10 Unexpected 2020 Hyundai Tucson Problems: What Owners Need to Know

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson may have made waves for being an affordable compact SUV with a great warranty but it's not without its quirks. No car is perfect and the Tucson is no exception – it has a few issues that you might want to know about before signing on the dotted line. Here we break down some of the most commonly reported problems that have cropped up with the 2020 model along with a humorous twist to keep things light.

Overview: 2020 Hyundai Tucson – The Good, The Bad & The Quirky

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson is a practical compact SUV offering reliability affordability and a well-rounded driving experience. This SUV is packed with standard features and has a strong reputation for safety which makes it an attractive option for families and commuters. However no vehicle is immune to a few bumps on the road – quite literally in some cases. While many owners are quite happy with their Tucsons others have faced a series of problems ranging from minor nuisances to more serious concerns. But don't worry; we're here to guide you through them with a touch of humor.

Common Problems with the 2020 Hyundai Tucson: The Downside of a Popular SUV

While the Tucson is a great vehicle overall there are a few issues that keep cropping up in owner reports. From minor inconveniences to potentially serious safety concerns we’ll dive into the details of what to watch out for.

1. Engine Problems: The Not-So-Smooth Operator

It’s an unfortunate reality for many 2020 Hyundai Tucson owners – the engine can sometimes behave like a grumpy teenager on a Monday morning. Some have experienced stalling hesitation or even complete loss of power while driving which is not exactly what you want when you're cruising down the freeway.

Potential Engine Problems:

• Stalling at low speeds: Some drivers have reported that their Tucson stalls when they are slowing down or coming to a stop which can be both annoying and dangerous. Imagine having your car take an impromptu nap just when you're about to take a turn.
• Rough acceleration: Drivers often note a lag in acceleration particularly when trying to pass another car. If you’re looking for a fast getaway this SUV might make you feel like you're jogging instead of sprinting.
• Knocking sounds: A few Tucson owners have mentioned hearing strange knocking noises under the hood. Now we all love a good beat but not when it’s coming from your engine.

“I had my 2020 Tucson for about a year and noticed it would shudder and shake when I was trying to accelerate. I took it to the dealership but they said it was normal – I didn’t buy an SUV to feel like I'm on a rollercoaster” – Alex Collantes, Tucson Owner

2. Transmission Hesitation: The Gear-Guessing Game

The transmission in the 2020 Hyundai Tucson has left some drivers scratching their heads. The Tucson uses a 6-speed automatic transmission which is fairly standard but some folks have reported hesitation when shifting gears or delayed engagement especially when shifting from reverse to drive.

What’s Happening with the Transmission?

• Sluggish shifts: There’s been feedback about delayed gear shifts which could lead to a jerky driving experience. You might feel like your Tucson is deciding if it really wants to go or not – as if it's pondering life's deep questions.
• Hard shifting: A few owners mentioned rough or hard shifts between gears particularly when accelerating quickly. It’s almost as if the transmission is in desperate need of a cup of coffee to wake up.

Pro Tip: While not a widespread issue it’s always good to test the transmission on a test drive particularly if you live in a hilly area or do a lot of city driving where constant shifting is necessary.

3. Electrical System Issues: Flickers & Fails

A modern vehicle like the Tucson is packed with technology but that can also mean more potential for things to go wrong. Electrical problems are relatively common complaints and while they're not always dangerous they can be quite the annoyance.

Common Electrical Gremlins:

• Malfunctioning infotainment system: Some owners have reported that the touchscreen display can freeze up randomly stop working or even restart itself. Imagine having your Tucson's infotainment system decide to reboot in the middle of your favorite song – talk about a buzzkill.
• Unresponsive power windows: A few drivers noticed that their power windows can be slow to respond or fail to open/close properly. It’s not a huge issue until you’re at a drive-thru and your window just won’t budge.
• Warning lights on the dash: From check engine lights to tire pressure indicators some owners have seen a Christmas tree-like display on their dashboard. While it may look festive it’s far from fun.

4. Faulty AC Performance: Hot or Not?

The air conditioning system in the 2020 Tucson is another area where some owners have faced issues. It’s not uncommon to hear complaints about the AC taking its sweet time to cool down the cabin – or sometimes not working at all.

Tucson AC Quirks:

• Weak airflow: Some drivers reported that the AC struggles to cool down the car on a hot day. Not ideal for those summer road trips when you end up feeling like a baked potato.
• Intermittent cooling: A few owners have had AC systems that work one minute and then seem to take a break the next. It’s like the Tucson’s AC is on its own union-mandated breaks.

Pro Tip: Before buying a used Tucson from 2020 make sure to test the AC thoroughly in both hot and cold settings. You don’t want to find out on a scorching July day that the AC is less than reliable.

5. Suspension Noise: A Symphony of Squeaks

Some owners have reported hearing strange sounds coming from the suspension system. Squeaks clunks and other noises can sometimes be heard when driving over bumps or making turns which could indicate wear or misalignment.

What’s that Sound?

• Squeaky suspension: The sound can be especially noticeable on bumpy roads making you feel like you're riding around in an old wooden cart rather than a modern SUV.
• Clunking over bumps: A few owners have described a clunking noise when going over potholes or speed bumps which may be a sign of loose or worn suspension components.

6. Interior Quality Concerns: When "Luxury" Feels a Little Cheap

While the Tucson boasts a well-designed interior some owners have raised eyebrows over the quality of certain materials and features. If you’re expecting high-end luxury you might be a tad disappointed.

Interior Quality Issues:

• Plastic trim: Some owners have complained that the trim pieces feel a bit cheap and can scratch or scuff easily. A family car with kids in tow might look like a war zone within a few months.
• Seat comfort: While the seats are spacious some drivers feel that they lack support for long drives. It’s like sitting on a park bench – fine for a short sit but not great for a cross-country road trip.

“The interior looks nice at first but after a while you start to notice the little things. The plastic scratches easily and the seats don’t have enough cushion for long drives – my back wasn’t happy after a few road trips” – Alex Collantes

7. Brake Issues: A Subtle Screech

A few owners of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have noted problems with the brakes – particularly noisy or squeaky brakes. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the brakes are failing it can certainly be annoying and might be an indication of wear.

Braking Problems:

• Squeaking sounds: This might not affect braking performance but if you’re someone who values a smooth and quiet ride it can get old fast.
• Early wear: Some drivers have found that the brake pads and rotors need replacing sooner than expected which could become a costly maintenance concern down the road.

Pro Tip: Regular brake inspections and maintenance can help extend the life of your brakes and ensure optimal performance.

8. Fuel Economy Not Meeting Expectations

The EPA estimates that the Tucson should get 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway but some owners are finding those numbers hard to hit in real-world driving. While many compact SUVs have a bit of wiggle room in their fuel economy ratings the Tucson seems to fall a little short for some.

Fuel Efficiency Quirks:

• City driving woes: If you do a lot of city driving don’t be surprised if your mpg hovers closer to 20 – it’s a bit of a gas guzzler for a compact SUV.
• Mixed driving inconsistency: Even in mixed driving conditions some owners found the Tucson struggling to hit the high-20s mpg range promised by Hyundai.

9. Paint and Exterior Concerns: Chips Ahoy!

A less serious but still bothersome problem that some owners have noted is the paint quality. There have been a few complaints about paint chipping or peeling especially on the front bumper and hood areas.

Paint Problems:

• Chips and scratches: If you're planning to take your Tucson off-road or on gravel roads often be prepared for the paint to chip away like a bag of potato chips.
• Peeling or fading: A handful of owners have experienced the paint peeling or fading over time particularly in areas with a lot of sun exposure.

10. Steering Wander: The Drifter

Lastly some Tucson owners have noted a slight steering issue where the car feels like it's wandering or drifting particularly at highway speeds. This is not a widespread complaint but for those who experience it it can be a bit nerve-wracking to constantly correct the steering.

What to Expect:

• Constant corrections: You might find yourself making minor adjustments to keep the car going straight on the highway – not exactly relaxing for long drives.
• Alignment checks: Sometimes it’s just an alignment issue but other times it could be related to the steering system itself.

Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried?

The 2020 Hyundai Tucson may have its fair share of quirks but that doesn't mean it's a bad SUV. Many owners have had a trouble-free experience and are quite happy with their purchase. However it’s always wise to be aware of potential issues before making a decision. If you’re considering a used 2020 Tucson keep these common problems in mind during your test drive and have a trusted mechanic give the vehicle a thorough inspection.

References

• NHTSA Vehicle Complaints: www.nhtsa.gov
• Edmunds Consumer Reviews: www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2020/consumer-reviews/
• CarComplaints.com: www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Tucson/2020/
• Alex Collantes' Personal Experience (provided via interview)

Make sure you do your research and weigh the pros and cons before diving into the world of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson.