Home · 2018 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (383)Crash / fire / injury (23)Engine (232)Transmission & drivetrain (100)Brakes (40)Electrical system (27)Fuel system (22)Speed control (16)Lights (12)Body & structure (8)Engine & cooling (8)Airbags (5)

Newest first · 383 complaints · page 11 of 16

Dec 8, 2021Brakes

In many Instances, I come close to get involved in accident. I cannot apply HARD BRAKING. When the hard braking is applied, I feel my foot is touching the ground and the brake cable is going to break. It is very scary and unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11443170

Dec 5, 2021Engine

Buy brand new off lot. Never miss Regular maintenance on engine oil and filters. Car had only 55200 miles. After 500 miles regular oil interval maintenance. Car underbody show no oil leaks anywhere on 12/05/2021 park on driveway. This morning Car not start without oil indicator or engine light warning comes up. Open hood up, check oil dip stick show no oil residue. Yike, where is low oil warning light sensor when no oil in engine. Apparently it not working or never have it on in my opinion. Gotta be recall issue for this. So I ran to Walmart get a quart of sythenic oil recommended and fill it up. Car start up find and drive ok for now. Not sure in future. This is a must recall on No Oil Indicator Sensor Malfunction!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11442736

Dec 1, 2021Engine

Purchased new on 5/30/2018. 3/2021 I noticed shaking, noises, pinging, whining sounds and vibration coming from engine as I turn engine on / off and in drive. 3/24/2021 I brought vehicle for inspection. Service Advisor felt the shaking, vibrations and heard the pinging / noises and whining sounds as I turned the vehicle off. Vehicle went for oil change and inspection, stayed overnight and no fault found, service bay stated they could not reproduce the occurrence. The sensations worsened and I brought vehicle back on 3/30/2021 for inspection as I did not feel safe driving vehicle. 4/02/2021 dealer said the sensations could not be detectable and it was suggested that maybe the Turbo dual clutch engine. 10/15/2021 the air conditioner failed. Brought vehicle in for inspection. Service performed diagnostic testing on vehicle and found internal failure on a/c compressor. New compressor was ordered and replaced. Replacement air conditioner is not as powerful or cold as original part. Vehicle is still making pinging, whining, vibrations. 11/29/2021, engine light came on. I reversed out of a parking spot and it felt different. Put gear in drive and immediately the gas pedal went to half way to floor and the vehicle jerked and then seemed to catch the gear. Then the pedal went to the floor and there was no go, then it kicked in. Repeated multiple times. Tried reverse and there was none. No rpm movement and quickly came a strong burning smell. Had vehicle towed dealer. All vehicle services are current and up to date.

NHTSA ODI 11442350

Nov 29, 2021

Recall was corrected via el cajon hyundai, however not updated with nhtsa website.

NHTSA ODI 11442049

Nov 24, 2021Engine

My engine blew on the freeway. And we believe it to be a rod bearing issue. Regular oil changes and maintenance done since I owned it. It is currently at the dealership awaiting to hopefully be repaired through extended warranty. The service lot was filled with Tucson's and the service repair man said it was the same issue in all of them. This is a major safety concern as engine failure anywhere on the road can lead to accidents and stalling vehicles. Upon the engine failure, there were no engine lights or any signs that this was going to happen. My car stopped accelerating so I began to pull over and before I could get fully over, all of the engine lights started flashing and the engine began smoking. I just don't want this to continue to happen as this is clearly an ongoing issue, there was a recall with the rod bearing in the 2017 2.0 model, which is my model but being a 2018. I appreciate your time in reviewing this and hope it catches some attention.

NHTSA ODI 11441608

Nov 22, 2021Engine

With 2018, Hyundai Tucson, I was accelerating on the highway coming off of an exit ramp. I was on my way to the dealership to investigate a knocking sound I just started hearing with the engine. Suddenly, the engine failed completely and I started to smell burning. I was able to roll into the shoulder and have my car towed to the dealership. An engine light came on a few miles before the engine failed, but I had no warnings at the start of the trip. Car was at 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11441334

Nov 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced the loss of motive power. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 61,040.

