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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled an abnormal odor and heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed, the vehicle jerked forward. Several unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Air bags, Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the unit under the passenger’s side seat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Feb 20, 2023
from time to time, when stepping on the brakes the whole front end shakes . when this happended i took the 2020 tucson back to the dealer to be checked out. I was told there was nothing wrong with it. and i was just not use to abs. I"m not stupid. i've had many , many cars and suv'''s, trucks with abs. this made me mad. and guess what, it still locks up. i
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
Check engine light came on for 2020 Hyundai Tucson; the vehicle has the 2.0 engine. I called Hyundai for service waited 3 weeks for service appt. Service ECM software update completed on 2/13/2023. On 2/15/2023 service light came on again. Advised Hyundai Service dept that the light was on again. There was a recall for 2019 2.0 engines for Exhaust Manafold Catalyst sensor. Advisor stated that bring it in 3 weeks and we will take it for a test drive.
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2023
My vehicle was stolen due to not having an ignition immobilizer. There were no warning lights. Yes its a known issue
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
Engine light was flashing on and off in September 2022 I took it in to a Hyundai dealer in September and was told it was the Catalytic convertor. The catalytic convertor was replaced in October 2022, 2 weeks later the engine light was flashing and the car would not accelerate. I took the care that day to Freehold Hyundai where after keeping it for 3 days they said it was an issue with the oil filter. I have taking the car on a regular basis for all oil changes since in my possession. On December 25th as I was driving to my families house for Christmas the engine light again started flashing and the car would not accelerate. I was able to get the car back to my house. No one was available to call that day due to the holiday. I contacted Freehold Hyundai 12/26/2022 and had the car towed to their facility. On 12/27/2022 I was told the cars engine is failing and that they need to obtain authorization from Hyundai in order to get approval. This is a leased vehicle and does have warranty coverage but they are not able to confirm it can be fixed and cannot offer me a lender car.
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 13, 2022
The contact's father owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact's father stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance message was displayed; however, there was no other vehicle nearby. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced; however, the contact's father was made aware that there was a backorder on the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 11, 2022
Both waning lights came on for lane assist and forward collision warning. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They said the camera was not working and I would have to pay $1700.00 to install a new one. It appears there are 2 separate cameras involved. I was asked if I struck anything. I did not and the camera in the grill is I damaged as is the forward collision camera in the rear view mirror. The paperwork I received from the dealer says “software error” I have not had the work done due to the cost. I was also told by the dealer that they are aware of other customers with the same problem.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Oct 5, 2022
The left brake lights are on the vehicle remains on even when the brake is not pressed.
Structure, Sep 4, 2022
Peeling paint Paint started peeling away on hood, and now on roof. On a single drive to town about half the paint peeling from my roof. There’s also little bubble in various areas on the vehicle where the paint looks like it’s about to start coming off. Appears to be a manufacturer defect as they’ve had this same issue before with numerous models.
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2022
When parked and car is turned off , if i don’t get out right away (key in ignition still or not) a “battery discharge warning” shows up on my display.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 6, 2022
The car engine completely shuts down without warning. This has happened over a dozen times since last summer. The only thing we can think of was the ABS module recall work, but the dealership says everything is fine with the car and they cannot replicate. This happens when the car is at a stop, or sometimes driving slowly or turning. The engine gets quiet, the lights flicker, and then gas no longer works to accelerate. To fix this, we have to shift the car back to P, then turn the car off, then turn it on again, and then put it back into D. Sometimes this happens in the middle of live traffic which is unsafe. We have an active case with Hyundai America open about this issue since the dealers cannot identify and fix the issue. This is a high safety issue for my family and other drivers. The car is available for inspection. The frequency of this occurs about once a week (it used to happen 1-2 times per month but recently has been increasing.)
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2022, crash
Vehicle was stolen in day light in Milwaukee area between 5 and 8 pm on 5/13/2022. Was aware of high theft but thought that it was safe do to the time I was there. Milwaukee pd didn't file the case in time and had Mukwonago pd show up at the house to question me about my car. We had 3 high school kids with us and 5 adults to verify the theft.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 16, 2022
Since mid to late December 2021 the Airbag light has come on roughly 4 to 6 or more times. The last time currently was 05/07/2022 after having had the "code cleared and a reset" done at the dealership of purchase. This reset took place at 10:27 am and the light came on again at 1:57 pm. The cost to me was $175.00. I feel this poses a safety concern though I was told "most likely the airbag would fail to go off".
