What 383 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

The vehicle has 81,000 miles with regular oil changes. We purchased as a certified pre owned with 45,000 miles on the vehicle. The car had been running perfectly. Last weekend the car was making an awful noise. Today the mechanic tells us the lower unit is knocking and the motor will need replaced. There is no way this should be happening at this mileage especially since the car has been regularly serviced. Hyundai is not even interested in repairing the vehicle, went straight to trying to get me to trade it in. We could have been stranded or killed on the highway and with all of the other complaints about this motor, I can’t believe there hasn’t been a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11472814

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. Additionally, the vehicle was making a ticking sound which became a loud knocking sound. Additionally, the engine was revving however, the vehicle was decelerating. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway safely and then drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact's husband then drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that water had entered the engine cylinders and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472514

I have a Hyundai 2018. I bought it in 2019 with about 64,000 miles on it. I keep up with all the maintenance on my SUV. I noticed once I moved from Illinois to Florida, after having the car for a year, it started consuming a lot of oil. I've never had an oil leak anywhere on the car. In November of 2020 I went to Take 5 to get my oil changed and the mechanic said make sure to check my oil often because my truck burns a lot of oil. I'm find myself putting oil in my truck once a week. Every 500 miles it needs oil. The crazy thing is, is that the oil light never once came on. The engine light will come on. I went to a recall appointment 2 weeks ago, which was the same day I got my oil changed June 11, 2022, and I told them about this issue and they did nothing. By June 23rd I needed more oil! I see California has a lawsuit about this issue. I want to trade in my truck because this is costing too much money feeding this truck gas and now oil!

NHTSA ODI 11471949

While driving the vehicle, while accelerating the vehicle would lose power or disengage from gas pedal at 17 mph and then again at 26 mph. After about 3 miles the check engine light came on and a TCM warning appeared on the radio screen. Immediately took the car to the dealership and was turned away since I didn’t have an appointment. On my way home from the dealership I made a stop at a store. I reversed out of the parking spot with no issues. When I put the vehicle in drive, it would not accelerate. I could drive in reverse but not forward. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Diagnostics revealed it was a failed TCM. Further research revealed this same issue occurred in 2016 models. How was this not fixed or prevented in later models?

NHTSA ODI 11467907

An oil change was done and part of the transmission pan overflowed and then engine failed.

NHTSA ODI 11466943

Left turn signal sporadically works during a left turn. Can be safety issue when turn signal stops mid turn even the slightest turn it can stop working and then when finished turning it turns on again. Reported issue to dealership and is being replaced through extended warranty. Issue is a faulty Multi functional turn signal switch. Had been several month since issue started. I have video if the turn signal failing.

NHTSA ODI 11464486

Powertrain issue. Multiple times the after stopping the engine revs for a few seconds and then the vehicle will lurch forward. It acts like the CVT transmission has a delayed response to the accelerator. The condition comes and goes and sometimes it happens multiple times in the same trip.

NHTSA ODI 11463154

Powertrain issue. Multiple times the after stopping the engine revs for a few seconds and then the vehicle will lurch forward. It acts like the CVT transmission has a delayed response to the accelerator. The condition comes and goes and sometimes it happens multiple times in the same trip.

NHTSA ODI 11461870

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle lost motive power. While driving the vehicle at undisclosed speeds and turning, the vehicle hesitated and then accelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11459016

Driving down the road, accelerated to speed limit, but the car slowed down and the RPM's stayed at 2000. The car just stopped running and I was able to pull over into the middle lane. Towed to dealership, 6 weeks min. to diagnose until we know what happened . DANGEROUS!!!

NHTSA ODI 11457785

Car has no power when accelerating, when accelerating from a stop the car revs but does not move, then when it does move it takes off like a rocket, in slow moving traffic 5 mph, you accelerate and the car seems like it wants to stall, a lot of hesitation, In fast moving traffic, if you want to merge or pass another vehicle you must give yourself ample time and make sure it is clear to make your move, if you need to get out of the way really fast you cant, its very dangerous and Hyundai needs to move quick on this before something really bad happens to someone.

NHTSA ODI 11456880

my 2018 Hyundai Tucson starting having lurching issues on when first started. i have to back into my driveway so i dont have to go in reverse then go forward. it jerks back and forth so hard. It finally took its toll on the transfer case and it exploded internally. the Dealership said they had never seen this before. i was hoping that was the cause of the issue but it wasnt. Still doing it and am afraid it will do it again. i was under warranty when it happened, so teh $2000 replair was covered. i'm concerned it will happen again. teh problem goes away after it's been completely warmed up. but like many others, its a scary issue when first started. it also will also shift hard when it firsts get's going (after the initial hard lurching back and forth). i dont know what to do. Love the car otherwise, but concerned with ever buying a Hyundai again.

