What 169 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

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.

NHTSA ODI 11741423

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.

NHTSA ODI 11723433

burning oil at a rate of 2 qts per 1000 miles driven. Known issue in these models of tucsons. Not covered by the class action lawsuit as this VIN was not identified. It is burning oil at a catastrophic rate. The problem has burned through multiple catalytic converters that were covered under the warranty but did not solve the underlying problem. Has been burning oil since owning the car a year ago.

NHTSA ODI 11720931

On December 27, 2025, while driving, the engine suddenly lost power and the vehicle entered limp mode and became undriveable. A warning light appeared and diagnostic code P1326 was later confirmed, indicating engine bearing failure. The vehicle could not be driven safely and required towing to a Hyundai dealership the following day. The engine failure caused a loss of propulsion safety risk. The vehicle remains out of service pending a full engine replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection at a Hyundai dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11710997

The check engine light became flashing and the vehicle went into limp mode while occupied by two adults and one minor child as they were merging to access the freeway

NHTSA ODI 11643018

Jan '22 - Reported check engine light had begun to turn off and back on when gas tank was low. Feb '22 At 19k miles catalytic convertor reported failed for code (P0420), 3 way catalyst, upper and lower gaskets, and manifold all needed to be replaced - took 4 days Aug'23 called to request service for check engine light because it was coming off and on over periods of time. Scheduled for Sep'23 Sep '23 service reports new cat quoted for code P0420, I was not verbally informed by service advisor. 16 Nov '23 driving home and car starts to shake and is slow to accelerate, check engine light started to flash, car enters limp mode, could not drive safely on highway and waited hours for a tow. Codes P0420(cat convertor), P1326 (Knock sensor) 25 Nov '23 picked up car, had catalytic convertor, manifold gasket, knock sensor replaced. Drove 27 miles and car check engine light begins flashing again (P1326) on freeway while merging. Car hesitates, starts to slow, had to merge over to shoulder from far left lane as car had no acceleration. I felt unsafe to exit vehicle being 9 months pregnant. Waited 2 hours for tow back to service dept the same day I picked up vehicle. 8 Feb '24- picked up car from service department. They performed engine combustion chamber cleaning and reported excessive cylinder wall scoring. Service advisor feels confident this fixed the problem. I feel unsafe driving a car that has left me stranded multiple times on busy highways and freeways, especially with children. The manufacturer keeps replacing parts and cannot seem to diagnose issue, they keep repairing problems caused by a major issue that has not been diagnosed.

NHTSA ODI 11571134

Proceeding with flow of traffic, Southbound on a 2 lane st, I was in the curb lane. A truck exiting interstate ran through, at approx 50-60 MPH, a red light. Initial contact was made on passenger side front and rear door. He continued to push my car, and I turned the wheel to the right to avoid left lane traffic (as they couldn't move becuase of guard rail facing East) and he gunned it and pushed me into a concrete the guard rail at about 15-25 mph. The car was stuck in drive, it couldn't be put into any other gear.?There were no airbag deployment at all?I've missed worked since 2/11. I have severe left side injuries-neck, shoulder, upper/lower arm, wrist, and left hand, upper back pain, lower back pain, pain down the back of my legs, right shoulder pain, concussion, numbness, tingling in fingers, back, and feet. Labored breathing, bruising, headache, some loss of mobility, in constant pain, panic attacks/anxiety, under care of pulmonologist, family dr., physical therapist, chiropractor (as of now), insurance company towed car to their facility to get estimate. They have the car in their possession and the only ones to do any inspection at this point. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING LIGHTS, MESSAGES, NOISES, NO WARNINGS ON BLUELINK APP, NOTHING THAT WOULD GIVE ME ANY INDICATION THERE WERE ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION (GEAR STUCK IN DRIVE) OR AIRBAG MALFUNCTIONS.

NHTSA ODI 11453726

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI (4960 N STATE RD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073) WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,200.

NHTSA ODI 11403000

WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STARTS TO LURCH MULTIPLE TIMES. IT FEELS AS IF SOMEONE BEHIND ME IS TAPPING MY REAR BUMPER. I HAVE TAKEN IT EARNHARDT HYUNDAI IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA THREE TIMES. THEY CANNOT FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE CAR IS NEW WITH ONLY 6400 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI 11374707