2018 Hyundai Tucson: engine failure

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Engine · VA

2018 Hyundai Tucson catastrophic engine failure consistent with known Hyundai Nu engine defect pattern documented across 141 prior owner-filed the federal safety agency complaints for this same vehicle. OBD codes P0326, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 documented July 19–25, 2026. Independent licensed mechanic confirmed in writing that engine requires replacement. Authorized Hyundai dealership service manager verbally confirmed coolant in oil — the exact failure mode documented in prior the federal safety agency complaints for this vehicle generation. Service Campaign 966/KSDS was completed and active when failure occurred and did not prevent it. Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill claim Case #43120457 citing out-of-warranty status and aftermarket parts — no written test results or inspection report has been produced to this household. Requesting federal investigation into pattern of engine failures in 2018 Hyundai Tucson consistent with acknowledged Nu engine defects.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Engine · IN

My engine is consuming an excessive amount of oil due to a known issue with the Hyundai engine design impacting cars from 2011-2018. My car only had approximately 89,900 miles on it when I noticed the issues. Hyundai is aware of the defect and has re-engineered their engines due to the issue. The engine is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk every time I drive. By denying my claim, I am forced to repeatedly top off my oil to maintain levels and try to drive as safely as possible, however my car is at risk of engine failure due to the consumption. I have escalated these concerns to Hyundai and I was still denied. The problem was confirmed by a Hyundai dealer. The denial stems from Hyundai’s policy that it must be consuming greater than 1 quart for every 1,000 miles driven. However, my car is still consuming oil and it is incredibly unsafe. The engine was inspected by qualified Hyundai mechanics. The consumption issue was documented in their paperwork. The oil light would intermittently flicker while I drove, which had never happen before. Additionally, the car began to drive rough and I recognized something was likely wrong with the car. Unwilling to take any safety risks, I immediately scheduled an appointment with the dealership to determine the issue.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · MA

My 2018 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.0L engine has suffered catastrophic engine failure. The engine lost compression in cylinder 4 and now requires a full replacement . This is part of a broader pattern—the 2016–2018 Tucson is known for excessive oil consumption that leads to engine failure, with over 1,900 engine-related complaints filed with the federal safety agency across these model years . Prior to this failure, I reported excessive oil consumption and other engine issues to my dealership. Despite these reports, the problem was not resolved, and I was given inadequate guidance on how to address it. The engine ultimately failed while I was driving, creating a sudden loss of power that posed a safety risk. Other Hyundai Tucson vehicles with the same engine have been covered by recalls for related engine defects , but my specific VIN was not included, despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Meanwhile, other owners report that similar engine failures have been dismissed or denied coverage by Hyundai . This inconsistency in how the manufacturer handles a known, widespread defect is what prompted me to file this complaint.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Engine · NY

​On Thursday, August 6, 2026, while driving my 2018 Hyundai Tucson on Interstate 81, the vehicle experienced sudden, severe engine vibration and a loud metallic ticking sound before losing power and stalling completely on the highway. I was stranded on the side of the highway in a high-speed traffic zone, creating an immediate and hazardous safety situation. ​Because the vehicle was completely inoperable, I was forced to pay $200 out-of-pocket to have the vehicle towed 35 miles to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership service center. ​Upon arrival at the dealership, an on-site service technician performed an OBD-II diagnostic scan on the lot and confirmed diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Engine Knock Sensor Detection System / Connecting Rod Bearing Failure). Despite the technician confirming the presence of this critical safety defect, the dealership service desk explicitly refused to enter the diagnostic code into Hyundai’s corporate system, stating they would not process or submit the vehicle for inspection or warranty authorization for over a month. ​Hyundai Motor America Customer Care was contacted immediately and witnessed the dealership’s refusal to log the safety defect. While Corporate assigned a Case Manager, Hyundai and the dealership have continually stalled the intake process under Service Campaign 966 / T6G and refused to provide direct-bill rental transportation or loaner support while the car sits disabled on the dealer lot. ​As a direct result of this sudden highway engine failure, the manufacturer's failure to address a known safety defect, and the refusal to provide recall mobility support, I have suffered ongoing financial loss, out-of-pocket towing expenses, and forced leave from employment. I am filing this report to document the hazardous highway failure of code P1326 and the refusal of the manufacturer and dealer to process a critical safety recall intake in a timely manner. My husband is the registered owner but I am the driver.

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Engine · UT

The engine has been consuming oil, where we were adding at least a quart of oil between oil changes. We noticed the vehicle would shake like it was going to die while idling at a stop light or in a drive through. Recently my husband was driving home from work on a busy highway and the vehicles check engine light started blinking on and off. He pulled over and had the vehicle towed. The oil consumption made the vehicle throw a rod and damage the engine. Now we are needing to replace the engine.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Engine · GA

Incident Summary: On 07/16/2026, my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced a severe engine failure resulting in sudden knocking sound from engine and stopped in middle of road. This sudden failure while operating the vehicle created an immediate safety risk on the roadway. ​The vehicle was taken to Rick case Hyundai on 07/22/2026 , where diagnostics confirmed on 07/24/2026 internal engine damage tied to connecting rod bearing wear—a known, widespread safety hazard affecting Hyundai 2.0L Nu GDI engines. ​Reason for Complaint: Hyundai Motor America denied warranty coverage and engine replacement, claiming that Service Campaign 966 / Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software had not been installed prior to the failure. ​The KSDS update is a software monitoring/warning tool, not a mechanical fix or routine maintenance requirement. Missing a software patch does not cause physical connecting rod bearing failure. Hyundai is using missing software updates to systematically deny coverage for known, dangerous engine defects. ​I am reporting this incident because sudden engine stalling on public roads poses a severe crash hazard, and Hyundai should not be permitted to avoid addressing safety-critical mechanical failures based on procedural software campaign exclusions.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · HI

On June 5, 2026, driver was on I25, when driver heard engine making a winding and weird noise. Vehicle immediately went from 60 mph to 40 mph. It was extremely dangerous and driver barely evaded a collusion with several other vehicles. A check oil and engine light came on. Towed back to same Hyundai dealership. They claim engine needs replaced and needs maintenance kit. Total cost $16,892.87. Note: prior to, in January 2026 the transmission and differential were replaced. Was told there were no other issues (same Hyundai dealership).

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WA

While operating the vehicle on the highway at speeds around 55 to 60 mph, without warning, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure that resulted in an immediate and complete loss of motive power, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a formal tear-down and diagnosis. They Hyundai dealership technician formally diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic internal "pin failure" (Structural failure of an internal engine pin component). This component defect caused a total mechanical breakdown of the engine assembly. Hyundai Motor America has issued a corporate warranty denial for an engine replacement, despite the vehicle being covered under the Hyundai Engine II Class Action Settlement (which extends powertrain protections due to widespread internal engine manufacturing defects), A sudden, un-warned loss of engine power while driving poses a severe and immediate safety hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists on the highway. Hyundai's refusal to remedy this known structural defect leaves a dangerous vehicle un-repaired. I am requesting an investigation into Hyundai's denial of coverage for structural engine component failures on the 2.0L Nu engine platform.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The 2.0L engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indications of any kind preceded the failure. The failed engine is currently at a Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed catastrophic engine failure and submitted an engine replacement request to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America declined the engine replacement request, citing incomplete status on Service Campaign 966 (Knock Sensor Detection System update for connecting rod bearing wear). The owner purchased the vehicle used and was never notified by Hyundai of Service Campaign 966. The owner also was never notified of the federal safety agency Recall 20V543000 (ABS module fire risk), which remains open and unrepaired on this vehicle, demonstrating a pattern of failed manufacturer notification to the current registered owner. This vehicle is a Class Vehicle in the Hyundai/Kia Theta II engine class action settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation), which extended powertrain coverage to a lifetime warranty for connecting rod bearing failure on 2018 Tucson vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.0L engine. The failure mode experienced is precisely the defect this settlement and Campaign 966 were designed to address. Component that failed: engine, specifically connecting rod bearing/short block assembly. Component is available for inspection. Vehicle has approximately 71,000 miles. The failure created an immediate and severe risk of fatal collision involving a child passenger. Manufacturer has been contacted and has denied warranty coverage. the federal safety agency action is requested regarding both the engine defect denial pattern and the unrepaired ABS fire-ri

