HyundaiTucson2018Overview/hyundai/tucson/2018/base/

2018 Hyundai Tucson

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Tucson.

Body SUV

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that accumulated 383 owner complaints, with engine problems ranking as its most reported issue and a single recall on file. Set against the model’s 2005–2026 complaint spectrum—which runs from a low of 18 in 2009 to a high of 1,612 in 2016—the 2018 edition sits in moderate territory, far below the 2016 peak but still well above the series floor. That placement indicates the 2018 Tucson largely sidestepped the most troubled years in the nameplate’s history yet still carries enough documented engine concern to merit careful attention.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque65-79 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 2630035505. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tail / brake / turnONOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225/60R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter2630035505
Spark plug1884911070
Front wiper blades99H09AKA26H alt 00F09AU016HY

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length176.4 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height65 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3602 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)58/42

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tucson of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.4–9.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.40 sec — 2016 Eco
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Limited 1.6L Turbo I-47.90 sec16.20 sec175 hpAWD
2019Ultimate 2.4L I-48.40 sec16.60 sec181 hpAWD
2019Ultimate 2.4L I-48.80 sec16.80 sec181 hpFWD
2019Ultimate 2.4L I-48.80 sec16.70 sec181 hpAWD
2016Eco 1.6L Turbo I-47.40 sec15.90 sec175 hpAWD
2016Limited 1.6L Turbo I-47.60 sec16.00 sec175 hpAWD
2016Limited 1.6L Turbo I-48.10 sec16.30 sec175 hpAWD
2016Limited 1.6L Turbo I-48.30 sec16.50 sec175 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity7.5
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity7.9

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts145.0-152.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts145-152 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-79 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts65-79 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts65-79 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)630 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)700 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.15-1.30 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.88-4.60 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum290.1 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum2175.6 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)69.6-72.5 Low Pressure Fuel Line. psi
RPM69.6
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum290.1 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum2175.6 High Pressure Fuel Line. psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)71.8-73.2 Low Pressure Fuel Line. psi
RPM71.8

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .921; Rear: .330
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .0016; Rear: .0012
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .921; Rear: .330

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees; Apply liquid gasket on the edge of the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. Threebond 1217H or equivalent. Assemble the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder head within 5 minutes after applying sealant.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees; Apply liquid gasket on the edge of the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket. Threebond 1217H or equivalent. Assemble the cylinder head gasket and the cylinder head within 5 minutes after applying sealant.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124-27 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90-95 degrees90–95 degrees
3Turn 90-95
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124-27 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90-95 degrees90–95 degrees
3Turn 90-95
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miAir Intake System (inspect) · Disc Brake Caliper (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect)
Every 7,500 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 22,500 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 24,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson represents a notable inflection point in the vehicle’s federal record, particularly when viewed against the preceding and subsequent model years. Complaints spiked dramatically in 2016 (1,612) and remained elevated in 2017 (1,074), driven largely by engine and powertrain concerns, before dropping sharply in 2018 to 383—still above pre-2016 levels but a clear improvement. Recalls and investigations followed a similar arc, with 2018 seeing only one recall and one investigation, down from five recalls in 2016 and three in 2017, suggesting Hyundai had begun addressing the most acute issues. The 2018 model year’s top complaint areas (engine at 140, powertrain at 44) mirror the broader generation’s pain points but at a reduced volume, while crash (13) and fire (9) complaints remain relatively low. This trend implies that 2018 benefited from mid-cycle corrections, though it still carries residual risk from the generation’s earlier flaws. **Takeaway: The 2018 Tucson is a comparatively safer bet within its generation, as it reflects early corrective actions, but a thorough inspection of engine and powertrain components is strongly advised before purchase.**

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
165
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
383
Owner complaints
13 involved a crash · 9 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 383 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine140
Power Train44
Power Train,Engine27
Unknown Or Other17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
Service Brakes13
Unknown Or Other,Engine9
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V543000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 04/09/2020

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 165 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
26-01-013H-2 DN2026-05-20Electrical SystemCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles…
26-01-013H-2 TSB2026-05-20Electrical SystemCertain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles…
9C2 0605182026-05-18Electrical SystemFollowing completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain…
9C2 DCS 2605182026-05-18Electrical SystemFollowing completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain…
26-BD-002H TSB2026-04-28Unknown Or OtherCertain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tucson. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2018 Tucson have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.