NHTSA ODI 11440628

Nov 10, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The vehicle almost stalls and doesn't want to take off 1st thing in the morning then suddenly it accelerates abruptly well above the amount of pedal pushed. It also has inconsistent shifts at anytime during a drive. Sometimes it won't shift until we leave off the gas. This has been twice in for diagnosis at Rom Marhofer in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. Both times they tell us--they could not get the vehicle to produce the symptoms. It does this everyday of the week for us--everyday. The service writer says this is common for the dual clutch transmission. This is a safety issue with not having power to move then suddenly--wham.

NHTSA ODI 11440075

Oct 24, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

About 6 months of owning this vehicle, I started noticing while sitting in traffic that when letting off of the brake the car would start to jerk as you gave it a little throttle. I took the car to the Hyundai in Glendora where I purchased the vehicle from and they stated that there was nothing wrong with it. The issue continues to this day and I have voiced the complaint each time I bring the Vehicle in for maintenance. One of the service techs said that they felt the hesitation with the transmission but said that it was not bad enough to fix per Hyundai policy. This car is equipped with the Dual Clutch Transmisson because of the turbo. I have been dealing with this problem now for about 2 1/2 years and I feel that it is a safety issue being that the jerkiness and the hesitation could cause a crash. I actually talked to someone at another dealership and he told me that there was a Class Action Suit for this problem and to go that route. I just want Hyundai to own up to the problem and fix the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11437991

Oct 20, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

Hyundai has historically had an issue with the dual-clutch transmission and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle frequently shutters / shakes at a stop and when accelerating from a stop. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally loses power to the wheels when driving-up a moderately steep grade. Additionally, the vehicle has delayed acceleration when trying to increase speed from a constant speed. This has put my safety and the safety of others at risk by being unable to properly accelerate into a turn while driving at highway speed, by being unable to keep up with the speed of traffic while driving on the interstate in the mountains, by being unable to drive in adverse weather, and by not being able to account for the jolting of the vehicle in busy city traffic. I've taken it to two manufacturer dealerships who have ran a shutter test and could not generate an error message, but acknowledged the effects felt when driving the vehicle and the commonality of the problem. They said their hands are tied if the manufacturer's testing generates a pass result. There have not been any warning lamps or messages. To date, I have been unable to come to a resolution, but the vehicle is dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11437551

Oct 12, 2021BrakesEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they informed her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts for the recall were unavailable. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for four months and recently informed her that her engine needed to be replaced; she was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

NHTSA ODI 11436476

Oct 6, 2021Engine

Bought car on 7/14/2021 with 43,200 miles - on September 18, 2021 the car stopped working on the highway. Towed to dealership and after 7 days in the lot was told it had a cracked engine block. Over 2 weeks later they still have no idea when the replacement block will be in and when the vehicle will be fixed. Can't offer a loaner even though warranty calls for them to supply one.

NHTSA ODI 11435682

Sep 28, 2021Engine

The Engine check engine light activated and within a few miles while accelerating from a stop sign the engine had very little power, just missed a colision by cross traffic. Upon inspection the engine had very little engine oil. There was no indication of low oil pressure, and the oil was changed at regular intervals as recommended by Hyundai. This vehicle HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND THERE IS NO INDICATION WHEN IT IS GETTING VERY LOW UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILS TO RESPOND.

NHTSA ODI 11434799

Sep 27, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My 2018 Hyundai Tuscon has been having major issues with the dual clutch transmission, which has put myself, my family, and others in very dangerous situations. Everyday when I start my Tuscon and accelerate, it stutters/jerks like it’s going to stall and will not accelerate/shift. It eventually starts going, but I have to pull out onto a street, which has been unsafe when cars are speeding up behind me. It does not go up hills well at all. I turned onto a road where there was a decent sized hill, but nothing major, and nothing an SUV should have a problem with. My previous CAR could drive it just fine. You’d think an SUV could as well. Nope. Very scary moment. My Tuscon made it not even half way, and just stopped. I was pressing the gas, and it just revved it up with no motion. I braked and tried it again, and it still would not go. I had to roll backwards down the hill. This was the only way to my destination. I rolled down, and put it in sport mode to try that. It still would not go, and did the same thing. I tried again in regular mode, and it still would not go, only this time I had a car behind me. The car had to back down, and I rolled back a little bit, then hit the gas in drive and it eventually made it, but definitely very scary and unsafe, and it put others in danger as well. I was going to church one morning, and the speed limit on the main road is 60, which is what I was driving. I had to slow down to turn, and had to stop to oncoming traffic. I had to brake for maybe 10 seconds, and when I went to accelerate, it was like it wasn’t shifting, and it just revved up, rolled slightly, and would not go. At this point there are more cars coming. I am in the road right In their path due to it rolling, and once again I am put in a very scary situation. I kept trying, and it FINALLY went. This was also on flat level ground. I have had many moments (every day) where it does not shift properly, and it also stutters every single day when I start it. Please fix this

NHTSA ODI 11434445

Sep 10, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle has judder at slow speeds or hesitation in shifting gears. Has almost stalled while making a left turn at intersection into oncoming traffic or accelerating after stop sign . Dealer updated TCU ECM software, problem got worse. Appears to be a dual clutch transmission defect.

NHTSA ODI 11432452

Aug 20, 2021

On 18 August 2021, I had a recall fixed on my Hyundai Tucson. The recall is now fixed, however Hyundai has not removed the recall record against the VIN. I have been trying ever since to speak to someone from Hyundai USA to get the recall cleared, however they refuse to escalate the issue internally and give no answers regarding how it can be fixed. I'd like to lodge a complaint because I am selling the vehicle shortly and need the recall to be cleared ASAP so that I can register and sell it.

NHTSA ODI 11429856

Aug 16, 2021Transmission & drivetrainCrash

Car not shifting properly. Took to dealership and kept getting a response of the car have a dual clutch.

NHTSA ODI 11429300

Jul 31, 2021Electrical system

RECALL HAS BE OPEN FOR 5 MONTHS DEALER HAS NOT FIXED CALLED NATIONAL HYUNDAI AND TOLD I HAVE TO CHASE DOWN THE CORRECT PART NUMBER TO FIX THEIR RECALL

NHTSA ODI 11427281

Jul 29, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the manufacturer and the dealer and was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11427043

Jul 8, 2021Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 35-40 mph and making a turn, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The passenger engaged the parking brakes to stop the vehicle. The engine, battery, and oil warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, while driving the engine ceased. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V543000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11423988

Jul 6, 2021Engine

On the way to taking my son to the hospital, the car stopped working, delaying the medical care I needed for my son after being attacked by a pitbull. It was then towed to the dealership who regularly services the car. They stated it was the motor. Stated I need a new one. Stated it failed due to missing the oil change by two weeks. There were no warning signs/signals or anything coming from the car that would have caused me to bring the car in sooner.

NHTSA ODI 11423637

Jul 5, 2021Engine

44,000 miles on car. While driving on highway noticed an 18 wheeler three feet behind me, tried to accelerate and nothing happened. Right before the car started making a noise, luckily no one was in the right lane so I coasted to the median. I was just informed the car needs an engine. Two days before I heard a fluttering sound and the car seemed to have trouble accelerating.

NHTSA ODI 11423460

Jul 3, 2021Transmission & drivetrain

My vehicle bucks when first pulling out. like a manual transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11423331

Jun 2, 2021Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11419378

May 22, 2021

Lag and than quick acceleration upon take off. RPM revs to2000, but power serge comes a few seconds later. Just bought this car, have not returned it for testing yet, but now understand Hyundai knows about this problem, but has no solution. Could be a hugh safety hazzard.

NHTSA ODI 11418154

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Working with the data? Download all 383 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell verdict →