2020 Hyundai Tucson: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 175 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (38% of complaints); the 2021 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 8 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving on the highway with adaptive cruise control on, car began decelerating without any vehicle in front. Started to get off highway, check engine light began flashing and came to a full stop. Car died. Tried restarting and car died. Check engine, oil and battery lights then on. Total engine failure and no warning lights prior.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“Tried passing someone on the thruway, as I was about to the car jerked a bit then started decelerating. The check engine light started flashing and so did the oil light. Read the code as cylinder 3 misfire and a knock sensor. Changed the spark plugs and coil packs then checked the oil and saw there was no oil in the engine. Was told by my mechanic it's a common problem with these Hyundai engines, it seems the rings are getting fried in the engine and that's why it consumes oil so quickly.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“While driving on the expressway my car hit a bump and all the power from the vehicle was lost. I've been having issues with my car and have taking it to Hyundai dealership. Everytime I take it they are saying my car is fixed. But it's not. Now they are saying they didn't fix it because I didn't explain the problem to them. I lost control driving high speeds. Thankfully the power returned. When I tell hyuandai in Naperville what happened they said it's not their responsibility because I didn't say it was electrical. I told them I didn't know I had a an electrical problem. I thought that if I take my car in they would tell me the problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My driver's seat broke and started wobbling while driving. The whole. Bottom plate is broken and the bolt will not hold it steady. It will not stay in one place. It slides back and forth and bounces up and down”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2026
“I have had the car in twice to the mechanic within the last 6 months for check engine light. He said I keep loosing oil, but there is no leak and it's something with the Engine. Hyundai will not recall the engine, but I see so many people are having the same issue. On a 2020 vehicle, you should not have engine issues. At what point do they have a recall on this issue, as so many are reporting the same thing.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“The paint is peeling off the car prematurely. Hyundai is only acknowledging their responsibility for white vehicles but it is affecting others as well.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2026
“This engine has 70,000 miles on it and has burned a quart of oil every 2500 to 3000 miles, two full quarts between oil changes. In talking to others Hyundai owners, they have similar issues. I have owned multiple other brands of vehicles with well over 150K miles and they did not burn any oil. Fords, BMWs, Volvos, and Subarus.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“burning oil at a rate of 2 qts per 1000 miles driven. Known issue in these models of tucsons. Not covered by the class action lawsuit as this VIN was not identified. It is burning oil at a catastrophic rate. The problem has burned through multiple catalytic converters that were covered under the warranty but did not solve the underlying problem. Has been burning oil since owning the car a year ago.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“On December 27, 2025, while driving, the engine suddenly lost power and the vehicle entered limp mode and became undriveable. A warning light appeared and diagnostic code P1326 was later confirmed, indicating engine bearing failure. The vehicle could not be driven safely and required towing to a Hyundai dealership the following day. The engine failure caused a loss of propulsion safety risk. The vehicle remains out of service pending a full engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection at a Hyundai dealership.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
“My car has been burning through about 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. Hyundai will NOT replace the engine. If this continues My engine could malfunction while driving. This is a serious safety concern and there's plenty of information on it. They refuse to recall it.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tucson by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
NHTSA has 175 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The most complained-about area is engine (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Hyundai Tucson problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 11,166 miles or less.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.