2020 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems | Recalls | Reliability

Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Robert Wilson

Hyundai has transitioned from manufacturing budget-friendly econoboxes to creating stylish and feature-rich cars and SUVs.

The 2020 Tucson exemplifies this evolution and is one of the brand’s recent models.

Positioned within the brand’s lineup, the Tucson falls on the smaller side, slightly larger than the Kona and a tad more compact than the Santa Fe.

2020 Hyundai Tucson Transmission Problems

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has encountered many transmission problems including – rough shifting, slipping gears, and transmission failure are common ones. There have been 75 complaints and 4 recalls by NHTSA so far.

2020 Hyundai Tucson Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Offers a wide array of features for the price
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Provides a comfortable ride on rough road surfaces
• Interior materials exhibit a slightly higher quality compared to competing models

Cons:

• Sluggish acceleration when equipped with the base engine
• Offers less cargo space than leading competitors
• Falls short in fuel economy when compared to class-leading vehicles

2020 Hyundai Tucson Issues & Complaints

On September 28, 2023, a complaint was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID Number 11547181, concerning issues related to the electrical system. The incident occurred on August 1, 2023, and the consumer reported their location as Medford, Oregon. The specific vehicle in question was identified by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as KM8J2CA45LU****.

Summary of Complaint:

• CRASH: No
• FIRE: No
• INJURIES: None
• DEATHS: None

The complainant suggests that NHTSA should issue a non-official recall warning for Hyundai vehicles due to a software-based safety defect. This defect pertains to certain models lacking a Passive Engine Immobilizer, making them susceptible to theft by starting the engine with a USB cord. Fortunately, Hyundai has initiated a recall, offering a free Anti-Theft Software Update and a steering wheel lock. The complainant verified with their Hyundai dealership in Oregon that their vehicle had already received the Anti-Theft Software Update. They became aware of this issue when their insurance provider, State Farm, canceled their policy approximately one month after the policy had been initiated.

On September 17, 2023, a complaint was reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID Number 11545034, relating to issues with the vehicle’s airbags. The incident occurred on the same date, and the consumer’s location is currently unknown. The specific vehicle involved was identified by its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as KM8J33AL4LU****.

Summary of Complaint:

• CRASH: No
• FIRE: No
• INJURIES: None
• DEATHS: None

The consumer has been experiencing an ongoing problem with the airbag warning light in their vehicle. The light consistently illuminates for a few minutes and then goes out. In an effort to address this issue, the consumer checked the NHTSA website to verify whether a recall had been issued. As of the date of the complaint, which is September 17, 2023, no information regarding a recall was available. Consequently, the consumer remains unsure about the nature of the problem and why the airbag warning light continues to illuminate and then extinguish.

December 13, 2022 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11497327

Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

NHTSA ID Number: 11497327

Incident Date September 1, 2022

Consumer Location BURBANK, CA

Vehicle Identification Number KM8J33A47LU****

The person in question’s father possesses a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. While driving at different speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system displayed a message, even though there were no other vehicles in close proximity. The vehicle was subsequently brought to a local dealership, where a diagnosis revealed the need for an unspecified sensor replacement. Unfortunately, the contact’s father was informed that the required part was on backorder, resulting in the vehicle remaining unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of this issue, and the problem first occurred at an approximate mileage of 5,000.

December 9, 2021 NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11443301

Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

NHTSA ID Number: 11443301

Incident Date November 20, 2021

Consumer Location GUAYNABO, PR

Vehicle Identification Number KM8J33AL5LU****

I own a 2020 Hyundai Tucson Sport, and I’ve experienced a recurring issue. Whenever I’m driving on the highway for long distances, the forward collision warning system activates, even when there are no vehicles or objects in front of me. As a result, the SUV suddenly comes to a halt with a loud, startling noise. To address this, I have to pull over, turn off the vehicle, and then restart it because the RPM starts to increase. This situation is a significant safety concern, and I’m grateful that there were no vehicles behind me, as it could have led to a potentially dangerous situation on the highway.

2020 Hyundai Tucson Recalls

On September 4, 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall with the Campaign Number 20V543000 for Hyundai vehicles. This recall pertains to an issue with the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that may lead to engine compartment fires, posing a risk of injury or accidents.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Affected Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Total Number of Affected Units: 652,024

Recall Summary:

Hyundai Motor America initiated a recall for certain Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured from 2019 to 2021 on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, the recall was expanded to include specific 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The problem identified was related to the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which had the potential to corrode internally, leading to an electrical short circuit that could result in an engine compartment fire.

Remedy:

Hyundai will notify affected owners, and authorized dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For vehicles from the 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. These recall repairs will be conducted at no cost to the owners. As a precautionary measure until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures.

The recall officially commenced on November 2, 2020. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. The specific recall number from Hyundai for this campaign is 195.

How Reliable Is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson? The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is expected to be highly reliable, with a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100. According to J.D. Power’s reliability rating scale, a score of 91-100 is classified as the best, 81-90 as great, 70-80 as average, and 0-69 as fair, which is considered below average. Therefore, the Tucson’s score of 88 falls into the “Great” category, indicating a strong level of predicted reliability.

I chose to purchase the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate after a period of shopping that extended from Thanksgiving to just before Christmas. I’ve been driving it for a few weeks now, and I’m thoroughly content with this crossover SUV. It offers excellent value and competes well within its class. I initially desired the Limited trim, but unfortunately, Cream White Pearl, an exquisite, shimmering white paint color, was not available.

Jake. NY, USA

We’ve owned our 2020 Hyundai Tucson for a little over three weeks now, and I must say it has been operating flawlessly. Everything functions perfectly, with no squeaks, rattles, or any imperfections to speak of. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the ‘Value’ option truly lives up to its name! We are thrilled with our purchase, and the Hyundai warranties, which were a significant factor in our decision-making, have left us extremely satisfied.

Marry, Florida, USA

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