2020 Hyundai Tucson Problems

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: Engine. Tustin Hyundai ([XXX]) diagnosed the failure on RO XXX: engine seized; connecting rod pierced through the bottom of the engine block due to internal catastrophic failure at the crankshaft/bearings; starter had a burnt smell. The dealer recommends full long block replacement. The vehicle remains at Tustin Hyundai and is available for inspection upon request. CONFIRMED BY: Hyundai dealership technician (diagnosis on RO XXX) and an insurance adjuster (National General/Allstate claim XXX, Estimate of Record on file). A goodwill request was submitted to Hyundai Motor America and denied. RELEVANT DEFECT HISTORY: This is the same connecting rod bearing failure mode for which Hyundai extended a Limited Lifetime Warranty on 2018-2019 Tucson vehicles with the same Theta II 2.4L GDI engine (TSB 22-EM-001H-1/TXXI). Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II ECU software update, issued XXX) was open and incomplete on my VIN at the time of failure and was performed only at the post-failure service visit. Oil consumption without external leaks, a documented characteristic of this engine defect, was present before the failure. SAFETY RISK: Sudden total loss of motive power at highway speed in traffic with a child aboard created a serious risk of collision, and the 30-minute roadside wait exposed us to passing traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and they could not diagnose the problem. The last time we took it to the dealer, the vehicle shut down while they were test driving it and they discovered it was a rear wheel sensor which is part of the ABS system. When the car would stall, lights on the dashboard would start flashing and the car would shudder to a stall. Since repairing that rear wheel sensor, the car has not exhibited the issue until 3 days ago when it again shut down randomly while she was in traffic. This, of course was terribly frightening for her as cars were honking at her and whipping around her vehicle. She was not able to get the car started. A police officer came and parked behind her car, calmed her down, and got her to try the car one more time and it did start up and she was able to proceed to the closest parking lot. After that we followed her home and have an appt. set to go back to the dealership. We are expecting the same run around at the dealer who charges excessive fees to diagnose and then repair the car. My Mom is [XXX] so this is a dangerous vehicle for her to be driving (really for anyone) as I am reading on line others reporting this same condition. I am expecting that they will find that a different rear wheel sensor has failed for which they will want another $800.00 to repair or maybe more now. Obviously we must get rid of this vehicle. It has less than 25,000 miles on it because she only drives to the grocery store and back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Component: Engine / Electrical System / Fuel System Incident Date: February 9th, 2026 Vehicle Speed: 45-50 MPH Description: While traveling at highway speeds on a major roadway, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic and sudden engine stall without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. The engine shut off completely while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total loss of power steering and power-assisted braking. I was forced to perform a high-effort emergency maneuver in heavy traffic to reach the shoulder and avoid a collision. This vehicle is used to transport myself, my coworker and my family whose lives was placed in immediate danger by this failure. Since the start of the financing agreement, this vehicle has a documented history of recurring sensor issues and failed repair attempts at the dealership (Route 1 Hyundai). The dealership has previously attempted to address electrical/sensor malfunctions, but the root cause remains unresolved, leading to this life-threatening stall. I believe this is a significant safety defect in the vehicle’s electrical or fuel management system that poses an unreasonable risk of accidents and injury.

In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and they could not diagnose the problem. The last time we took it to the dealer, the vehicle shut down while they were test driving it and they discovered it was a rear wheel sensor which is part of the ABS system. When the car would stall, lights on the dashboard would start flashing and the car would shudder to a stall. Since repairing that rear wheel sensor, the car has not exhibited the issue until 3 days ago when it again shut down randomly while she was in traffic. This, of course was terribly frightening for her as cars were honking at her and whipping around her vehicle. She was not able to get the car started. A police officer came and parked behind her car, calmed her down, and got her to try the car one more time and it did start up and she was able to proceed to the closest parking lot. After that we followed her home and have an appt. set to go back to the dealership. We are expecting the same run around at the dealer who charges excessive fees to diagnose and then repair the car. My Mom is [XXX] so this is a dangerous vehicle for her to be driving (really for anyone) as I am reading on line others reporting this same condition. I am expecting that they will find that a different rear wheel sensor has failed for which they will want another $800.00 to repair or maybe more now. Obviously we must get rid of this vehicle. It has less than 25,000 miles on it because she only drives to the grocery store and back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I have experienced 4 repeated issues within 4 months with my vehicle. Starting in September 2025 and the 4th and current issue today 1/12/26. Driving when all of a sudden all of my brake components lamps come on dash oard, forward collision alert, and check engine, my vehicle struggles to accelerate accurately. Blue Link diagnostic throws various codes such as ECM, Transmission Control System, even "multiple possible issues". Each time my vehicle has been at Hyundai dealership for repair. Each time they repair something different 1st- replace ABS module and hydraulic brake, 2nd - happened out of state at my mother funeral and replaced my ECM, 3rd couldn't figure it out and guessed it was my Forward collision camera and replaced it, 4th - is today and awaiting dealership diagnosis. This issue has left me stranded several times local and long distance, occured in middle of driving including on highway, and overall uncertain of the safety and reliability of the vehicle as each time it has been the same type of issue. I have been in communication with Hyundai Corporate since October and they stated that even tho I only have 24k miles on the vehicle that it is outside the state of IN lemon laws for a buyback. If I hadn't purchased an extended warranty I would be in even more debt or unable to put it in the shop even tho I don't feel like this should be my burden when I have kept this vehicle in great shape, low mileage, frequent oil changes, etc . however the safety of my vehicles goes unresolved. At this point I am uncertain that Hyundai is properly diagnosing my vehicle and not certain how these issues are impacting other components of my vehicle such as brakes, transmission, engine, sensors. I am the only owner of this vehicle bought brand new. I have checked repeatedly for any recalls that I have not addressed and at this time none are pending. I fear that this vehicle will continue to have more safety issues.

