2020 Hyundai Tucson
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 178 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 21 Tucson model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 5 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 4, 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 Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Campaign 20V543000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
178 reports, newest first.
Engine, Feb 4, 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.
Engine, Jan 25, 2026
2020 HYUNDAI Tucson Engine blown @ 89,307 miles and 1,265 miles after oil change due to missing oil plug. Daughter drives about 5 miles per day for college and groceries. The day before Thanksgiving 2025, her 2020 HYUNDAI Tucson died about 48 miles down the Highway without warning, no prior warning lights or sounds before shutting down. I had the car towed to the local HYUNDAI dealer in the town where her college is, where they told us the engine was totaled due to a lack of oil and a missing oil plug. I discussed with the HYUNDAI service advisor about having an extended warranty; however, they would not work with me or the company I had the extended warranty with, mentioning they would not cover the engine failure due to the oil plug being missing. I asked the service advisor in a separate conversation whether an oil pan drain plug that was not properly torqued during an oil change could remain in place for some time—particularly during short, low-speed driving—and then gradually work loose over additional miles. The service advisor mentioned that in situations like my daughter’s, where only about 1,265 miles were driven after the oil change (mostly short trips), it would be within reason for an improperly installed drain plug to stay in place until a longer highway drive with higher RPMs, at which point it could back out completely and result in a sudden oil loss and engine shutdown. The service advisor also mentioned that this is something they had seen before and is not unheard of on these vehicles.
Engine, Jan 18, 2026
The car has been burning oil for about two years . Noticed when my oil was changed by my mechanic , he told me oil level was about a quart low . Since that time I have had to add oil every 1000 miles . Approximately 4 quarts between oil changes , which I have done every 5 to 6 thousand miles . I have read that many other people have had same problem. This is a 2020 Tucson, Unlimited Model . Which at the time of purchase was the top model Tucson on the lot . Hopefully this is enough information to help get the consumer some Help in this situation ! Thanks
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 13, 2026
I have experienced 4 repeated issues within 4 months with my vehicle. Starting in September 2025 and the 4th and current issue today 1/12/26. Driving when all of a sudden all of my brake components lamps come on dash oard, forward collision alert, and check engine, my vehicle struggles to accelerate accurately. Blue Link diagnostic throws various codes such as ECM, Transmission Control System, even "multiple possible issues". Each time my vehicle has been at Hyundai dealership for repair. Each time they repair something different 1st- replace ABS module and hydraulic brake, 2nd - happened out of state at my mother funeral and replaced my ECM, 3rd couldn't figure it out and guessed it was my Forward collision camera and replaced it, 4th - is today and awaiting dealership diagnosis. This issue has left me stranded several times local and long distance, occured in middle of driving including on highway, and overall uncertain of the safety and reliability of the vehicle as each time it has been the same type of issue. I have been in communication with Hyundai Corporate since October and they stated that even tho I only have 24k miles on the vehicle that it is outside the state of IN lemon laws for a buyback. If I hadn't purchased an extended warranty I would be in even more debt or unable to put it in the shop even tho I don't feel like this should be my burden when I have kept this vehicle in great shape, low mileage, frequent oil changes, etc . however the safety of my vehicles goes unresolved. At this point I am uncertain that Hyundai is properly diagnosing my vehicle and not certain how these issues are impacting other components of my vehicle such as brakes, transmission, engine, sensors. I am the only owner of this vehicle bought brand new. I have checked repeatedly for any recalls that I have not addressed and at this time none are pending. I fear that this vehicle will continue to have more safety issues.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil level was topped off. The dealer requested that the contact return every 1,000 miles for inspection. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer every 1,000 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an inspection, and the dealer discovered that the catalytic converter was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed due to a defect in one of the engine cylinders. The dealer was informed of the findings by the independent mechanic, and an appointment was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Dec 17, 2025
The rear self leveling shocks are worn out. The car bounces terribly and control is an issue. I have confirmation from the dealer that the shocks need to be replaced. There were no warnings that the parts were broken.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 30, 2025
Spark plugs have been replaced twice- fuel injectors cleaned and now I have another misfire in cylinder 3 and have to replace all four fuel injectors.
Engine, Nov 23, 2025
Vehicle excessively burns oil, engine drives rough, exhaust developed smoke, burnt smell in engine, engine and oil gauge light comes on.
Engine, Nov 18, 2025
the engine failed without warning. While going up a hill the car lost power. Yes, the dealership said it was a known problem. Yes, the dealership fixed the problem by putting in a new engine which I was responsible for 5% of the cost which was 739.66. The only warning that was given was after the car failed, the engine light and the oil light went on.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle unintendedly shut off while driving. The vehicle was restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 14, 2025, fire
My adult son was driving and under the hood started to smoke. He pulled over and opened the hood to take a look and then a fire started under the hood! The fire department was called and they put out the fire, cut the gasoline and duct taped it up so the fuel line would not further ignite the hot engine. My insurance is looking into what would have caused a random under the hood fire. Luckily no one was injured. However the engine section of the car is melted beyond belief. My insurance has not told me if the car is repairable or not.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Service brakes, Hydraulic; autohold brake system/brake hold, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the Brake Auto Hold was engaged unintendedly and failed to disengage upon pressing the button, which required the contact to turn off, restart, and drive the vehicle for some time for the Brake Auto Hold to disengage. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The contact stated that the infotainment system was inoperable. Additionally, the passenger's side rear seat belt failed to buckle as intended, and the passenger's side rear door handle fractured while the contact was opening the door. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Nov 13, 2025
My engine is burning excessive amounts of oil, which is a "known issue" of Hyundai Tucsons. After an oil change with full synthetic oil, I cannot drive my vehicle more than 4,000 miles without reaching dangerously low oil levels. Most importantly, there is no clear indicator of this low oil level—no light that comes on and STAYS on to tell me as the driver to check the oil and see if there is a problem. Instead, if I brake too hard or take a turn to sharply a red oil light will turn on for 1-2 seconds and then turn off again. It is easy to miss. The first few times this happened in May I thought perhaps there was a loose wire on the sensor. After it appeared 3 or 4 times I took it to a mechanic who told me the oil level was so low that they had to add 2 quarts of oil just to have it register on the dip stick. The excessive oil burning is a known issue that Hyundai fights tooth and nail to avoid correcting. But to not have a warning indicator that the oil is at a dangerously low level is reckless on Hyundai's part. The engine could have seized up, thrown a rod, or any number of consequences. I had my oil replaced by Hyundai in May as part 1 of their oil consumption test. My car passed their 1000-mile test and 4,000 miles later I was in dangerously low oil territory again. Thankfully, I knew what to look for this time. Cars should not consume oil at this rapid of a rate but even if they do drivers should be notified about low oil levels via car sensors to keep them and their passengers safe.
Engine, Nov 5, 2025
Car was fine and I get regular oil changes. Last week all the sudden the car started making noise and just shut off. When my husband checked there was no oil on the dipstick but I park on concrete and the car is not leaking oil. Apparently the motor is blown and completely locked up.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
High oil consumption leading to costly repairs outside of warranty.
Engine, Oct 21, 2025
Vehicle is burning an extreme amount of oil between regular oil changes. We are having no help from our local dealership in Tuscaloosa, AL where we purchased the car to resolve this issue without first spending a lot of money to diagnose an issue we certainly already have. Long before it was due for routine oil change, we checked it and it was COMPLETELY EMPTY of oil. NOTHING IN IT. We have to put oil in it three times before its next routine service. We have always had the vehicle serviced, on schedule, by our local Hyundai dealership and are the only owners of the car.
Engine, Oct 16, 2025
In between my last 3 oil changes I have “lost” all of my oil in my car. Checked my oil randomly and there was NO OIL at all on the stick. After this last change I have checked it every week. I did not check for 2 weeks less than 1,000miles and it was below the low on the mark. Obviously running out of oil while driving is not safe and can cause the engine to blow. This can cause a crash or fire. There have been numerous issues with this and the cars need recalled. This is ridiculous.
Engine, Oct 16, 2025
Engine oil excessive consumption/burning oil
Engine, Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light briefly illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine was not consuming oil and that an oil change was needed. The dealer advised the contact to return after 1,000 miles to inspect the oil level. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine, Oct 7, 2025
the car started using a little oil around 80,000 mile, and its just gotten worst , to the point that's it using 1 quart per 150 miles the car runs ok but its ridiculous the amount it is using. and from what I've found researching there is a lot of complaints
Engine, Oct 2, 2025
Engine run hot smoke from engine car cut off wouldn't restart had totaled to Hyundai company in Lithia Springs Ga was told by service guy that engine locked motor needed replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 28, 2025
Heavy oil consumption problem - burns through oil completely every 300 miles. Replaced catalytic converter once already.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 16, 2025
Was told by dealership that forward camera assist is not functioning, but could not tell me why it failed all of a sudden. No accidents. $1586 to repair because no longer under warranty. Vehicle is only 5 years old.
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2025
When driving my check engine light started to blink and my car would not accelerate. I made it home and plugged in a diagnostic reader and got the code P1326 glow relay short circuit. My car along with my friends 2021 Hyundai Tucson both have this same issue. There needs to be a recall for these years. There is a recall out for this specific problem in sonatas and Tucsons and need to cover these years as well.