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine · AL

This complaint involves a catastrophic engine failure in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson that appears to be part of a broader pattern of similar failures reported by other owners. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption and progressive engine performance issues. These symptoms have been widely reported by other consumers with the same vehicle, suggesting a systemic defect rather than an isolated incident. The engine failed completely while the vehicle was being driven to a mechanic for evaluation. The vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and shut down in the middle of an active intersection, creating a significant safety hazard and risk of collision or fatality. Online consumer reports, forums, and complaints indicate that many 2018 Hyundai Tucson vehicles experience similar symptoms—specifically excessive oil consumption followed by engine failure. Despite this apparent pattern, no comprehensive recall or sufficient consumer warning has been issued. The manufacturer has refused to provide assistance, citing warranty limitations, which raises concerns that known defects are not being addressed and unsafe vehicles remain in operation. This issue presents a serious safety risk due to sudden and unexpected loss of engine power while driving. I am requesting that the federal safety agency evaluate this as a potential widespread defect and initiate a formal investigation that could lead to a recall to protect consumers

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Engine · FL

I have experienced two near-fatal incidents involving a sudden, uncommanded loss of motive power while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH). On February 11, 2026, the vehicle entered "Limp Home Mode" without warning, dropping speed to 60 MPH and 2000 RPM in heavy traffic. This caused an immediate and dangerous speed differential, nearly resulting in a high-speed rear-end collision. Simultaneously, the AC system disabled, indicating a severe engine protection event. Manufacturer Negligence: The vehicle was taken to Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa twice for this issue (Code P0087). They performed a "Knock Sensor" replacement and cleared data points, assuring me the vehicle was safe. The failure recurred immediately. I subsequently took the vehicle to Brandon Hyundai on February 13, 2026. Despite my reports of near-fatal highway failures, Brandon Hyundai was instructed by Hyundai Corporate to merely repeat the "Knock Sensor" replacement—a repair that had already failed to resolve the dangerous condition. Critical Safety Admission: On 02/23/2026, Brandon Hyundai Service Advisor Abel Gomez explicitly admitted that this repair is "not a fix, it is a temporary thing until it shows again," yet stated they must follow Corporate’s directive to release the car. Requested Action: Hyundai is knowingly releasing a vehicle with a recurring, life-threatening defect (P0087/Sudden Power Loss) by performing "band-aid" sensor swaps instead of addressing the high-pressure fuel system or internal engine failure. This practice is a direct violation of the Safety Act. I request an immediate investigation into Hyundai’s refusal to perform permanent repairs on GDI engines displaying these catastrophic failure codes.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am writing this letter to formally document a series of catastrophic safety failures and gross negligence regarding my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. On two separate occasions, including as recently as Wednesday, February 11, 2026, I narrowly escaped a fatal high-speed collision because this vehicle entered "Engine Protection Mode" while traveling at highway speeds. Incident Timeline: Previous Service: I have visited Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa twice for engine-related symptoms and code P0087. They replaced the knock sensor and assured me the vehicle was safe. Safety Incident (Feb 11, 2026): While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, dropping to 60mph and 2000 RPM (Limp Mode) in heavy traffic. This sudden deceleration nearly caused a high-speed rear-end collision. Current Status: The vehicle is currently at Brandon Hyundai (as of Feb 13, 2026). I have been told a review will take 3-5 business days, leaving me without safe transportation or a loaner vehicle. Negligence and Liability: Courtesy Hyundai of Tampa was aware of the recurring P0087 code and engine performance issues. By clearing codes or replacing minor sensors (knock sensor) without addressing the underlying high-pressure fuel or internal engine failure, they released a dangerous, defective product onto the road. This vehicle is clearly covered under the Theta II GDI Engine Settlement and Service Campaign 966. The local dealerships are willfully avoiding a necessary engine replacement to save on internal costs, despite knowing the vehicle is prone to sudden failure. Demand for Action: Immediate Loaner Vehicle: I require a safe rental/loaner vehicle immediately, paid for by Hyundai, while my car is being inspected. Full Engine Replacement: I am demanding a full engine replacement as previously indicated by technicians should the light return. Expedited Review: I am extremely unsatisfied to be told again I have to wait "3-5 business days" for a safety-critical evaluation of a vehicle that has alre