2018 Hyundai Tucson Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2018 Hyundai Tucson: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2018 Hyundai Tucson has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2018 Hyundai Tucson has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2018 Hyundai Tucson, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue effectively. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, take a moment to inspect your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might offer further insights into the problem. A visual inspection under the hood is also crucial; look for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors that could indicate a more significant issue. If these initial checks do not resolve the light, using an OBD-II scanner can be incredibly helpful. This tool will allow you to retrieve specific error codes that pinpoint the problem, guiding your next steps. Finally, consult your owner's manual to understand the meaning of the error codes and recommended actions. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently diagnose the cause of the check engine light and determine the best course of action for your vehicle.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson, it can be concerning for any driver. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a good first step. If the gas cap is not the culprit, the oxygen sensor may be at fault, as a malfunction here can lead to poor fuel efficiency and emissions problems. Another common issue is the catalytic converter, which can fail or become inefficient, causing the light to illuminate. Additionally, worn or faulty spark plugs can affect engine performance, leading to misfires that trigger the warning. The mass airflow sensor is also critical; if it malfunctions, it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, resulting in the check engine light turning on. Lastly, problems with the ignition coil can cause misfiring and rough idling, while an engine misfire itself, often linked to bad spark plugs or ignition coils, can also activate the light. If you encounter this warning, it’s wise to conduct a thorough inspection or consult a mechanic to pinpoint the exact issue and ensure your Tucson runs smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2018 Hyundai Tucson?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2018 Hyundai Tucson, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signifies that your vehicle's engine or emissions system may be experiencing a malfunction. While some triggers, like a loose gas cap, may seem trivial, others could indicate serious problems that, if left unaddressed, could lead to significant engine damage or safety hazards. Ignoring the check engine light can result in decreased fuel efficiency and performance issues, ultimately costing you more in repairs down the line. Therefore, it is crucial to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to identify the root cause of the warning and take appropriate action. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you can ensure the longevity and reliability of your Hyundai Tucson, safeguarding both your investment and your safety on the road.

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