Diagsheet

2020 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

  • 26owner reports
  • 51,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 28, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

72 of the 176 complaints on this car are about the engine. 26 of those describe engine failure. Only brake wear is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 26 reports

15
4
9
6
7
2

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (25 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Tucson

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
Engine · model years 2010 to 2022

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as
EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021
Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 85,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.

123
824
625
1126

What owners wrote

“While driving on the highway with adaptive cruise control on, car began decelerating without any vehicle in front. Started to get off highway, check engine light began flashing and came to a full stop. Car died. Tried restarting and car died. Check engine, oil and battery lights then on. Total engine failure and no warning lights prior.”

Filed Jul 14, 2026

“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.”

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · 1,000 miles

“Complete engine failure. Car was burning oil, wasn't aware. Since I am an on the road salesman I travel alot and get oil changes consistently. Then recently the engine oil light keeps coming on when rounding bends or stopping on a hill. I checked the dip stick and see oil is Half gone in between oil changes. The car stalled as I was approaching a dangerous intersection. Thankfully I was able to stop the car.”

Filed Feb 28, 2026

“the engine failed without warning. While going up a hill the car lost power. Yes, the dealership said it was a known problem. Yes, the dealership fixed the problem by putting in a new engine which I was responsible for 5% of the cost which was 739.66. The only warning that was given was after the car failed, the engine light and the oil light went on.”

Filed Nov 18, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 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.

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