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2020 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering control unit/module. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine oil consumption.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #20V543000 · Apr 9, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Engine oil consumption

ENGINE

56 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-06

“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.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723433
“the car started using a little oil around 80,000 mile, and its just gotten worst , to the point that's it using 1 quart per 150 miles the car runs ok but its ridiculous the amount it is using. and from what I've found researching there is a lot of complaints”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691974
“Car is burning through oil at a rate of 5L per week.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682794
“MOTOR IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. I need to CHANGE EVERY month, which IS VERY EXPENSIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687072

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Anti-lock brake recall parts delay

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

45 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-05

“I AM UNABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE MY NEW 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON PURCHASED JULY 12, 2020, DUE TO A DANGEROUS RECALL. THERE IS NO SOLUTION AT THIS TIME AND IF THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, I AM ADVISED TO PULL OVER, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, DO NOT PARK…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11359842
“RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. I CALLED HYUNDAI LEFT VOICE MESSAGE. CALLED TODAY AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART TO GET THE CAR FIXED. TOLD ME TO CALL AGAIN IN ONE MONTH. DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BREAK SYSTEM, I THINK…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375444
“RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR ABS PART PROBLEM. HAVE BEEN CALLING ROSEN HYUNDAI OF ALGONQUIN, IL EVERY WEEK STARTING NOVEMBER 9, 2020. NO PART IN YET AND THEY KEEP SAYING TWO WEEKS. I WANT TO BE ON RECORD THAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE DUE TO THIS RECALL HYUNDAI IS…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377350

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision warning false activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2025-04

“Hyundai Tucson Sport 2020, this happens always, while driving in the highway, long distance the forward collision warning activates (no cars in front of me or any objects) and the SUV make a sudden stop and it sound a loud scary noise, then I have to park, turn it off and then…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443301
“While driving the vehicle suddenly started alarming indicating to check "Forward Collision Warning" followed by an alert to check "Lane Keeping Assistant." Immediately pulled off the road shut the vehicle off and checked the perimeter. No issues noted. Issue continues, while…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603861

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear camera low-light visibility

UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2022-01

“THE BACKUP CAMERA IS BLURRY AND FUZZY DURING THE DAY AND EVEN WORSE AT NIGHT. ALMOST USELESS AT NIGHT TIME. THE CAMERA SYSTEM IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE BUT IT IS NOT VERY GOOD WHEN YOU CAN'T MAKE OUT OBJECTS AND THERE ISN'T A WARNING NOISE WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO BACK UP…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315942
“I SUBMITTED A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY CAR'S FRONT AND REARVIEW CAMERA. IN LOW LIGHT, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHAT IS BEHIND ME OR HOW FAR I AM FROM THE OBJECT BEHIND ME. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MANDATES BACKUP CAMERAS BUT DOES THAT MEAN A MANUFACTURER CAN JUST PUT ANY CAMERA ON CAR…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407879

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

22 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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