2020 Hyundai Tucson engine problems
70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Hyundai Tucson — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 28, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 18, 2026
“High excessive oil consumption and premature piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption”
filed Jul 23, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these…
26-01-013H-2 DN · Service Campaign · issued May 21, 2026Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present, this condition is…
9C2 060518 · Service Campaign · issued May 19, 2026Certain 2019 – 2020 model year Santa Fe, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, and 2018 – 2021 model year Tucson vehicles may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. Hyundai is conducting…
9C2 OL · Service Campaign · issued Apr 14, 2026Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1383 related to 2015MY Sonata (LFA) 2.4L vehicles. The matter is currently being investigated for a resolution as soon as…
9C2 Susp DCS · Service Campaign · issued Mar 30, 2026
Engine problems in other Tucson years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tucson | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 Tucson | 12 | 4% |
| 2024 Tucson | 13 | 15% |
| 2023 Tucson | 23 | 18% |
| 2022 Tucson | 109 | 30% |
| 2021 Tucson | 36 | 48% |
| 2019 Tucson | 191 | 51% |
| 2018 Tucson | 236 | 61% |
| 2017 Tucson | 590 | 55% |
| 2016 Tucson | 422 | 26% |
| 2015 Tucson | 117 | 52% |
| 2014 Tucson | 109 | 55% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Hyundai Tucson
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.