2020 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

44owner reports
24,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report May 18, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

44 of the 176 complaints on this car describe brake wear, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Tucson.

Tick what matches of 44 reports

pulsing or shaking when braking

pedal goes soft or to the floor

a brake warning light

the car did not stop in time

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (13 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

20V-543Sep 4, 2020

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

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 and remedy

Risk: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Tucson

AQ23-002opened Nov 17, 2023

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2010 to 2021

Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.

NHTSA summary

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 Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kiaâs defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 4,300 and 30,000 miles, from the 10 reports that gave a mileage.

1220

1821

422

223

224

325

326

What owners wrote

“Electrical rear brake system. My rear driver side brake like sometimes fails to operate properly. Brake warning light on dash comes on. This happens on and off. After researching the issue I found numerous owners are having the same issue. Some replace the bulb multiple times while others have had dealerships replace the harness. Both solutions only temporarily fixed the problem for a short time”
Filed Jun 16, 2024

“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”
Filed Feb 20, 2023

“The left brake lights are on the vehicle remains on even when the brake is not pressed.”
Filed Oct 5, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.