Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Report
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 153 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
153
Complaint Rate
12.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$426
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$2,600
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (43)
- SERVICE BRAKES (33)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
Should You Buy the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
At 73/100, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.
Owners log 153 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (43). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 Hyundai Tucson for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$95 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (43 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (33 complaints)
Compare 2020 Hyundai Tucson With

2020 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 70/100

2020 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 74/100

2020 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 69/100

2020 Mazda CX-5
Reliability: 86/100

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 69/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (43)
- SERVICE BRAKES (33)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Hyundai Tucson Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.
Buying a used 2020 Hyundai Tucson? Check its history first
Every 2020 Hyundai Tucson has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Hyundai Tucson NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.2%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai TucsonRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$426
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23–25 MPG
Running cost: $2,850–$3,050/yr
Fuel + repair
21–23 city / 25–28 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Tucson FWD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Tucson AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Tucson AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Hyundai Tucson.
Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels frequently
Test for engine warning lights and ensure they function properly
Verify the presence and condition of the oil drain plug
Inspect for any signs of catalytic converter issues or replacements
Test infotainment and electrical systems for unexpected shutdowns
Ensure the Forward Collision Avoidance system operates correctly
Check for any unresolved recalls, especially related to the ABS system
2020 Hyundai Tucson Common Problems by Component
153 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
43 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with many describing the need to add oil between regular oil changes. Complaints often mention engines burning through oil significantly, sometimes as much as a quart every 300 miles or 5 liters per week. This issue typically emerges around 70,000 to 89,000 miles. Symptoms include engines running rough, smoke from exhausts, and a lack of warning lights indicating low oil levels. Some owners note that engines have failed or blown due to oil depletion, which poses potential safety risks such as engine shutdowns while driving, although no crashes or fires are reported. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be aware of possible high maintenance costs and the need for frequent oil checks.
SERVICE BRAKES
33 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues with the service brakes, notably involving a recall related to the hydraulic system where parts are often unavailable, leaving repairs unaddressed for extended periods. Complaints commonly describe brake pedal failures, such as the pedal dropping to the floor, and intermittent brake light malfunctions, with some reports noting these issues occurring around 30,000 miles. Safety implications include potential fire hazards due to corroded brake lines and the inability to stop the vehicle, although no crashes or fires are explicitly mentioned in the reports. Buyers should be aware of these unresolved brake-related recalls and the potential for delayed repairs due to parts distribution issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to engine performance and backup camera functionality. Multiple complaints describe engine problems such as unexpected shutdowns, oil consumption, and catalytic converter failures, often occurring around 23,000 to 38,000 miles. Backup camera issues are also common, with owners noting blurry or unusable images, especially in low light, and malfunctioning audible warnings. Safety implications include reports of crashes and fires, with at least one injury and two fires mentioned. These patterns highlight potential safety and reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report electrical system issues, with several complaints highlighting unintended vehicle shutdowns while driving and persistent dashboard warning lights for systems such as Lane Keeping, Blind Spot, and Forward Collision. Symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, engine misfires, and issues with the Brake Auto Hold system. These problems often occur around 24,000 to 102,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of vehicles losing power on highways and potential fire hazards due to unresolved recall issues related to the ABS system. Buyers considering a used 2020 Tucson should be aware of these recurring electrical problems and the associated safety risks.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues related to the power train, with common symptoms including sudden loss of power and the vehicle entering limp mode, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. Complaints often reference diagnostic codes P1326, indicating engine bearing failure, and P0420, related to catalytic converter issues, with some reports of these problems occurring at mileage as low as 5,200. One incident involved a crash resulting in injuries, where the vehicle was stuck in drive post-collision, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, owners describe stalling and unexpected acceleration, as well as unusual lurching when the vehicle is stationary, with some vehicles having low mileage, such as 6,400 miles, when these issues arise.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues with the airbag warning light, which often illuminates intermittently for brief periods. This problem occurs at various mileage points, with one owner noting it at approximately 50,000 miles. In some cases, despite dealership interventions such as code resets or component replacements, the warning light issue persists. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a crash report where the airbags failed to deploy, resulting in two injuries. This pattern of airbag light malfunctions and the documented failure to deploy during a collision could be relevant for potential buyers assessing the vehicle's safety reliability.
LANE DEPARTURE (4 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson frequently report issues with the lane departure and forward collision warning systems. Common symptoms include warning lights for lane assist and forward collision, as well as alarms prompting drivers to check these systems. Some owners note that the forward camera assist and blind spot warning systems disengage unexpectedly, often after driving a certain distance, such as 18 miles. These issues typically arise in vehicles that are around five years old, with repair costs cited as high, around $1,586 to $1,700, and often not covered under warranty. Safety implications are noted, as these systems are crucial for maintaining lane discipline and collision avoidance, though no accidents are reported in these complaints.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, commonly describing false activation of warnings and unexpected vehicle behavior. Complaints frequently mention the system activating without any vehicles or obstacles present, sometimes resulting in sudden stops and audible alerts. These issues are often reported at low mileages, around 5,000 miles, and some owners experience a loss of power or inability to accelerate, particularly when using cruise control. Safety implications are evident, with owners expressing concern about potential rear-end collisions due to abrupt stops on highways. Despite visits to dealerships, many owners report that the problem cannot be replicated or resolved, leaving them apprehensive about the vehicle's reliability.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson's suspension, particularly involving rear self-leveling shocks that wear out, leading to excessive bouncing and compromised vehicle control. One owner confirms a need for shock replacement without prior warnings. Another complaint describes the front end shaking when braking, with the owner experiencing what they perceive as ABS malfunction despite dealer assurances to the contrary. These issues occur without specific mileage details, but the symptoms suggest potential safety implications related to vehicle handling and braking performance.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering system of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, often accompanied by electrical malfunctions. Common symptoms include the steering wheel locking up or losing power steering assistance, frequently coinciding with the vehicle's stereo navigation screen going black and other electrical failures. These incidents are reported at low mileages, with one owner experiencing problems at around 400 miles. Safety implications are noted, as the loss of steering control can pose a significant risk, particularly if occurring during driving. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering and electrical issues when considering this model.
When Do 2020 Hyundai Tucson Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Hyundai Tucson Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Hyundai Tucson Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Hyundai Tucson year is 2021 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2025 (75/100).
Hyundai Tucson Years to Avoid
The worst Hyundai Tucson year is 2022 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to power train (82) issues.
Hyundai Tucson Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Tucson reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Hyundai Tucson Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have?
Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Hyundai Tucson without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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