2020 Hyundai Tucson Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 41%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, 41% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Service recall 195 for ABS system and potential fire hazard. Hyundai says not to drive because of safety risk and that parts are not available nationwide. Apparently this is only for existing cars if you buy new they will fix the problem and have parts available immediately. How is that possible?”
NHTSA complaint #11386145, filed 2021-01, 11,332 miles“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 stop the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11721101, filed 2026-02“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11739459, filed 2026-05“Had for a year. 6 months ago, started sputtering, surging, slowing and dying on a regular basis. Have had it shop at Chapman used in Tucson, AZ and Lawley Hyundai in Sierra Vista Arizona 3 times. Chaan couldn't repair, so we went to Lawley. The mechanism there keep saying they cannot reproduce! The engine malfunctions 3-4 time during any drive we do. Has been going on for 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11597233, filed 2024-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11723433, filed 2026-03Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11037434Sep 16, 2026Some 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…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Certain 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…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start…
- 11031416Apr 14, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated…
- 11030625Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
- 11030619Mar 30, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 3% |
| 2025 | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 | 14 | 14% |
| 2023 | 23 | 17% |
| 2022 | 115 | 30% |
| 2021 | 39 | 49% |
| 2020 | 73 | 41% |
| 2019 | 201 | 52% |
| 2018 | 244 | 61% |
| 2017 | 602 | 55% |
| 2016 | 424 | 26% |
| 2015 | 120 | 52% |
| 2014 | 110 | 54% |
| 2013 | 156 | 59% |
| 2012 | 160 | 63% |
| 2011 | 40 | 32% |
| 2010 | 7 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 12% |
| 2007 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 12 | 9% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
44 complaintsOther or unknown
28 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsForward collision avoidance
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsLane departure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology