YearToAvoid

2020 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has a complaint index of 60 and ranks 9th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 177 complaints, one recall, and engine problems made up 42% of complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
60/100
#9 of 21 Tucson years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
177
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
1 Park Outside
Crashes
5
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
5
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2009
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24
22 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Top 2020 Hyundai Tucson problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine75 (42%)
  2. Brakes44 (25%)
  3. Other28 (16%)
  4. Electrical System22 (12%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras19 (11%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain9 (5%)
  7. Airbags7 (4%)
  8. Fuel System6 (3%)
  9. Lane Departure6 (3%)
  10. Structure & Body6 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the anti-lock brake system triggering a recall where the ABS light comes on and the car must be pulled over, disconnected, and towed.
  • Some describe the vehicle lurching or jerking repeatedly while stopped at a light in drive, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
  • One owner reported the electric power steering warning light coming on mid-turn, followed by a total loss of power steering assist that later returned to normal.
  • Owners describe the rear view camera becoming obstructed by rain water with no protective cover, making it hard to see objects behind the vehicle.
  • One report described smoke and a fire starting under the hood while driving, requiring the fire department to respond.
  • Some owners with brake recall notices said replacement parts were on backorder and appointments got delayed by a month or more.
2020 Hyundai Tucson complaints: complaints filed per quarter262020 Q12021 Q12022 Q12023 Q12024 Q12025 Q12026 Q1
177 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (26).

2020 Hyundai Tucson recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V543000Sep 4, 2020Brakes652,024 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    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 customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

2020 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2020 compared with other Tucson years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Avoid75396124.5
2019Avoid80379124
2020Caution60177124
2021Caution4079124
2022Avoid90381329

All Hyundai Tucson years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2020 Tucson a complaint index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years of the Tucson. Engine complaints are the largest category at 42% of all reports.
What is the main problem with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 75 of 177 complaints (42%), with a median mileage at failure of 76,000. Brakes are the second largest category at 25%.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for the 2020 Tucson, campaign 20V543000, involving the anti-lock brake system's HECU fuse; it requires parking outside but is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2020 Tucson compare to other Tucson years?
The 2020 model's complaint index of 60 is lower than the 2016-2019 and 2022 and 2025 model years, all rated Avoid with indexes between 75 and 100, but higher than years like 2007-2009 rated Good.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2020 Tucson gets 24 mpg combined (22 city/27 highway) with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700, according to EPA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.