While driving on the expressway my car hit a bump and all the power from the vehicle was lost. I’ve been having issues with my car and have taking it to Hyundai dealership. Everytime I take it they are saying my car is fixed. But it’s not. Now they are saying they didn’t fix it because I didn’t explain the problem to them. I lost control driving high speeds. Thankfully the power returned. When I tell hyuandai in Naperville what happened they said it’s not their responsibility because I didn’t say it was electrical. I told them I didn’t know I had a an electrical problem. I thought that if I take my car in they would tell me the problem.

On December 27, 2025, while driving, the engine suddenly lost power and the vehicle entered limp mode and became undriveable. A warning light appeared and diagnostic code P1326 was later confirmed, indicating engine bearing failure. The vehicle could not be driven safely and required towing to a Hyundai dealership the following day. The engine failure caused a loss of propulsion safety risk. The vehicle remains out of service pending a full engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection at a Hyundai dealership.

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 internally clean and showed no significant sludge buildup consistent with severe neglect. I am concerned that this engine failure may be related to known Hyundai engine issues involving the 2.4L GDI engine. The failure occurred well before the expected service life of the engine and created a potential safety hazard due to the loss of power while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure and determine whether similar failures are occurring in 2020 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with the 2.4L GDI engine.

My car has been burning through about 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. Hyundai will NOT replace the engine. If this continues My engine could malfunction while driving. This is a serious safety concern and there's plenty of information on it. They refuse to recall it.

Was in a side impact car accident last year. And have been speaking with Hyundai off and on since the accident and have basically been brushed off in my concerns about the fact my airbags never deployed when my rear passenger door was essentially ripped off during the car accident. Progressive moved quickly with my claim and Hyundai pretty much told me not their problem since progressive moved the vehicle so fast and they said they can’t locate it even though I gave them exactly who to get in contact with and they never bothered and basically told me my issue was unfounded due to the fact they couldn’t locate said vehicle

For about three weeks, my airbag warning light appeared intermittently, lasting 1–3 minutes at a time. I have not taken it to the dealership because I was unsure if it was covered by the warranty, and they had no availability. Now the warning light is off, but I am worried that the airbags will not deploy if needed.

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.

Dealer completed update 9C2 Theta 2 emissions update. After update, the car sputters slightly and increased noise is heard from the tailpipe. Customer returned to dealer after driving the car in different temps and noted the above complaint. Dealer verified the complaint but continues to take no responsibility for the fault on the repair receipt by writing condition is “normal” and recommending “customer to allow vehicle to properly warm up for one to three minutes prior to driving.” The last line of the service record indicates “no problem found at this time.” A template letter from Hyundai was attached to the repair record. Hyundai may be instructing dealers to not document problems in the service records assumably so they will not be liable for future litigation. It should be noted that owner was previously denied payment on their 2017 Hyundai Tucson due to lack of documentation by the dealer to prove the case with prior class action lawsuit despite years of verbal complaints to the service staff. Dealer may be intentionally not documenting or taking responsibility for systematic failures in the Tucson in service records. This may be on the direction of Hyundai corporate. 2020 Hyundai Tucson continues to sputter periodically during normal driving conditions. Car is parked in an attached garage making a 1 to 3 minute warm-up time-consuming and possibly unsafe. This required warm up should not be considered normal as indicated on the repair record. Hyundai should take responsibility for their shortcomings and allow proper documentation on service records rather than pushing the fault on the owners. As with previous Tucson complaints, the dealer continues to indicate the problems are the result of owner actions not internal failures.

