2020 Hyundai Tucson engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

74 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, 42% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 80,000 mi.

Engine complaints
74
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
80,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine73
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across Hyundai Tucson years

4200531200734201014592012698220149432520165602382018194742020421162022231420241222026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k460k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 25, 2026CAEngine
    On XXX, while driving at freeway speed in [XXX] with my [XXX] son in the back seat, the engine of my 2020 Hyundai Tucson (2.4L Theta II GDI, approx. 99,108 miles) seized suddenly and without warning. I lost all motive power in moving traffic and coasted to the shoulder, where my son and I sat stranded for 30 minutes with smoke and a burning smell coming from the engine while waiting for a tow. No warning lamps or messages appeared before the failure. COMPONENT FAILED:…
    NHTSA complaint #11766998 · source
  2. Filed Sep 18, 2026NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Engine has defect that causes oil to heat at an unusual levels there for damaging other vehicle components such as The exhaust system parts clogging up and Triggering check engine warning lights for emissions.
    NHTSA complaint #11765249 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 202680,000 miINEngine
    The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the oil pan was empty. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed about a possible oil consumption test. The contact was informed that there was carbon blowing out of the vehicle. The contact stated that three months later, the oil pan was empty. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer,…
    NHTSA complaint #11758267 · source
  4. Filed Jul 28, 2026UTEngine
    The engine lost power while driving, and the vehicle entered a reduced-power mode. The check engine light began flashing, and the engine made a loud knocking noise during acceleration. A diagnostic scan showed code P1326 (Knock Sensor Signal Range/Performance). The knock sensor was replaced, and the engine oil was refilled after discovering an oil leak. The vehicle operated normally for a short time, but the same symptoms returned. The vehicle is available for inspection.…
    NHTSA complaint #11753365 · source
  5. Filed Jul 18, 2026NYEngine
    Tried passing someone on the thruway, as I was about to the car jerked a bit then started decelerating. The check engine light started flashing and so did the oil light. Read the code as cylinder 3 misfire and a knock sensor. Changed the spark plugs and coil packs then checked the oil and saw there was no oil in the engine. Was told by my mechanic it’s a common problem with these Hyundai engines, it seems the rings are getting fried in the engine and that’s why it consumes…
    NHTSA complaint #11751269 · source
  6. Filed Jul 14, 2026NCEngine
    While driving on the highway with adaptive cruise control on, car began decelerating without any vehicle in front. Started to get off highway, check engine light began flashing and came to a full stop. Car died. Tried restarting and car died. Check engine, oil and battery lights then on. Total engine failure and no warning lights prior.
    NHTSA complaint #11750442 · source
  7. Filed Jun 29, 2026MNEngine
    Vehicle is a 2020 Hyundai Tucson with a 2.4 liter engine: Theta II GDI. Vehicle was purchased new and maintained properly. Excessive oil consumption began at about 50,000 miles. Vehicle was purchased in early 2020 and therefore has an engine manufactured in 2019. Tucson vehicles with this engine from 2011 through 2019 were recalled for engine problems including excessive oil consumption and rod bearing failure possibly resulting in engine fires. If engines were not replaced…
    NHTSA complaint #11747239 · source
  8. Filed Jun 16, 2026NCEngine
    I am reporting a serious safety issue involving diagnostic code P1326. My vehicle developed engine knocking and little to no acceleration and appeared to enter a reduced-power or limp-mode condition while driving. This made it difficult to merge, maintain speed, and travel safely in traffic, creating a risk of collision or becoming stranded in an unsafe location. Based on publicly available Hyundai materials, code P1326 is associated with the Knock Sensor Detection System…
    NHTSA complaint #11744527 · source
  9. Filed Jun 7, 2026ILEngine
    The engine consumes oil which is a known problem at Hyundai with the Tucson for the year 2020. The car has ~51,000 miles on it. When we took the car to the dealer at which we bought the car they diagnosed that the engine was burning oil. We were told that the engine is covered by standard warranty (10 yr. 100,000 miles). there is a process Hyundai has established for engines suspected of having this issue - first we had to have them check the oil and engine and then we had…
    NHTSA complaint #11742588 · source
  10. Filed Jun 4, 2026ALEngine
    I recently purchased a 2020 Hyundai Tucson with a Nu 2.0 GDI engine. Shortly after purchase the engine completely failed and requires full replacement. When taken to a Hyundai dealership, they pulled an internal STUI report showing A95 branding, meaning Hyundai had previously denied warranty coverage blaming the prior owner for outside influence. This A95 designation does not appear on any consumer vehicle history report including Carfax or AutoCheck. I paid $13,500 for this…
    NHTSA complaint #11742153 · source
  11. Filed Jun 1, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    While driving, the engine began making a loud knocking/rattling noise and the check engine light began flashing. The vehicle experienced a loss of power and was unsafe to continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. The engine requires replacement. Hyundai denied coverage, claiming excessive oil consumption and/or maintenance concerns. However, upon inspection, the dealership removed the valve cover and advised that the engine was…
    NHTSA complaint #11741423 · source
  12. Filed May 22, 2026NYEngine
    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 · source

Other 2020 Hyundai Tucson problem areas

  • Brakes (44)
  • Other / Unknown (28)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (21)
  • Electrical System (19)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (9)
  • Airbags (7)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (5)
  • Lighting (4)
  • Steering (4)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Suspension (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2020 Hyundai Tucson problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology