2020 Hyundai Tucson problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (57) · Service Brakes (22) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (16)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Tucson model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
32 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/Module 2020-09-04 · campaign 20V543000 · 652,024 vehicles ⚠ PARK OUTSIDE
Defect: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (107)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Back Over Prevention: Warnings 2026-10-15 · 26-GI-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (pdw) sensor(s) that may trigger various dtcs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the pdw sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. this condition may be a res
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Engine 2026-09-16 · 26-EM-014H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine may exhibit a continued dtc p132600 after an ecm logic update has been performed per tsb 24-01-068h, engine monitoring logic (service campaign 966). this bulletin provides instructions to inspect and resolve other engine mechanical issues and if
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-26 · Z05 OL · Warranty Program/Extension
certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. this warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint
Engine 2026-05-21 · 26-01-013H-2 DN · Service Campaign
certain santa fe (tma), santa fe sport (an), sonata (lfa), and tucson (tl) vehicles equipped with theta ii engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. the california air resources board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed federal and california stan
Showing the 6 most recent of 107 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-15 · Forward Collision Avoidance · 44,000 mi“the contact owns a 2020 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, master general, and forward collision warning lights were illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the multifunction camera had failed and needed to be replaced. the manufactu…”
2026-09-25 · Engine“on xxx, while driving at freeway speed in [xxx] with my [xxx] son in the back seat, the engine of my 2020 hyundai tucson (2.4l theta ii gdi, approx. 99,108 miles) seized suddenly and without warning. i lost all motive power in moving traffic and coasted to the shoulder, where my son and i sat stranded for 30 minutes with smoke and a burning smell c…”
2026-09-18 · Fuel/Propulsion System“engine has defect that causes oil to heat at an unusual levels there for damaging other vehicle components such as the exhaust system parts clogging up and triggering check engine warning lights for emissions. …”
2026-08-20 · Engine · 80,000 mi“the contact owns a 2020 hyundai tucson. the contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the oil pan was empty. the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. the contact was informed about a possible oil consumption test. the contact was informed that there was carbon blowing o…”
2026-08-09 · Fuel/Propulsion System“dealer completed update 9c2 theta 2 emissions update. after update, the car sputters slightly and increased noise is heard from the tailpipe. customer returned to dealer after driving the car in different temps and noted the above complaint. dealer verified the complaint but continues to take no responsibility for the fault on the repair receipt by…”
2026-07-28 · Engine“the engine lost power while driving, and the vehicle entered a reduced-power mode. the check engine light began flashing, and the engine made a loud knocking noise during acceleration. a diagnostic scan showed code p1326 (knock sensor signal range/performance). the knock sensor was replaced, and the engine oil was refilled after discovering an oil …”
2026-07-23 · Engine“high excessive oil consumption and premature piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption …”
2026-07-18 · Engine“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 …”
2026-07-14 · Engine“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. …”
2026-07-08 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“was in a side impact car accident last year. and have been speaking with hyundai off and on since the accident and have basically been brushed off in my concerns about the fact my airbags never deployed when my rear passenger door was essentially ripped off during the car accident. progressive moved quickly with my claim and hyundai pretty much tol…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.