2018 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems

​On Thursday, August 6, 2026, while driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson on Interstate 81, the vehicle experienced sudden, severe engine vibration and a loud metallic ticking sound before losing power and stalling completely on the highway. I was stranded on the side of the highway in a high-speed traffic zone, creating an immediate and hazardous safety situation. ​Because the vehicle was completely inoperable, I was forced to pay $200 out-of-pocket to have the vehicle towed 35 miles to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership service center. ​Upon arrival at the dealership, an on-site service technician performed an OBD-II diagnostic scan on the lot and confirmed diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Engine Knock Sensor Detection System / Connecting Rod Bearing Failure). Despite the technician confirming the presence of this critical safety defect, the dealership service desk explicitly refused to enter the diagnostic code into Hyundai’s corporate system, stating they would not process or submit the vehicle for inspection or warranty authorization for over a month. ​Hyundai Motor America Customer Care was contacted immediately and witnessed the dealership’s refusal to log the safety defect. While Corporate assigned a Case Manager, Hyundai and the dealership have continually stalled the intake process under Service Campaign 966 / T6G and refused to provide direct-bill rental transportation or loaner support while the car sits disabled on the dealer lot. ​As a direct result of this sudden highway engine failure, the manufacturer's failure to address a known safety defect, and the refusal to provide recall mobility support, I have suffered ongoing financial loss, out-of-pocket towing expenses, and forced leave from employment. I am filing this report to document the hazardous highway failure of code P1326 and the refusal of the manufacturer and dealer to process a critical safety recall intake in a timely manner. My husband is the registered owner but I am the driver.

NHTSA ID

11756421

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

My car had a lot of trouble accelerating it’s delayed

NHTSA ID

11753308

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The engine has been consuming oil, where we were adding at least a quart of oil between oil changes. We noticed the vehicle would shake like it was going to die while idling at a stop light or in a drive through. Recently my husband was driving home from work on a busy highway and the vehicles check engine light started blinking on and off. He pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The oil consumption made the vehicle throw a rod and damage the engine. Now we are needing to replace the engine.

NHTSA ID

11752813

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

Incident Summary: On 07/16/2026, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced a severe engine failure resulting in sudden knocking sound from engine and stopped in middle of road. This sudden failure while operating the vehicle created an immediate safety risk on the roadway. ​The vehicle was taken to Rick case Hyundai on 07/22/2026 , where diagnostics confirmed on 07/24/2026 internal engine damage tied to connecting rod bearing wear—a known, widespread safety hazard affecting Hyundai 2.0L Nu GDI engines. ​Reason for Complaint: Hyundai Motor America denied warranty coverage and engine replacement, claiming that Service Campaign 966 / Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software had not been installed prior to the failure. ​The KSDS update is a software monitoring/warning tool, not a mechanical fix or routine maintenance requirement. Missing a software patch does not cause physical connecting rod bearing failure. Hyundai is using missing software updates to systematically deny coverage for known, dangerous engine defects. ​I am reporting this incident because sudden engine stalling on public roads poses a severe crash hazard, and Hyundai should not be permitted to avoid addressing safety-critical mechanical failures based on procedural software campaign exclusions.

NHTSA ID

11752633

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

While driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Limited 1.6L Turbo with the 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission (DCT), the vehicle has repeatedly failed to engage and hold gears, resulting in loss of motive power in traffic. Diagnostic scanning retrieved codes P074B (Unable to Engage Gear 3), P074B71 (Unable to Select 3rd Gear), P074B07 (Gear Dropped Out of 3rd Gear), P092177 (1st Gear System Referencing Failure), and P0921 (Gear Shift Forward Actuator Circuit Range/Performance). A Hyundai dealer diagnosed the failure as requiring transmission replacement at approximately 93,000 miles. This is the same 7-speed DCT and the same failure mode addressed by NHTSA Campaign 16V628000 (Hyundai Recall 149) and Hyundai Service Campaign T1B, which covered 2016–2017 Tucson vehicles but excluded the 2018 model year despite using the same transmission. Hyundai has acknowledged this defect in 2018 vehicles through TSB 21-AT-014H and TSB 22-AT-007H, which prescribe a TCU software update, but issued these as service bulletins rather than a recall, so owners were never notified. When I requested the TSB software update, the Hyundai dealer refused to perform it. This defect creates a serious safety hazard: the vehicle can drop out of gear or fail to accelerate without warning while in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash — the identical hazard NHTSA cited in granting recall 16V628000. I request that NHTSA review whether the existing recall scope should be expanded to include 2018 Tucson vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11748939

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Car shaking, oil is burning , and drive hard. Engine and, oil light is now appearing.

NHTSA ID

11748351

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

-Very high oil consumption. Going through a little over a quart very 900-1000 miles. Has a GDI turbo engine. -Transmission issues. Has a dual clutch transmission that slips.

NHTSA ID

11745205

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

On June 5, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard engine making a winding and weird noise. Vehicle immediately went from 60 mph to 40 mph. It was extremely dangerous and driver barely evaded a collusion with several other vehicles. A check oil and engine light came on. Towed back to same Hyundai dealership. They claim engine needs replaced and needs maintenance kit. Total cost $16,892.87. Note: prior to, in January 2026 the transmission and differential were replaced. Was told there were no other issues (same Hyundai dealership).

NHTSA ID

11744826

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

While idling at a standstill (in a drive-thru queue), my 2018 Hyundai Tucson suddenly experienced a severe engine overheat, causing the vehicle's air conditioning system to immediately blow hot air and shut down. The vehicle was brought directly to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Chapman Hyundai on [XXX]) for an emergency inspection.The dealership's certified technicians confirmed that the electric Engine Cooling Fan Assembly completely failed and subsequently caused the main Front Wiring Harness and Fuse Box to physically melt. The dealership documented this catastrophic electrical and thermal meltdown under Repair Order #XXX.This is a critical safety defect. A melted engine wiring harness poses an immediate and severe risk of an electrical short circuit, sudden vehicle stalling in live traffic, or a catastrophic under-hood engine fire. Because this component controls the primary cooling of the powertrain, its failure creates an extreme hazard to the vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. Hyundai must investigate this component failure before it results in a thermal fire incident or an accident due to sudden power loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743329

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

This vehicle had a engine replaced by the dealership Nov 2024.Has not run the same since.Getting worse and seems like transmission issues.I was told The first and the 2nd owner which I'm the 2nd owner has a 5 year 100,000 mile warranty.It's been 4 years and since I've had the vehicle I've driven round off 60,OOO miles .The vehicle had $84,000 something miles on it when I got it.It's becoming very dangerous to drive around other cars giving out of power in the middle of streets and barely not going up hills or freeways and streets.😮

NHTSA ID

11741044

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership technician formally diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic internal "pin failure" (Structural failure of an internal engine pin component). This component defect caused a total mechanical breakdown of the engine assembly. Hyundai Motor America has issued a corporate warranty denial for an engine replacement, despite the vehicle being covered under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement (which extends powertrain protections due to widespread internal engine manufacturing defects), A sudden, un-warned loss of engine power while driving poses a severe and immediate safety hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists on the highway. Hyundai's refusal to remedy this known structural defect leaves a dangerous vehicle un-repaired. I am requesting an investigation into Hyundai's denial of coverage for structural engine component failures on the 2.0L Nu engine platform.

NHTSA ID

11739308

Incident

May 18, 2026

UNKNOWN -A catalytic converter clogged after being installed - only 14 months following installation, causing rough and unsafe acceleration, inability to shift gears properly, and need to drive with hazards on. It is clear that there is an issue with the engine/exhaust and system in this vehicle. Additionally, the car needs oil added regularly and seems to be burning it, as indicated by low level.