In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and they could not diagnose the problem. The last time we took it to the dealer, the vehicle shut down while they were test driving it and they discovered it was a rear wheel sensor which is part of the ABS system. When the car would stall, lights on the dashboard would start flashing and the car would shudder to a stall. Since repairing that rear wheel sensor, the car has not exhibited the issue until 3 days ago when it again shut down randomly while she was in traffic. This, of course was terribly frightening for her as cars were honking at her and whipping around her vehicle. She was not able to get the car started. A police officer came and parked behind her car, calmed her down, and got her to try the car one more time and it did start up and she was able to proceed to the closest parking lot. After that we followed her home and have an appt. set to go back to the dealership. We are expecting the same run around at the dealer who charges excessive fees to diagnose and then repair the car. My Mom is [XXX] so this is a dangerous vehicle for her to be driving (really for anyone) as I am reading on line others reporting this same condition. I am expecting that they will find that a different rear wheel sensor has failed for which they will want another $800.00 to repair or maybe more now. Obviously we must get rid of this vehicle. It has less than 25,000 miles on it because she only drives to the grocery store and back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Component: Engine / Electrical System / Fuel System Incident Date: February 9th, 2026 Vehicle Speed: 45-50 MPH Description: While traveling at highway speeds on a major roadway, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic and sudden engine stall without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. The engine shut off completely while in motion, resulting in an immediate and total loss of power steering and power-assisted braking. I was forced to perform a high-effort emergency maneuver in heavy traffic to reach the shoulder and avoid a collision. This vehicle is used to transport myself, my coworker and my family whose lives was placed in immediate danger by this failure. Since the start of the financing agreement, this vehicle has a documented history of recurring sensor issues and failed repair attempts at the dealership (Route 1 Hyundai). The dealership has previously attempted to address electrical/sensor malfunctions, but the root cause remains unresolved, leading to this life-threatening stall. I believe this is a significant safety defect in the vehicle’s electrical or fuel management system that poses an unreasonable risk of accidents and injury.

My driver's seat broke and started wobbling while driving. The whole. Bottom plate is broken and the bolt will not hold it steady. It will not stay in one place. It slides back and forth and bounces up and down

I WAS DRIVING THEN I SMELLED SOMETHING, DIDN'T FIGURE OUT WHERE THE SMELL COME FROM AT FIRST, BUT WHEN I GOT HOME I REALIZED THAT MY REAR SEAT WAS BURNT AND MELTED SO DEEP IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE BECAUSE MY SEAT HEATER WAS ON, MY CAR COULD HAVE BEEN EXPLODED, IT WAS MELTED COMPLETELY. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THEY WERE SO SCARED THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, I WAS SO SCARED, WHY SEAT SHOULD BURN BECAUSE THE SEAT HEATER IS ON!!!!! IT'S UNBELIEVABLE. IMAGINE IT WAS A CAR SEAT ON IT OR A PARALYSIS PERSON WHO WAS SITTING THERE.

The paint is peeling off the car prematurely. Hyundai is only acknowledging their responsibility for white vehicles but it is affecting others as well.

Paint peeling and chips easily.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake light needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the brake light housing case had melted. The dealer was contacted to purchase a new housing case. The contact purchased the part, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The left brake lights are on the vehicle remains on even when the brake is not pressed.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the Brake Auto Hold was engaged unintendedly and failed to disengage upon pressing the button, which required the contact to turn off, restart, and drive the vehicle for some time for the Brake Auto Hold to disengage. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The contact stated that the infotainment system was inoperable. Additionally, the passenger's side rear seat belt failed to buckle as intended, and the passenger's side rear door handle fractured while the contact was opening the door. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

When driving this car it is hard to go to higher speed. Acceleration is a huge problem. Coming on to the highway I have to wait until there's no one approaching due to the fact that it takes about 40 seconds to a minute for the car to accelerate once it comes to a stop. When switching lanes it takes 40 to 60 seconds to accelerate as well. That's not safe. God forbid someone was speeding directly behind me I would absolutely be hit. It takes to long to accelerate and get out of the way. I was nearly hit by a semi truck due to this problem. Thank goodness the truck moved to the other lane because the Tuscon couldn't! Also the car won't allow you to close off the outside air while if the front or rear air function. So if I want to place air on the windshield I have to breathe in the air from the person in front tailpipe. That's crazy. This is the first car I've had that did this. It's disgusting especially living in ny why should I have to breathe in that toxin. Also I can not find the third seat belt for the passengers in the back. The car is suppose to be a five passenger car however only four can safely be seated.

The rear self leveling shocks are worn out. The car bounces terribly and control is an issue. I have confirmation from the dealer that the shocks need to be replaced. There were no warnings that the parts were broken.

from time to time, when stepping on the brakes the whole front end shakes . when this happended i took the 2020 tucson back to the dealer to be checked out. I was told there was nothing wrong with it. and i was just not use to abs. I"m not stupid. i've had many , many cars and suv'''s, trucks with abs. this made me mad. and guess what, it still locks up. i

I’ve owned this vehicle for a year and a half and have had to fix my windshield 3 times. 2 of those, including replacement. After only have the car for 2 months the windshield cracked. Then after I have had to replace it twice. I don’t know if it’s faulty design, but there have been lots of complaints of 2020 Hyundai windshields

MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. NOTHING HIT IT. IT STARTED OUT AS A 5INCH LONG CRACK AND IS NOW 18INCHES. I CANT FEEL IT ON THE INSIDE, OR OUTSIDE OF THE GLASS. IT IS FROM THE INSIDE.

THIS CAR HAS HAD AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR MONTHS, I HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS FIXED AND WHEN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE CAR SERVICED THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET IT. NOW I ALSO HAVE A WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD FOR AN ISSUE WITH TIRES AND CAN'T GET IN TO SEE THEM AS I HAD AN APPOINTMENT THEY CANCELED. AT THIS POINT I THINK THEIR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM IS FRAUDULENT AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED