2018 Hyundai Tucson Exterior lighting Problems

I am filing a complaint under the NC Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1) regarding Hyundai’s handling of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson (purchased new May 2018). Since 2019, the vehicle has had repeated headlight failures (at least 12 bulb replacements), persistent “bulb out” warnings, and eventually melted wiring requiring headlamp assembly replacement in 2025. These issues were first reported in April 2023 under warranty but dismissed as “could not duplicate.” Hyundai later attempted to deny coverage, only replacing the assembly after escalation to Corporate. At the April 2023 visit, I also reported a rear noise that Hyundai dismissed. After warranty expiration, it was attributed to a leaking shock. Shocks were covered under warranty; failure to act while coverage was active left me unprotected. In May 2023, the engine failed due to oil loss and lock-up. Hyundai retained my vehicle from 5/15–6/30/23 for engine replacement. From Aug–Sep 2025, the car was held an additional 24 days, with no permanent fix for the electrical defect. Overall, my Tucson has been out of service for 60+ days between 2023–2025. Examples of unfair/deceptive conduct: Dismissing documented defects under warranty, only acknowledging later after expiration. Attempting to shift labor costs onto me in Jan 2025 despite warranty obligations. Returning my vehicle with only ~39 miles of gas after requiring me to return a loaner full. Repeated misdiagnoses and delays despite video and documentation provided. These actions are deceptive and unfair, leaving me with an unsafe, unreliable vehicle and causing financial loss and hardship to my work as a self-employed pet sitter and dog groomer. I request the Attorney General investigate Hyundai’s conduct and enforce consumer protections under UDTPA. Service records, receipts, and communications are available upon request.

NHTSA ID

11690889

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

In the beginning of December 2024, the low headlight warning light started coming on for the right light, intermittently. I took the car to the dealership to get the light fixed, I was told there were some loose wires and they fixed it. 2 weeks later it started happening again, I returned with the car and got another appointment, before the appointment date, the left low headlight warning light came on. I returned with the car and was told that the harnesses and wiring are damaged and need replacing. I have had the drivers side light replaced on 2/26/21 and was back on 4/16/2021. The passenger side light has been replaced on 11/10/2022 and 9/21/23 all been preformed at the Towne Hyundai in Denville NJ.

NHTSA ID

11635329

Incident

Dec 7, 2024

Back in March 2024 I had a tow beam stock replaced to the car. Couple of months after this check engine light started coming on until it stayed on. Took SUV to mechanic shop in July 2024, and they informed of a r&r knock senor needing to be replace. A couple days after this had to go back as check engine light was back on. they informed of needing to replace a wire harness. It wasn't a week after this that when starting the car you hear a very loud knocking sound. Like something is rattling around inside. After this no longer able to drive car as not sure what will happen next.

NHTSA ID

11614867

Incident

Jul 23, 2024

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION! Vehicle has less than 60k and I have to check and put oil in about every 1,000 miles. Engine light comes on and this is how I know to check the oil. This is ridiculous and should not be happening. I change my oil as directed at every 5,000 miles and at least 2-3 times before next oil change I am adding more oil. WHY AM I BURNING SO MUCH OIL? No oil is leaking that I can see...

NHTSA ID

11525825

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the headlights intermittently failed to operate as needed. The headlight bulbs detached from the headlight socket with the headlight message displayed on the instrument panel. The headlights were replaced multiple times by an independent mechanic. Due to the failure, the headlight wiring harness kit had melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained in the dealer's possession unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11523630

Incident

Sep 1, 2019

Mileage

30,000 mi

The headlights and taillights fail frequently. I have replaced each every 90 days. I find the contacts melted on them when they fail. I have never seen this happen on any other vehicle I have owned.

