2018 Hyundai Tucson: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

Hyundai Tucson has been jerking and shaking for over over 4 years now and either when taking to the dealership they reset the dual clutch and have replaced the same part twice in the dual clutch. This shaking has been happening since the car was bought brand new like a year after. The vehicle now will get stuck in gear and while driving will go down to 20 mph and get stuck in that speed. This is a serious safety issue. The dealer could replicate the shaking but not the gears being stuck. It has happened on more than one occasion and they just reset something but this continues to happen. There are no warning lights when the gears get stuck it just happens while driving and it has happened twice now in the last 3 weeks.

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

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MN

The engine and engine management system of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson experienced repeated failures resulting in loss of propulsion and unsafe drivability. In November 2025, while traveling approximately 75 mph on a freeway, the vehicle suddenly entered limp mode without any prior warning, causing an abrupt loss of power in active highway traffic. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. After the loss of propulsion occurred, the check engine light, battery light, and oil light illuminated sequentially. Diagnostic trouble codes P1326 and P0326 were recorded. Initial inspection indicated severe oil consumption despite a recent oil change less than 2,000 miles earlier. A Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensors under warranty. Shortly after release (30 miles), the vehicle again exhibited severe drivability issues, including a flashing check engine light, and required immediate towing. A second Hyundai dealership replaced the short engine block under warranty. Approximately 180 miles after the engine replacement, the vehicle again developed unsafe drivability symptoms, including delayed throttle response, failure to accelerate unless the accelerator was fully depressed multiple times, jerking or lugging when slowing or stopped, and a faint whining noise. The check engine light illuminated again. These failures represent repeated loss of propulsion and unsafe operation following manufacturer-approved repairs, including full engine replacement. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 57 days and remains in the custody of a Hyundai dealership awaiting diagnostics. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sudden and unpredictable loss of power at highway speed created a significant risk of collision and serious injury to the driver and surrounding motorists.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · VT

I purchased this car [XXX] as a CPO vehicle from a Ford dealership. By [XXX] the oil pressure light would flicker and it was clear the car was burning a lot of oil between changes. On 8/22 an oil change was completed at dealer. On [XXX] the oil pressure light flickered and it was three quarts down. An oil consumption test was started at 112,000. On Sat [XXX] while driving to dealer for oil check, the car began shuddering violently and the check engine light came on, and went into limp mode. I was on a dangerous mountain pass at the time and it could have been a major issue. The day before a tractor trailer had almost run me off the road, if my car had stalled then I might not be here. Hyundais have a known issue with oil burning and engine damage. Right now I am stuck in a 14K loan with a car that is unsafe to drive. I am not sure what the dealer plans to do, or what the diagnosis is, but its clear these engines are not safe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Engine · 105,097 miles · CA

The engine in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson is burning oil at an excessive rate. I have to change my oil every 2000 miles or less due to engine knocking if I don't. Due to the excessive oil consumption, I now have to replace all 4 engine coils for over $1500. There have been multiple codes given to me every time I take the car in, including 3 times for the knock sensor which was replaced under a nationwide recall. Hyundai settled a class action case with some consumers, under the radar, for excessive oil consumption and is leaving every other consumer unaware unless they start digging for information. One of the times my engine light came on, I was on a very busy California highway and my car went into limp mode. This is unacceptable and a major safety hazard. My car is currently at the dealership for the third time and not drivable until I spend $1500 to repair a problem that their faulty engine has caused.

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

It started [XXX] when i took my car to the dealership due to it going into limp mode. The dealership took it in and said it was throwing error code p1326 which is the knock sensor code. they replaced the knock sensor, drove my tucson home after the replacement, by the time i got home it went into limp mode again, took my car back to the dealership turns out it was a faulty sensor they received. So the dealership replaced the sensor again, did not have an issue with it until decemember 2023, so i took it to get the error code read again and it was the p1326, so i make an appointment with the dealership to bring it back in and they said hyundai of america says it needed the combustion chamber cleaning, which i had to pay for. even though it was throwing the p1326 error code. but after the cleaning is done i pick it back up and not even ten miles from the dealership my car goes back into limp mode, so i turn around and take it back. they just got back to me on [XXX] saying hyundia of america is declining to replace my engine since its no longer under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Engine · PA