NHTSA ID

11738709

Incident

May 19, 2026

The 2.0L engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indications of any kind preceded the failure. The failed engine is currently at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed catastrophic engine failure and submitted an engine replacement request to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America declined the engine replacement request, citing incomplete status on Service Campaign 966 (Knock Sensor Detection System update for connecting rod bearing wear). The owner purchased the vehicle used and was never notified by Hyundai of Service Campaign 966. The owner also was never notified of NHTSA Recall 20V543000 (ABS module fire risk), which remains open and unrepaired on this vehicle, demonstrating a pattern of failed manufacturer notification to the current registered owner. This vehicle is a Class Vehicle in the Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine class action settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation), which extended powertrain coverage to a lifetime warranty for connecting rod bearing failure on 2018 Tucson vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.0L engine. The failure mode experienced is precisely the defect this settlement and Campaign 966 were designed to address. Component that failed: engine, specifically connecting rod bearing/short block assembly. Component is available for inspection. Vehicle has approximately 71,000 miles. The failure created an immediate and severe risk of fatal collision involving a child passenger. Manufacturer has been contacted and has denied warranty coverage. NHTSA action is requested regarding both the engine defect denial pattern and the unrepaired ABS fire-ri

NHTSA ID

11736491

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

This complaint involves a catastrophic engine failure in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson that appears to be part of a broader pattern of similar failures reported by other owners. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption and progressive engine performance issues. These symptoms have been widely reported by other consumers with the same vehicle, suggesting a systemic defect rather than an isolated incident. The engine failed completely while the vehicle was being driven to a mechanic for evaluation. The vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and shut down in the middle of an active intersection, creating a significant safety hazard and risk of collision or fatality. Online consumer reports, forums, and complaints indicate that many 2018 Hyundai Tucson vehicles experience similar symptoms—specifically excessive oil consumption followed by engine failure. Despite this apparent pattern, no comprehensive recall or sufficient consumer warning has been issued. The manufacturer has refused to provide assistance, citing warranty limitations, which raises concerns that known defects are not being addressed and unsafe vehicles remain in operation. This issue presents a serious safety risk due to sudden and unexpected loss of engine power while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this as a potential widespread defect and initiate a formal investigation that could lead to a recall to protect consumers

NHTSA ID

11733979

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

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. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on the highway. Police and fire responded. Insurance is investigating. If I was inside the vehicle, I would have certainly died.

NHTSA ID

11729665

Incident

Apr 5, 2026

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!

NHTSA ID

11727797

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11724976

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11719980

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11718106

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11717412

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder lane, engine oil was added, and the contact waited for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer suggested that the contact occasionally add oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced and that an oil change was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,400.

NHTSA ID

11717223

Incident

Mar 11, 2025

Mileage

99,400 mi

While driving on a public road, the vehicle experienced multiple simultaneous, dangerous malfunctions: Dashboard Warnings: All lights illuminated, including engine (flashing), ABS, traction control, airbag, TPMS, and parking brake, which stayed on though disengaged. Engine & Transmission: Tachometer fluctuated wildly in park; engine revved without accelerator input. Shifting to drive/reverse caused unexpected “kicks.” Vehicle sometimes failed to move when pressing gas, requiring engine restart. Driving Issues: Speedometer read 0 or jumped inconsistently. RPM continued erratically while maintaining speed without accelerator. Steering became extremely difficult. I immediately determined the vehicle was unsafe to drive and returned home with it, which was only a couple miles away. Follow-Up: Hyundai advised dealership diagnosis; they suggested a backup camera module will resolve the issues I experienced in entirety, but also in the same email stated that they could not guarantee it would resolve all of the issues I experienced. This is the second major engine/powertrain failure: first approximately ~70,000 miles (full engine replacement), current approximately ~95,000 miles (approximately ~25,000 miles post-replacement). Recurrence indicates a serious, unresolved safety defect. I am deeply concerned for passenger safety, including children. Other owners report similar issues; the attorney general’s office advised reporting to NHTSA. Summary of Safety Risks: sudden loss of control/power, erratic acceleration, dashboard failures, steering resistance, unpredictable handling, recurrence of major defect. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to request investigation of these recurring defects. I do have video documentation of all of this, as well as ALL written communication with Hyundai National Consumer Affairs and the dealership. I am having a hard time uploading them because of the file limits. Please let me know if any of this will be helpful to you.

NHTSA ID

11716145

Incident

Jan 11, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11715995

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11714719

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11713918

Incident

Nov 5, 2025