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…”

“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…”

“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.”

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing warm air. The contact lives in a hot climate and was concerned for the safety of her 2 minor children. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, three A/C compressors were used to attempt to repair the vehicle at a service center however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed at the owner’s expense due to the warranty being invalid. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, master general, and forward collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the multifunction camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000.”

“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.”