In May 2023 while on family vacation my tucson oil light came on and went what I believe in limp mode. Oil has always been changed on time, checking oil, was full and clean. Had to tow back from TN to PA. Called hyundai and they stated that the engine has a known problem and a campaign is on them. I then had it towed to a hyundai dealership for a June 9th 2023 appointment. The dealership didn't even know why they let me make it. They had 9 tucsons with same problem in front of me. Now Aug 6th 2023 still waiting at dealership to be even looked at. Unreal

Filed Jul 29, 2023 · Transmission · NC

Back in January of 2023, car would not go into reverse. While out driving the engine light came on and went into safety mode. I had no power to merge onto highway and make it up hills to get to Hyundai service repair. They said the gear actuator failed. They repaired, but within a week the car was not going into reverse and engine light came back on. They had my car for over a month with no loaner car. They replaced transmission. Car only had 32,000 miles on it. Yesterday, July 28, car started losing power in traffic. Sometimes car would lurch. Engine light on so I pulled into grocery store parking lot. Turned car off and when I turned back on a loud clunking noise. Called Hyundai and drove to service. The entire time the car struggled to merge or go up hills. They ran test and said the gear actuator failed. So this is a trend. It is under warranty but that is not the point, this is dangerous and you can get stranded or the car can lurch or loose power at any time. I complained to Hyundai the first time and they did nothing except repair under warranty guidelines.

Filed Jul 15, 2023 · Engine · OH

i was driving on the freeway on Nov 22, 2022 when without warning my car went into limp mode. the engine warning light flashed. this puts the driver (and any passengers) at great risk, as the engine is severely limited in its power output. the car will move, but very slowly and acceleration is weak to non-existent. at highway speeds, this situation could have also impacted anyone behind me who came upon my limp vehicle and could not react in time to my slow speed. it has 60,250 miles on it. i drove home, had an initial diagnosis at a local auto repair shop as follows, "removed the (spark) plug and it is badly damaged with oil in cylinder indicating an internal engine problem". i had the car towed on Dec 7, 2022 to the dealer where i purchased the vehicle. the dealer could not look at the vehicle until Feb 17, 2023 when they diagnosed a burnt valve and the engine would have to be replaced. on Feb 21, 2023 i was told that the replacement was awaiting approval and should only take a day or two. it took until May 19, 2023 to approve the engine replacement under warranty. as of this writing (July15, 2023), i am still waiting my turn at the dealership for the engine to be replaced. it appears that i am not alone in this situation of Hyundai/Kia producing bad engines that prematurely fail and then have to fight for a warranty replacement. i have been almost 8 months without my vehicle.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Engine · MA

In the last 3 months I have had my vehicle go into Limp Mode due to a faulty engine. All 3 times while I was on the highway and I was almost seriously injured due to traffic. Ever since I got the Knock Sensor update, I have had nothing but problems. I have had a new catalytic convertor, new spark plugs, oil change, air filter and fuel injector replaced in Dec 2022. The spark plugs are dripping in oil only after 8,000 miles. All of those parts have now failed and I am burning oil at an increased rate. I have contacted Hyundai multiple times and have had case files opened and I have not got any resolution or help. I have spent close to $6,000 on repairs and rental cars and there has still not been any resolution. My engine needs to be replaced due to the recall but no one is helping. I have attached all of the paperwork that has been done.

Filed Jun 7, 2023 · Engine · IL

Three months after I bought my 2018 Hyundai Tucson it started having engine problems. It has went into limp mode multiple times and has been to the shop several times to have it fixed. The knock sensor has been replaced twice by two different Hyundai dealerships. The engine is losing oil rapidly and has to be replaced every few weeks. It has been advised by both Hyundai dealerships that a new engine is required at this point but Hyundai corporation themselves won’t allow the engine repair. This type of car and engine are known for engine replacements around this exact type of engine and amount of mileage on the vehicle. My safety and my sons safety is in jeopardy every time we get in this vehicle as it can go back into limp mode at any given time and if we are driving and it just stalls we are liable to get into an accident. I have to keep taking the vehicle to the shop to have oil replaced and a temporary fix put on it until it just blows as they put it. They are also unable to advise where all the oil keeps going. I shouldn’t be liable for a new engine and it should be replaced by the Hyundai corporation as this happened very shortly after I bought the vehicle, I can be in potential danger when driving, it is a known issue with this type of vehicle and engine, multiple Hyundai dealerships have advised it falls within engine replacement guidelines. I need Hyundai to be responsible for repairing my engine! I have all receipts and documentation from every repair that has been done and every time the vehicle has been taken in.

Filed Nov 10, 2021 · Transmission · OH

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.