2020 Hyundai TUCSON
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Hyundai TUCSON has 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 314. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: 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?. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
225
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
66 complaints- • 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?
- • 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
- • 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, o
“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 filing
When Problems Appear on the 2020 Hyundai TUCSON
Based on 39 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BRAKES
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
OTHER
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
High theft risk
The Hyundai TUCSON was the #17 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 5,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Hyundai TUCSON
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Hyundai TUCSON
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Hyundai TUCSON Service Intervals
Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner
These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2020 TUCSON, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 225 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: 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?
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: I AM UNABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE MY NEW 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON PURCHASED JULY 12, 2020, DUE TO A DANGEROUS RECALL. THERE IS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME AND IF THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, I AM ADVISED TO PULL OVER, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, DO NOT PARK THE CAR INDOORS. I W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE BACKUP CAMERA IS BLURRY AND FUZZY DURING THE DAY AND EVEN WORSE AT NIGHT. ALMOST USELESS AT NIGHT TIME. THE CAMERA SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE BUT IT IS NOT VERY GOOD WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE OUT OBJECTS AND THERE ISN'T A WARNING NOISE WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO BACK UP INTO SOMETHING. I H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: THE BACKUP CAMERA IS BLURRY AND FUZZY DURING THE DAY AND EVEN WORSE AT NIGHT. ALMOST USELESS AT NIGHT TIME. THE CAMERA SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE BUT IT IS NOT VERY GOOD WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE OUT OBJECTS AND THERE ISN'T A WARNING NOISE WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO BACK UP INTO SOMETHING. I H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Hyundai TUCSON — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 225
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 5
- Injury reports
- 5
- Segment avg
- 314
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Hyundai TUCSON