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2022
While driving one evening, it was brought to my attention that my passenger brake light was remaining on, when I was not braking. A week later, both sides are on. This happens only if my headlights are on - automatically or if I manually turn my headlights on. The back center light will only come on when I high the brake pedals. Again, back brake lights on driver and passenger side remain on regardless of brake pedal is engaged.
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2022
In September 2021 I bought the reference unit and on 4 different occasions I could not use it because it had no power. I took it to the dealer and they didn't find any problem, I used it again and again it ran out of power. It has currently been at the dealer for 5 weeks and they have not found the problem. I had a conversation with the previous owner and she told me that she had returned the unit to the dealer for the same situation. So far the dealer has not received an answer as to what is wrong with the unit. Nor have they provided me with a vehicle. This situation has affected my family since daily we are complicated about how to get to our jobs and schools. The dealer is Hyundai from Cupey, Puerto Rico PR-8838, San Juan, 00926 On April 16, 2022 dealer told us that they had solved the problem after being at the dealer for 7 weeks, dealer concluded that the car problem was the alternator. After using it for 2 weeks again on May 9, the car did not start and again were left without a means of transportation Consumer called a tow truck which took the bus to the dealer. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS WAS INOPERABLE. THE TAILGATE COULD ONLY BE OPENED MANUALLY, IT WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE AUTOMATIC BUTTON.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2022
My windshield cracked right after I got my car in 2020. I was driving. No pebble hit my windshield. I had my windshield replaced and the same thing happened, although the second time a pebble did hit my windshield, you cant feel the crack from the outside or inside.
Service brakes, Mar 9, 2022
Copy sent to [XXX] Head Office Begin forwarded message: From: [XXX] Date: March 9, 2022 at 6:04:59 PM EST To: [XXX] Subject: My brake pedal dropped to the floor ?On 2/12/2022 I was driving my 2020 Hyundai Tucson I turned right and applied the brakes to stop the pedal dropped to the floor and didn’t slow down or stop I tried to pump the brakes but the pedal was flat on the floor no pressure I put the vehicle I to park to stop The vehicle stopped immediately and I bounced around in it There was no ice on the pavement I was not sliding I turned the vehicle off and waited a few moments and the pedal came back up I very slowly drove up the block to my home and parked This scared me The next day I called roadside assistance for a tow to the dealership to be checked out( TOWNE Auto 3525 Southwestern Blvd in Orchard Park NY) When the tow truck driver came the next day he got in put his foot on the pedal pumped it twice to see him f there was pressure turned the vehicle on and he said the brake pedal went right down to the floor On Monday the 2/14/2022 The had the vehicle until 2/25/2022 they said they couldn’t verify the concern I went there scraped the ice and snow off the vehicle got in pumped the brake to see if there was pressure started it abs again the brake pedal went down to the floor I call roadside assistance again and had the vehicle towed to different dealership on 2/26/2022 West Herr 5485 Transit Rd Williamsville NY They had the vehicle until 3/03/2022 Again couldn’t verify the concern Both dealers gave a list of checked items I had asked if the master cylinder, brake booster, ABS, wheel sensors, or air brake n brake lines were checked All possibilities of a dropped to the floor brake pedal accordingly to the master mechanic at GEICO mechanical breakdown dept I requested this as I experienced a no brakes situation and I have no confidence in the ability of this vehicle to stop unless inspected properly Thi INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2022
It happened on two different occasions but only when driving at high speed using the Cruise Control. Here is what happened. Driving on the Cruise Control I “Set” it to 70 mph. Driving on the two lane highway with both lanes blocked by other vehicles, I pressed the “brake” pedal. The car slowed down and I continued driving at a lower speed. When traffic in front of me cleared, I pressed the “Resume” button on Cruise Control. With no obstacles in front of me, my car was supposed to accelerate to the previously set speed of 70 mph. Instead, it was slowing down. When pressing the gas pedal the car was not accelerating. It felt like the car “lost power.” It felt like the automatic transmission shifted to a Neutral or may be the lowest gear. Pushing the gas pedal did not do anything and on both occasions I managed to steer the car to a road shoulder. It was a scary situation with heavy fast moving traffic on a narrow mountain highway. I stopped the car, then tried to go again. It would go very slow on, what felt like, the lowest gear without acceleration. I then stopped the car again and turned off the engine. Turning the ignition off resets the electronics and I was able to get back on the road. The car continued to drive normally on Cruise Control until the same happened again the next day. As I said, it happened on two different occasions. From there on I avoided pushing the “Resume” button on Cruise Control and I am afraid of using it from now on to avoid potential accidents. I consider this to be a life threatening malfunction and I reported it to Hyundai’s Customer Care. They opened the Case Number and suggested going to the nearest dealer. I took the car to the nearest dealer. They kept it for several days, drove 40 miles and, as I expected, were not able to replicate the problem. In my opinion, this problem needs to be analyzed by the engineers not a dealership's technician. Is speed a factor? Is temperature a factor? What is the factor?
Power train, Air bags, Feb 24, 2022, crash
Proceeding with flow of traffic, Southbound on a 2 lane st, I was in the curb lane. A truck exiting interstate ran through, at approx 50-60 MPH, a red light. Initial contact was made on passenger side front and rear door. He continued to push my car, and I turned the wheel to the right to avoid left lane traffic (as they couldn't move becuase of guard rail facing East) and he gunned it and pushed me into a concrete the guard rail at about 15-25 mph. The car was stuck in drive, it couldn't be put into any other gear.?There were no airbag deployment at all?I've missed worked since 2/11. I have severe left side injuries-neck, shoulder, upper/lower arm, wrist, and left hand, upper back pain, lower back pain, pain down the back of my legs, right shoulder pain, concussion, numbness, tingling in fingers, back, and feet. Labored breathing, bruising, headache, some loss of mobility, in constant pain, panic attacks/anxiety, under care of pulmonologist, family dr., physical therapist, chiropractor (as of now), insurance company towed car to their facility to get estimate. They have the car in their possession and the only ones to do any inspection at this point. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING LIGHTS, MESSAGES, NOISES, NO WARNINGS ON BLUELINK APP, NOTHING THAT WOULD GIVE ME ANY INDICATION THERE WERE ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION (GEAR STUCK IN DRIVE) OR AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONS.
Service brakes, Feb 22, 2022
Four Weeks ago , I called Henderson Hyundai,702-565-1500, concerning a fire hazard for my car that the Hyundai Company said would start on fire because of corroded brake lines. I was told before that this would be taken care of at my next oil change, today, 2-22-2022. The service rep said this didn't apply to my 2020 Tucson. I told him that my car met their recall instructions. The dealership refused to fix the potential fire hazard. I want to go on record that I attempted to resolve the issue and the dealer said no. I put my car in the garage and don't want my house to burn down.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2022
These vehicles I been noticing looks like they having issues with their staters or something I been seeing on Youtube everyone having same issue like I'm where on cold days you try to start the engine it just makes a clicking sound with a burning smell
Visibility/wiper, Jan 24, 2022
I’ve owned this vehicle for a year and a half and have had to fix my windshield 3 times. 2 of those, including replacement. After only have the car for 2 months the windshield cracked. Then after I have had to replace it twice. I don’t know if it’s faulty design, but there have been lots of complaints of 2020 Hyundai windshields
Lane departure, Jan 21, 2022
For at least the last 60 days, the blind spot warning camera system will disengage while driving. Took the vehicle to the local dealer, who had the car for 2 days and could not determine the cause. They did discover it will disengage after driving the car for 18 miles. They have called Hyundai for assistance. So far, no information received back from Hyundai on how to correct this issue.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jan 17, 2022
The backup camera in the 2020 Tucson Ultimate is blurry, creating a serious safety issue. We have taken the vehicle to the dealer repeatedly with this complaint and although the service advisor agrees, Hyundai has refused to replace or repair the camera. Note that there are many of the same complaint that can be found through a simple internet search, but apparently Hyundai refuses to acknowledge and repair the issue. Both the driver's safety and the safety of others are at risk, since it's not possible to see clearly what is behind the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and the dealer requested a replacement backup camera, but Hyundai declined authorization for the replacement. Federal regulation that went into effect in May 2018 requires that all new vehicles must have a backup camera. Surely the backup camera must be usable, as opposed to just existing to satisfy the legal requirement? This camera is so blurry it is barely usable. We had this exact same make and model from the 2016 model year and the backup camera was crisp and clear, so this is definitely an issue with this particular model year.