Problems · by component
2020 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
73 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson cite engine, 41% of all 179 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
73
41% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
“Engine has defect that causes oil to heat at an unusual levels there for damaging other vehicle components such as The exhaust system parts clogging up and Triggering check engine warning lights for emissions.”
“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the oil pan was empty. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was informed about a possible oil consumption test. The contact was informed that there was carbon blowing out of the vehicle. The contact stated that three months later, the oil pan was empty. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and engine oil was added; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the bolts for the driveshaft were missing. The contact was informed that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was negligent when the engine was replaced and the bolts to secure the driveshaft were not properly installed. The contact stated that the negligence needed to…”
“The engine lost power while driving, and the vehicle entered a reduced-power mode. The check engine light began flashing, and the engine made a loud knocking noise during acceleration. A diagnostic scan showed code P1326 (Knock Sensor Signal Range/Performance). The knock sensor was replaced, and the engine oil was refilled after discovering an oil leak. The vehicle operated normally for a short time, but the same symptoms returned. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle suddenly lost power while traveling approximately 70 mph on the highway, making it difficult to maintain speed and safely keep up with traffic. This created a risk of being struck by other vehicles or causing an accident. The problem has since recurred during normal driving. The problem has been reproduced multiple times. A diagnostic scanner consistently identified code P1326. The knock sensor was replaced and the engine oil was replenished, but the same symptoms returned after several trips. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. The vehicle has been inspected by the owner and a family mechanic who replaced the knock sensor and identified an engine oil…”
“Tried passing someone on the thruway, as I was about to the car jerked a bit then started decelerating. The check engine light started flashing and so did the oil light. Read the code as cylinder 3 misfire and a knock sensor. Changed the spark plugs and coil packs then checked the oil and saw there was no oil in the engine. Was told by my mechanic it’s a common problem with these Hyundai engines, it seems the rings are getting fried in the engine and that’s why it consumes oil so quickly.”
“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.”
Showing 6 of 73 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.