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

It's an engine failure. The car died in the middle of the rode at a traffic light with busy traffic flowing. It was confirmed by a independent service center. No one other an the independent service center has inspected it. There were no warning lamps or messages before failure.

NHTSA ODI 11677669

Since I purchased the car in 2018 I took great care of it, keeping the services going on time. But recently in October 2024 even tough I did services the oil service’s sign keep on showing up. I then schedule an appointment with a dealer ship near my area in January and they told me that they were no oil in the car. But I show them the date ans mileage on my stickers I specified that is the reason I am here and to double check for me for filtration because something is wrong, they told me that the car was fine. Days after I had to go in my regular service place for another service and on May I drove the car from Massachusetts to New York and in the middle of the way car start shaking, making noise and when I drove it to a shop they diagnose a failed engine. I left the car in Goshen NY in a Hyundai dealer ship and they told me a valve un the engine was burned and that where the problem came from . They said , they fixed it. A friend pick up the car and 30 mnt driving it police came to rescinde her in the highway, they then told me that’s it’s was a failed engine and days after ask for services record, I provide the last 6 times , they asked me from 0 until today. The shop were I take care of the car don’t keep record from so long. Talking about 2018. They said they won’t fixed it without those record . The car is still under warranty with 71321 miles and I have it for 7 years.

NHTSA ODI 11676709

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson 2.0L GDI engine with only 79,000 miles was "knocking" and wouldn't accelerate. We pulled over and towed the vehicle to the local Hyundai Dealer who declared "oil level good but failed bearing clearance test". Diagnosed with a rod and bearing failure. They submitted to Hyundai Motor Warranty the vehicle needed new engine. They declined. I know this is covered under the Hyundai Engine 2 Class action lawsuit with the extended 15 year/150,000 mile warranty as a result of the catastrophic engine failures. I have all oil change service records for every 5,000-6,000 miles while I was the second owner, as well as, have obtained another from the dealer who bought it from a rental/lease company starting at 14,000 miles. Hyundai Corporate is claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" because of one missing oil change record from the rental company that I may not be able to obtain as the paper trail for the rental car company only states first owner was rental/fleet

NHTSA ODI 11674746

Won’t shift so that I can gain speed

NHTSA ODI 11670399

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for two minutes and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinders #1 and #2. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666021

Component: Engine Vehicle: 2018 Hyundai Tucson VIN: [XXX] Approx. Mileage at Failure: 79,413 miles Incident Date: [XXX] Where It Happened: While driving [XXX] At 79,413 miles, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson (VIN: [XXX}) suffered complete engine failure without warning. The vehicle had been properly maintained (records from Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers), and was operating under normal conditions. The dealership diagnosed total engine failure and quoted $7,723.88 for replacement. They are not replacing the engine with the same type, which may indicate a known issue. There are no active recalls, but similar engines in Hyundai vehicles from this era have been subject to recalls and warranty extensions. I believe this may be due to a manufacturing defect. No injuries occurred, but the failure posed a safety risk while in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11666112

On April 12, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Tuson which only has 99,000 miles started stalling out at random speeds. The vehicle stalled going up a hill and would not accelerate it would also not go past 55-60 miles per hour on the highway. There were no check engine lights or codes on the dashboard. The vehicle is also burning oil on 2 occasions when having the oil changed. I feel like my life and others is in danger because the vehicle is stalling at random speeds which could cause a major accident due to this issue. I could be hit by another vehicle while trying to accelerate or merge on the highway. I reported the oil consumption last November and I contacted Hyundai customer care who issued a case number in May 2025 for the stalling issue, they instructed me to take it to the Hyundai dealership to be diagnosed. There is a recall out, but they said my vehicle is not included in it. I took the vehicle to the dealership, and they confirmed the vehicle was stalling and would not accelerate and were able to reproduce the issue. They informed me the vehicle needed a new transmission, and the vehicle only has 99,000 miles. Hyundai and the dealership declined to add the vehicle to the recall campaign for stalling vehicles. I had to cover the cost of $3,000 for a new transmission. I picked the vehicle up on June 6,2025 with the new transmission installed and it is still stalling and won't accelerate past 45 miles per hour.

NHTSA ODI 11665437

I noticed my vehicle was burning through oil, initially indicated by a P011 code, when I called Hyundai they said its often a symptom related to low oil pressure. After oil changes, the code would clear, but it returned multiple times, and on two occasions, the dipstick showed no oil when checked. Despite staying current on oil changes and maintenance, I was dismissed as excessive oil burning being “common” for this engine. After recent recall updates at the dealership, a technician confirmed excessive carbon buildup and that my catalytic converter was beginning to plug. I inquired about an extended warranty offered due to the knock sensor installation but was told it only covers rod bearing failure. Hyundai Corporate echoed this, stating no coverage until catastrophic engine failure occurs, despite the ongoing damage from oil burning and converter clogging. Since my visit to the Hyundai dealership, the symptoms have rapidly escalated. Now, my vehicle is extremely loud and acceleration is poor. It takes a long time to get up to speed, and I worry about driving it as it may result in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11664826

While starting and accelerating my 2018 Hyundai Tucson, I began hearing abnormal engine knocking and noticed rough performance. I took the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where they diagnosed an internal engine defect. They confirmed the engine issue but refused to cover the repair, citing that I’m not the original owner—despite public information stating that Hyundai’s extended engine defect warranty (related to known bearing failures) applies to all owners for up to 15 years/150,000 miles. This creates a major safety concern, as I drive long distances on highways daily and fear the engine may seize or fail at high speeds. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is currently undrivable. I’ve submitted proper maintenance records, and the issue has been escalated through Hyundai Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. This appears to be a widely reported engine defect that Hyundai is not consistently addressing. The lack of coverage and delay in resolution places drivers at unnecessary risk.

NHTSA ODI 11663268

I was driving my car and the engine started knocking and when I stopped the car kept stalling and losing power especially going up a hill. I had oil in the car. I bought the car to a repair shop and the mechanic advised me to go to Hyundai because they’re having problems with the engines in the Tucsons. I found out they extended the warranty from 100k to 150k so I’m covered I thought. They started diagnosing my car and they said the engine needs to be replaced. They contacted Hyundai corporate to dis cuss this. Corporate said they’re no t responsible for this because there was sludge in the engine. The car has 103k miles on it. The diagnosis charge I owe so far is about 400.00 Hyundai corporate wants further diagnosing of the engine. The dealership said Hyundai corporate said I have to pay the additional diagnostic charges of approximately 900.00 before they’ll determine the outcome of my claim. I don’t think it’s fair at all. I believe they should be paying for information they’re requesting. I’m having a hard time with Hyundai corporate with this runaround they’re giving me. I do t l ow what else to do? I can’t afford to pay for an engine replacement that they should be responsible for this problem. I hope I’ve proved enough information. Thank you sincerely.

NHTSA ODI 11661579

The oil sensor doesn't illuminate the light on the dash when the oil level becomes low. The only warning is when it becomes really low and then the check engine light will appear. It's a safety concern due to the engine possible failure and or damage may occur at that point if continuing driving happens. This causing the engine to stall and loss of control of the vehicle. Which could lead to a vehicle crash resulting in injury or death to the occupants and or others nearby.

NHTSA ODI 11660155

1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine is failing/malfunctioning. Yes it is available upon request 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No oil can cause an engine to overheat and/or catch fire. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by Hyundai of Medford. Oil consumption test was completed. Preauth was submitted for a new engine and was denied. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, inspected by manufacturer (Hyundai of Medford). No leaks or other issues that could cause this were found. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, no warning lamps or messages were shown or sent. Even when low on oil. Consuming oil extremely quickly. Oil change was completed and I was only able to drive 700 miles before I was low on oil. I have history of oil changes and top offs every 1000 miles for about a year. It has only gotten progressively worse. Hyundai of Medford Confirmed the issue and confirmed there were no oil leaks or other issues that could cause this. They recommended I request a new engine for Hyundai. I submitted the Pre-Authorization and it was denied. After more research I have found that thousands of people have had the same exact issue with the same year, make and model of my care. There is even an entire Facebook group dedicated to this issue. The manufacture needs to be held accountable for these faulty engines. Thousands of cars should not need a new engine before they reach 100k miles. I am writing hoping to shine some light on this issue that is effecting thousands of Hyundai owners.

NHTSA ODI 11653921

1.The engine is consuming oil excessively. 2 and 3. I was informed during a service visit that this is a common problem. I asked how to get it fixed and was advised to lock the engine up. I informed the service advisor that I would not lock the engine up and told him I have a [XXX] son. I told him I'm trying to do everything I can to prevent that very scenario. 4. Yes, I will provide records. Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed in California under their Lemon Law. Do a quick google search. Everyone I have spoken to at the dealership has confirmed they are all well aware, however they can only do what corporate allows under the Warranty. I am the first and only owner supposedly covered until 100k miles. This problem began at 79k. I'm at 86k and still struggling to get anything moved forward. 5. Unknown 6. My oil light flickered briefly but never stayed on. I immediately checked to discover not a drop on the dipstick. I will provide photo. My oil has been below the low mark several times since this photo and has never come back on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11653964

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer to be inspected and two oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer. The oil consumption tests showed no defects with the engine. The dealer performed an engine flush; however, the failure persisted. The contact was advised to have oil changes performed every 3,000 miles instead of the recommended 5,000 miles. The contact stated that recently, after having an oil change, the dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush. The contact stated that after the transmission fluid flush was performed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11651027

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle was abnormally low on oil even though it had been less than 3,000 miles since the previous oil change was performed. The dealer instructed the contact to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return as part of an oil consumption test. The contact stated that after the oil consumption test was completed, the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil; however, the dealer had not provided the cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11645586

In late September of ‘24 my husband was driving our oldest to school when my 2018 Hyundai tuscon seized mid drive with our son in the back seat with no oil or engine light warning. Husband inspected the oil and I was still full. A Hyundai dealer towed at their expense in October, diagnosed an engine failure. Denied me service since my extended warranty expired and I didn’t have the KSDS update. I wish they would as I still owe on the vehicle and I’m out of work. Making this complaint is to only spread awareness that 2017 Tucson with the 2.0 L engine had an engine failure connecting to rod bearings. My 2018 has the same engine type and failure as the 2017. Hyundai Corp fails to recognize the problem. My 2018 didn’t fail due to lack of oil changes as I can I prove that. My 2018 failed on Hyundai’s fault. Now my car sits at the dealership in Anchorage, Alaska and I still owe 9k and I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. 360 miles away from me.

NHTSA ODI 11644967

74,000 miles Excessive oil consumption, 1 quart per 1000 miles. Low oil pressure warning. Oil warning light, repeated and various codes. Noticeable ticking/clatter at startup. Not included in current recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11642896

Loosing oil constantly and now there is a loud noise with the engine/motor

NHTSA ODI 11641652

Engine had oil consumption problem. We bought it as second owners around 89k miles. Now at 98k miles and engine has blown. It’s not going to be fixed without a replacement. We are getting the run around by Hyundai in ballwin asking us to pay 500 upfront and all kinds of pushback. We have to tow and they will look at it even though it is still under 100kmile powertrain warranty. We got 3 months use out of a vehicle we just paid 15k for. Total loss

NHTSA ODI 11641426

I own a Hyundai Tucson 2018 model and recently it started making the noise. i got it check with the private auto shop and they said it the engine issue so i took it to dealership as it was under the 100,000 power train warranty. The dealership ask me about the invoice of regular oil change invoice which i provided to them but they simply denied it. the dealership is located on route 1 south Brunswick new jersey.

NHTSA ODI 11641122

Me my wife and our dogs were driving from California to Las Vegas when we experience loss of power in the engine we managed to Coast downhill to State Line Nevada and got to the off ramp and then had to push the car to the nearest gas station it was towed the next day to Centennial Hyundai in Las Vegas, case # [XXX] this happened while on vacation just before Christmas they were not able to look at it till after Christmas but they found that one of the valves had broken and was sitting on top of the piston we were told that the engine the turbo the exhaust and the catalytic would all have to be replaced also later they discovered a leak in the transmission on the Dual clutch which also needed replacing we were just told that they have finished the work and we would be responsible for about $5,300 worth of the work I have all maintenance records on this vehicle it had all scheduled maintenance done at the dealership including oil changes and any other repairs that or needed including engine cleaning once the car reached about 100,000 MI it started consuming about a quart of oil every oil change I'm [XXX] old and have had many new and used cars and have never ever had an engine failure happen at such a low mileage when this occurred the car had approximately 122,000 miles on it I have a claim with Hyundai customer care, case # [XXX] and they have not been very cooperative they don't seem to be able to contact the dealership to get any kind of resolution for the costs that I don't feel are my responsibility this is unbelievable I will never recommend anybody by a Hyundai or a Kia I will tell them buy a Honda or a Toyota not a Hyundai or a Kia they have horrible engines and Transmissions it should not be failing at less than 100,000 miles or before the car is even paid off unbelievable don't know how we're going to cover the cost the dealership wants to get our car back I guess they'll just have to keep it for a while. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11639241

Had oil consumption problems for a while started around 60,000mi. I got regular and frequent oil changes and the engine seized up at 94,000mi while driving. Hyundai refused to take accountability.

NHTSA ODI 11636526

On Saturday, November 23rd, while driving down the highway the check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate past 40 mph. When accelerating from a stop, the car's acceleration is greatly diminished. The car was checked out be a local Hyundai dealership. After running a diagnostic, the mechanic reported the following: the car has a knock sensor code, valve stem seals are leaking a little bit, compression test showed low compression on all four cylinders (between 130 and 140) normally it is 185. This indicates wear in the rings and losing compression that way. Dealership says only option is to replace the engine. Currently have 95k miles on the car. I believe we are the second owners of this car.

NHTSA ODI 11630833

A few months back my car started to loose its ability to accelerate on the highway. I stopped to get my oil changed to see if that would help but the acceleration was still very limited. Now a month ago, my car started pouring smoke out of the exhaust. It was brought to a mechanic who said it was a turbo and or engine issue. I took it to a Hyundai near me for a clear diagnoses and they diagnosed it as needing a new turbo. I got a new turbo put into the car. My car worked for 1 day before pouring oil out of the bottom of it. I then had a new turbo put in. My car worked well for 1 week but now is leaking oil from the exhaust and making loud knocking, go kart noises. Most people I have talked to say it's the engine and that these problems are way too common in Hyundais well before 100k miles. My car has also been peeling white paint from the hood of my car for 2 years. I have passed hundreds of white hyundai's with the same paint problem.

NHTSA ODI 11620519

We were consuming about a quart of oil every week and a half. I drive over 60 miles a day. We added oil until we could check it out. First dealership said that no visible exterior leaks so they told us to take to Hyundai. Once at Hyundai we were told compression was down and we needed a new engine, Catalytic converter, and turbo. Our extended warranty only approved a short block. Said we have sludge and we have to cover the rest of the parts that have sludge but we proved our oil changes and used synthetic oil. They will not give us proof of anything. Hyundai is known for this and won’t cover anything. Hyuandai Beaverton and Ethos is being horrible.

NHTSA ODI 11620257