NHTSA ODI 11455214

very bad acceleration from a stop position, engine revs but does not move, in slow traffic it hesitates and lunges forward like it’s not sure what it’s suppose to do, when trying to merge or pass another car, you have to give yourself time, it’s very dangerous, took it to the dealer 2 times, was told that’s how the car is made, there is no way this is suppose to be the way the car was built. also a smell of antifreeze but no leaks detected,

NHTSA ODI 11454968

Electric media screen (navigation, radio and etc) died. Screen went black and would not turn on. Car wouldn’t start on first attempt this morning. Mild Southern California conditions, garage parked. Car shakes / rattles when starting and powering down

NHTSA ODI 11454756

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping noise emitting from underneath the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact saw that a fire had started from underneath the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle in front of hers witnessed the fire and assisted with calling the authorities to the scene. Both the fire and the police department arrived as the fire department extinguished the fire. Both a police and fire report were filed; no injuries were reported. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11453828

As I Was Driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson Down The Highway No Lights No Warnings Nothin My Car Just Shut Off In The middle of the road and would not even crank or turn over and had a burnt smell which could have got myself and others killed So Had Help Getting It To The Side of the road until the tow driver came Took it to the shop to realize the engine is seized How could this happen on a new vehicle without no warning signs it’s had regular oil changes and very well kept car i have talked to many repair shops that have said that have said my car is not the first one they have seen with this year with these problems you guys really need to put out a recall before someone gets killed because of Hyundais engines I could have got myself and my kids killed without WARNING ! I will never buy a Hyundai again a new car and the motor is seized it’s ridiculous and has put my life and kids in danger

NHTSA ODI 11452469

While driving after a snow storm 1/29/2022 I had the heat up in the SUV I started smelling something burning. I then lowered the heat and the smell became less. I recently purchased this vehicle as a pre own on December 3rd 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11449669

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and exiting the highway, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and the vehicle started jerking. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to depress the brake until the vehicle responded. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred with increased intensity while driving. The brake warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11449561

Catastrophic engine failure due to loss of oil pressure without warning at highway speeds. Traveling approximately 70mph on the freeway. Engine develops a rapid knock in sync with engine RPM's and immediate loss of power. At the same moment, I exited the freeway. As I left off the accelerator to apply the brake, the engine stalls completely. Once stopped, I checked the engine oil, which was within specifications. Had vehicle towed to a mechanic and diagnosed as engine failure due to loss of oil pressure. Before this, the engine regularly consumed 2-3 quarts of oil per oil change starting at approximately 45,000 miles. Catalytic convertor has been replaced once due to being plugged by consumed oil. Hyundai fails to remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11449169

When merging into traffic, the car lost all acceleration and the transmission revved to a very high rpm. This has been an ongoing problem since the car was purchased. The dealer keeps saying they “cannot replicate”. This car is going to kill me.

NHTSA ODI 11446962

My engine has locked up on me and stalled because of water in the oil. I was never informed about this “knock sensor” update for Hyundai that would have prevented all this in the first place. I’ve had to come out of pocket for 2 tow trips and loaner car all while my vehicle is under 5 year/ or 60,000 mile warranty!! Now this apparent “America’s best warranty” local dealership is trying to tell me that my repairs are not covered under the warranty and I would have to pay $10,000 out of pocket for the repairs! This is going on 3 months now and still no one has contacted me and no one is helping me. That vehicle is my ONLY source of transportation to and from work an hour away! I am unsatisfied with my Hyundai Tucson and the false advertisement for claiming to be “America’s best warranty” and for not providing a safe reliable vehicle like Hyundai promises!

NHTSA ODI 11446669

A connecting rod bearing was thrown through the engine block causing it to stall out on the freeway. This is exactly what is occurring with vehicles in the Theta Class Action Settlement but the company states my VIN number is not included.

NHTSA ODI 11445309

Rod bearing failure. Sounded like a tractor all of a sudden and stalled every time I’d come to a stop. Had it towed to the dealership. Awaiting word from Hyundai as to whether the warranty will cover this. Checked oil and wasn’t low. No check engine lights or oil lights or anything ever came on. No noises prior to this happening. Kept up on routine maintenance.

NHTSA ODI 11445023

I bought my 2018 tuscon one year ago in June 2020. 70,000 miles on it now, regular maintenance. No warning lights, everything was running OK. I started experiencing hesitation taking off then lunging when stopped in the last few months. Now I'm sitting in the driveway because it won't start. Realized oil was low which is odd because I've noticed it's been burning more than previous but no more than a quart so it's not like it was dry. I'm supposed to be able to get 5k on an oil change now adays but starts running poorly if it's not changed by 3k. Needless to say iadded qt of oil I was going to get oil changed yesterday but wouldn't start. I changed the battery, still won't start, starter was tested good, fuses all in tack, changed camshaft sensors at 90 dollars a piece still nothing. Check alternator that's fine. It clicks one time but have all lights power everywhere it should. In 2 days I've spent 215 on a battery, 200 with tax on sensors, 50 code reader no code by the way. Did have p0014 which indicated need for either oil change or camshaft sensor. Nothing. I'm a sitting duck and all the things I've experience are what they experienced in the theta engines like hesitated, burning oil, ticking sounds, lunging etc. GDI isn't any better. I hate this car. After this one is paid off and I guess put a new engine in I'll be getting rid of it. Going back to a solid Buick. I'll never buy another hyundai. This is the second vehicle with engine problems we bought. Not to mention the risk of for but hyundai near me hasn't been able to get the parts for over a year. I'm currently in a wait list.

NHTSA ODI 11444529

Emission light is on and called dealer for an appointment, stated they will called me when they can line me up with a tech and I still waiting.

NHTSA ODI 11444328