NHTSA ID

11523141

Incident

May 22, 2023

When driving at night and low-beams are on, there is a black void (looks like a black bar horizontally across the headlight projected area on roadway). Black void is eye level with driver’s view of the roadway. With the black void present, driver is unable to see the roadway clearly at night, which inhibits the drivers visibility and ability to see road hazards or animals crossing the road. Low-beam and high-beam bulbs have been replaced and checked for any burn spots or malfunction in the bulb itself; with brand new bulbs installed professionally, the black void is still present. Hyundai repair stated it is a known issue that has yet to be addressed by Hyundai Manufacturers. Issue has been present for 2-months now. While driving on interstate, went to pass a vehicle and while accelerating the vehicle would not increase in speed. The RPM needle jumped to 5-6 and a “whiny” noise was coming from engine area. Pressed harder on the accelerator so the car would speed up and with the pedal to the floor, the vehicle speed increased 1 mph in 5-sec intervals. Exited the interstate and was traveling on road with 60mph speed limit. Tried to accelerate again, and the vehicle would make the whiny noise and would not increase speed or shift. Let off of the accelerator and the RPM drops instantly to 2-3. RPM’s need does not smoothly increase or decrease, but instead jumps or drops instantly. When accelerator is pressed or when trying to increase speed, the whiny noise comes from engine. The vehicle sounds and acts like it is not shifting. Took to dealership and they said there are no recalls on transmission, but will not fix my transmission. 10-year/100000 mile warranty is still active, as it is a 2018 w/ 89500 miles. Safety concern as the vehicle will not accelerate or shift when needed and could cause serious accident if in a situation where evasive action is required.

NHTSA ID

11500485

Incident

Jan 5, 2023

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM DOESN'T WORK AFTER CHANGING BULB. FUSE GOOD

NHTSA ID

11341212

Incident

Jul 22, 2020

Mileage

43,654 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SWITCHED TO THE HIGH BEAMS AND WAS TEMPORARILY BLINDED BY THE REFLECTION OFF THE HIGHWAY SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SURESKY HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 2 HATFIELD LN, GOSHEN, NY 10924, (845) 648-3285, WHERE THE HEADLAMPS WERE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.

NHTSA ID

11326952

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

16,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAD TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS TO SEE THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NASSIEF HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 1059 STATE RTE 46 NORTH, JEFFERSON, OH 44047, (440) 576-1010), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11292044

Incident

Nov 1, 2019

Mileage

18,000 mi

WE BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 HYUNDAI TUCSON IN JUNE 2018. IT HAD 1700+ MILES ON IT IN NOVEMBER 2018. WE HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH WE NOTED RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON SOME DARK ROADS. WE CAN'T SEE DOWN THE ROAD WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ON DARK ROADS. WE CAN'T SEE BENDS IN THE ROAD AHEAD OF US. THE HEADLIGHTS SHINE OUT ABOUT 30 FEET, THEN IT'S PITCH BLACK AFTER THAT. WE HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME JUST FINDING THE ENTRANCE TO OUR DRIVEWAY. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE IT'S SO DANGEROUS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN TO THE DEALER TWICE & WE ARE TAKING IT BACK FOR THE 3RD TIME. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT DOING THE JOB & THE DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIX IT. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI & OTHER BRANDS WITH THE NEW LED LIGHTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ON A RECALL LIST. PLEASE HELP. ACCIDENT PREVENTION IS CHEAPER THAN A FUNERAL. YOU NEED TO INVESTIGATE THIS. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

11153178

Incident

Nov 3, 2018

BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM DEALER THIS PAST MAY. CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS WITH DYNAMIC BENDING LIGHT. WE HAVE NOT DONE MUCH NIGHT DRIVING UNTIL RECENTLY WE DROVE ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY WHERE THERE WASN'T MUCH SURROUNDING LIGHT. WHEN TURNING AROUND A CURVE IN THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A BLACK BAND ACROSS THE PAVEMENT APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET IN FRONT OF US AND THE EXTENDING WELL PAST THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT. WHEN WE GOT BACK IN TOWN DRIVING DOWN A RESIDENTIAL STREET, THE SOLID BLACK RECTANGLE APPEARED A COUPLE OF HUNDRED FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND APPEARED TO BE TO 2-3 FEET IN HEIGHT. WHEN WE DROVE THROUGH A MORE LIGHTED AREA THERE WAS NO SOLID BLACK RECTANGLE, BUT IT APPEARED SOMEWHAT GRAY WITH 2 INVERTED HALF-MOON SHAPED DARK SPOTS SEEMINGLY IN LINE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER SHOWED US ANOTHER CAR, AND IT HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND APPARENTLY IS COMING FROM THE ALIGNMENT OF THE DYNAMIC BENDING LIGHT HOUSING. NIGHTTIME VISION IS SEVERELY IMPAIRED ON OUR VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11132166

Incident

Sep 25, 2018

Mileage

3,500 mi