NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Hyundai Tucson Safety Ratings
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 169 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A critical park-outside advisory accompanies the sole recall issued for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. This specific recall presents the primary safety concern for prospective buyers, despite the vehicle's strong performance in other areas. The 2020 Tucson achieved a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, which places it firmly in the Strong band. All three safety-avoidance technologies are standard on this model year.
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Hyundai Tucson ranks 31 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 169 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson represents a one-point gain over the 2019 model, moving from an 86 to an 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is modest, but the underlying crash-protection score of 66 out of 70 is a genuine strength, anchored by 5-star results across both frontal and side disciplines. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this year, not as optional add-ons. The area that pulls the Index back is the defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20, shaped by the single recall campaign and the volume of owner complaints. That recall is not a minor item: it involves the antilock and traction control module and was serious enough to warrant a park-outside advisory, an uncommon designation NHTSA reserves for elevated fire or safety risk. The 169 complaints, with Engine and Service Brakes as the top two alleged problem areas, reinforce why the defect sub-score is the weakest pillar of this year's rating. Taken together, the 2020 Tucson posts strong crash-test credentials but carries a specific, high-severity recall that any buyer must resolve before use.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Hyundai Tucson perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Tucson earned 5 out of 5 stars in the overall NHTSA crash test ratings, with the same top marks in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover performance was comparatively weaker, registering 4 out of 5 stars. This included a measured 16 percent rollover risk, though the vehicle did not tip in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14419
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have any recalls?
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson has one recall campaign. It targets the antilock and traction control system's control unit or module, covering certain 2019 through 2021 Tucson vehicles. This campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory, meaning affected owners were instructed not to park vehicles near structures until the remedy was completed. Buyers should verify VIN-level remedy status.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE20V543000
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: 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 se
Reported 2020-09-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has received 169 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Tucson. The most frequently alleged problem components are the Engine with 66 reports, Service Brakes with 44, and the Electrical System with 19. Owners also alleged 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
169 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
Owners of the 2020 Tucson should verify the status of the antilock and traction control module recall. This specific recall includes a park-outside advisory, indicating a potentially serious safety defect if left unaddressed.
- The 2020 Tucson's single recall targets the antilock and traction control control unit or module and carried a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory, one of NHTSA's most serious consumer warnings.
- NHTSA crash tests gave this model year 5 stars for frontal and side protection, with rollover rated at 4 stars and a 16 percent measured rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result.
- The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the lowest of the three Index components, driven by the recall severity and 169 unverified owner complaints, with Engine and Service Brakes the most frequently alleged problem areas.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2020 model year, contributing to a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Hyundai Tucson places
The 2020 Hyundai Tucson qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Hyundai Tucson safety questions
Was the 2020 Hyundai Tucson crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Hyundai Tucson crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Hyundai Tucson earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Tucson have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Hyundai Tucson?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 169 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Tucson. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tucson years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14419), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Tucson 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 31 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.