Last updated: 2026-03-04

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
2020 Hyundai Tucson

2020 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Score & Common Problems

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

12.4

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$426

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

10%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
61/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (43)SERVICE BRAKES (33)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)

1 recall on record

Should You Buy the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

With 153 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (43). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

  • ENGINE (43)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (33)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
  • POWER TRAIN (6)
  • AIR BAGS (5)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (4)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • STEERING (2)
  • STRUCTURE (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
  • SEATS (2)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
  • SEAT BELTS (1)
  • WHEELS (1)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

Park Outside

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

12.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 18.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

4

Fires

2

Injuries

4

Deaths

0

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.

20V5430002020-09-04Park Outside

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.

2020 Hyundai Tucson NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai Tucson Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Tucson
$426
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2020 Hyundai Tucson

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • 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

Check Any 2020 Hyundai Tucson's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Tucson in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Hyundai Tucson with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2020 Hyundai Tucson Common Problems by Component

153 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

43
33
26
18
ENGINE (43)SERVICE BRAKES (33)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)POWER TRAIN (6)AIR BAGS (5)LANE DEPARTURE (4)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)Other (18)

ENGINE

43 complaints

Owners 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.

43 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

33 complaints

Owners 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.

33 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

26 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

26 complaints total2 crashes2 fires1 injury
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 complaints

Owners 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.

15 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

6 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

5 complaints total1 crash2 injuries
LANE DEPARTURE (4 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2020 Hyundai Tucson Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

70,000–89,000 milesEngine oil consumption

Best & Worst Hyundai Tucson Years

Best Hyundai Tucson Years to Buy

The 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.

See full Hyundai Tucson years-to-avoid analysis →

Hyundai Tucson Reliability Score Trend

Hyundai Tucson reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.

avg 73
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Hyundai Tucson reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
201968/100Good
202073/100Good
202178/100Good
202266/100Good
202375/100Good
202477/100Good
202575/100Good

Hyundai Tucson Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/100 (predicted)Predicted43
202575/100-2Good6251
202477/100+2Good487
202375/100+9Good2142
202266/100-12Good3433
202178/100+5Good158
2020(selected)73/100+5Good1153
201968/1000Good1349
201868/100Good1362

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 153 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson include: ENGINE (43 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (33 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have?
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has estimated annual repair costs of $426/year, which is $95 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 73/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue