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Before you buy

2020 Hyundai Tucson inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Tucson

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Engine owner reports: 12 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Hyundai and Kia Abs Module Fires investigation: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module recall: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Engine owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Warning signs: 12 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Hyundai and Kia Abs Module Fires investigation

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Warning signs: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.”
NHTSAinvestigationNov 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.”
NHTSArecallApr 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does NOT apply to any vehicle that has been previously declared a total loss, and/or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, and/or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.”
NHTSAtsbMay 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Description: Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does NOT apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer, or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Certain 2015 – 2018 model year Elantra, 2015 – 2019 model year Sonata, 2017 – 2021 model year Tucson, 2017 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2019 model year Santa Fe, 2021 – 2023 model year Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020 – 2023 model year Palisade vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Some vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years and unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.”
NHTSAtsbMar 2026Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage