The vehicle dossier US · 2018

2018 Hyundai
TUCSONProblems & recalls

396 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 249 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 396 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine249 reports
Transmission & drivetrain101 reports
Other components79 reports
Brakes42 reports
Electrical system27 reports
Fuel system22 reports
Body & structure8 reports
Air bags5 reports
Steering4 reports
Suspension2 reports
Visibility1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE243
POWER TRAIN101
UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
SERVICE BRAKES21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC20
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
STRUCTURE:BODY8
AIR BAGS5
STEERING4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
SEATS2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
SEAT BELTS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
WHEELS1
SUSPENSION1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 9 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 17, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

31,961 miles is the median among 112 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 15,000–74,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Sep 4, 2020 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULECampaign 20V543000

A park-outside advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.

Reported concern

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

Manufacturer campaign: 195

Read campaign 20V543000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

167 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 16, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions26-EM-014H TSBSome Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic (Service Campaign 966). This bulletin provides i…NHTSA ID 11037434

Some Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine may exhibit a continued DTC P132600 after an ECM logic update has been performed per TSB 24-01-068H, Engine Monitoring Logic (Service Campaign 966). This bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if DTC P132600 remains, then a procedure and manual mode passwords are given to perform the update again in manual mode to resolve this condition.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11037434 at NHTSA
Aug 26, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionZ05 OLCertain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only app…NHTSA ID 11037233

Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Original document reviewed: 10 years / unlimited miles

Read coverage & conditions
Original manufacturer PDF
May 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-013H-2 DNCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles…NHTSA ID 11033700

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033700 at NHTSA
May 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-013H-2 TSBCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control M…NHTSA ID 11033699

Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for updating the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address this condition.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033699 at NHTSA
May 19, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 060518Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to o…NHTSA ID 11033705

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033705 at NHTSA
May 19, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 DCS 260518Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to o…NHTSA ID 11033701

Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is expected to occur only within approximately the first 1-3 minutes after engine start, while the catalyst is reaching its normal operating temperature.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033701 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H TSBCertain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles ha…NHTSA ID 11032529

Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032529 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H DNSome Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has b…NHTSA ID 11032528

Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032528 at NHTSA
Apr 14, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 OLCertain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a servic…NHTSA ID 11031416

Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) Software for vehicles equipped with the (2.4 GDI) Theta II engine to improve engine combustion and fuel trim adaptations.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031416 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Mar 30, 2026 Service Campaign9C2 Susp DCSHyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The …NHTSA ID 11030625

Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as possible. The impacted vehicles related to this event will not show open on the VIN in WebDCS while this event is under suspension.

Campaign / software reference: 9C2

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030625 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Sep 12, 2022 ClosedLoss of Motive PowerDP22003

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Recorded closure: Dec 12, 2023

Find investigation DP22003

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