warning was the oil change light flashing which forced me to get an oil change less than a month of purchasing on 10/1/25 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2018 Hyundai Tucson with 87,000 miles that consumes about four quarts of oil per 1,000 miles. I first noticed the problem at 51,000 miles, despite regular maintenance. The issue has worsened, repeatedly damaging spark plugs and causing the car to seize. Hyundai has denied my request for a replacement engine because I am the second owner. I bought the vehicle at 26,000 miles, believing it carried the 100,000-mile warranty. I was never informed that coverage drops to 60,000 miles for second owners. I have maintained the vehicle with oil changes every 3,000 miles, yet it remains unsafe to drive long distances. This defect presents a serious safety risk, and Hyundai has not provided a resolution.
I have regular oil changes (every 3k mi) and every time I go get say there’s no or low oil. At the beginning of July my engine coil in column 3 failed and I had all four coils and spark plugs replaced. Since the replacement my engine is still consuming a quart of oil per week
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026