2020 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
2020 Hyundai Tucson Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (159) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Hyundai Tucson with 61 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Hyundai Tucson before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Tucson Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Tucson years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 61 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 355 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 338 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 369 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 108 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 1054 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Hyundai Tucson Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
45 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyService Brakes
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability Score
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption Engine oil consumption is a critical issue, with some vehicles burning up to 2 quarts per 1000 miles, leading to engine failure. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic Issues Hydraulic service brakes have been recalled by Hyundai, affecting certain 2019-2021 Tucson models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Malfunction Air bag malfunctions have been reported, though less frequently than other issues. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Electrical system issues have been noted, but are less common than other concerns. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson:
Engine oil consumption is a significant concern, with some vehicles burning up to 2 quarts per 1000 miles.
Electrical system issues have been noted, but are less common than other concerns.
Fuel system issues, including excessive oil consumption, have been reported.
Hydraulic service brakes have been recalled by Hyundai, affecting certain 2019-2021 Tucson models.
Recall Details for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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 custom...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO, SOON AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP, I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK. IT SHOWED LOW OIL AND I ADDED SOME. IT MADE ME THINK THAT THE DEALER HAD SHORTED THE OIL. NEXT OIL CHANGE, I HAD THEM SHOW ME THE OIL WAS FULL. IT SHOWED LOW FULL. I'VE BEEN CAREFULLY CHECKING THE OIL EVER SINCE AND HAVE CONTINUED ADDING OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. 8 OR SO MONTHS AGO, I HAD THE OIL AND FILTER ...
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.
Complete engine failure. Car was burning oil, wasn't aware. Since I am an on the road salesman I travel alot and get oil changes consistently. Then recently the engine oil light keeps coming on when rounding bends or stopping on a hill. I checked the dip stick and see oil is Half gone in between oil changes. The car stalled as I was approaching a dangerous intersection. Thankfully I was able to st...
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 ag...
I have a 2020 Tucson Sport with 82k miles. Since new, it consumes 1US qt. of oil every 6 month, although I religiously do the tune-up on its recommended intervals using only Mobil 5w-20 synthetic oil. What can I do?
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Fuel System Incident Date: February 9th, 2026 Vehicle Speed: 45-50 MPH Description: While traveling at highway speeds on a major roadway, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic and sudden engine stall without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. The engine shut off completely while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total loss of power steering ...
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.
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 to...
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 ...
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 ...
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, eve...
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 illumi...
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.
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.
Vehicle excessively burns oil, engine drives rough, exhaust developed smoke, burnt smell in engine, engine and oil gauge light comes on.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 infotai...
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 ...
Showing 20 of 159 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Opened 2023-11-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando....
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Has the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
The 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 159 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON involve engine (45 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (16 complaints), unknown or other (15 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, unknown or other,back over prevention, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 159 total complaints (2.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON out of 159 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON is acceptable with caveats. It has 159 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON are: 1. ENGINE (45 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (16 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION (6 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 45 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Be cautious of engine oil consumption and hydraulic service brakes, as these are significant issues in the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON has 159 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
The 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 159 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Oil Consumption and Service Brakes Hydraulic Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON?
Known issues with the 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON include: Engine Oil Consumption, Service Brakes Hydraulic Issues, Air Bag Malfunction, Electrical System Issues. These are based on patterns found across 159 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
The most common issues are engine oil consumption and hydraulic service brake problems.
Is the engine oil consumption issue covered by a class action lawsuit?
No, the known issue with excessive oil consumption is not covered by the class action lawsuit.
What should I do if I notice excessive oil consumption in my 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
Monitor the oil level closely and consult a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine oil consumption and hydraulic service brakes, as these are significant issues in the 2020 Hyundai Tucson.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Hyundai Tucson
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The data includes 159 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Hyundai Tucson an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16