P0720 on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson
Transmission Output Speed Sensor Malfunction
P0720 on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson indicates transmission output speed sensor malfunction. It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed output shaft speed sensor element (typically $150–$500). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0720 mean on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
P0720 is set when the transmission control module does not receive a valid signal from the output shaft speed sensor. The TCM uses this signal to compare actual transmission output to expected output for the selected gear and engine RPM — if the signal is missing or implausible, gear ratio calculations fail and the TCM cannot shift correctly. The vehicle typically drops into limp mode (stuck in a default gear, often 3rd or 4th) until the signal is restored.
This guide covers P0720 across the 2015-2019 Hyundai Tucson generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Hyundai Tucson with P0720?
In most cases a 2017 Hyundai Tucson stays drivable for short trips with P0720 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0720 on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Speedometer reads zero or fluctuates erratically
- Transmission locked into a single gear (limp mode)
- Hard, harsh, or no shifts
- Cruise control inoperative
- Vehicle may shudder or hesitate at the moment of shift
- Often paired with P0700 (transmission control malfunction)
What causes P0720 on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed output shaft speed sensor element | Most common | $150–$500 |
| Damaged sensor connector or harness | Common | $80–$350 |
| Metal debris on the sensor tip (from internal transmission wear) Cleaning the sensor face is a free first attempt. | Common | $100–$400 |
| Damaged tone ring or reluctor wheel inside the transmission | Occasional | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Transmission fluid contamination preventing the sensor from reading | Occasional | $200–$700 |
| Wiring fault between the sensor and the TCM | Occasional | $100–$500 |
| Failed TCM signal input (rare) | Rare | $500–$1,500 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson
-
Locate the output speed sensor on this transmission
The output shaft speed sensor is typically a two-wire sensor threaded into the rear of the transmission case (RWD vehicles) or the side of the transaxle (FWD vehicles). Some vehicles have it on the transfer case for 4WD. Confirm location in the service manual.
Tools: Vehicle-specific service information
-
Check connector and visible wiring
Sensor connectors near the transmission case are exposed to heat, road debris, and sometimes fluid leaks. Unplug and inspect for corrosion, transmission fluid migration up the harness, or visible damage. Clean and re-seat.
Tools: Connector unlock tool, Electrical contact cleaner
-
Measure sensor resistance
Most output speed sensors are magnetic or Hall-effect with a typical resistance of 200–1500 Ω. Compare to the service manual. Infinite resistance means an open sensor; near zero means shorted. Either way, replace.
Tools: Multimeter, Service spec sheet
-
Verify signal output during rotation
On a lift with the rear wheels free to rotate, spin a rear wheel slowly by hand while watching the output speed PID. The reading should change in proportion to wheel rotation. No response confirms a dead sensor or damaged tone ring.
Tools: Vehicle lift, Scan tool with output speed PID
-
Inspect sensor tip for debris
Remove the sensor and look at the magnetic tip. Steel slivers stuck to the magnet are normal — large chunks or clutch material is a warning sign that the transmission is shedding material. Clean the tip and reinstall as a first attempt; consider transmission fluid analysis if heavy debris was present.
Tools: Socket, Magnet pick or wire brush
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Hyundai Tucson diagnostics.
- ENGINE 580
- POWER TRAIN 287
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 86
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 134
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 83
3 active recalls
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Nov 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory tra…
NHTSA campaign 16V842000 - ENGINE Sep 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.…
NHTSA campaign 21V727000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Sep 2020
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…
NHTSA campaign 20V543000
How do I fix P0720 on a 2017 Hyundai Tucson?
- Clean debris off the output speed sensor tip
- Replace the output shaft speed sensor with an OEM part
- Repair sensor connector or harness damage
- Service transmission fluid (drop pan, replace filter and gasket)
- Internal transmission repair if tone ring or shaft damage is confirmed
About the 2015-2019 Hyundai Tucson
The 2015-2019 Hyundai Tucson was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 2.5L I4, 1.6L Turbo I4, 1.6L Hybrid I4, 1.6L Plug-in Hybrid I4. Common trims include SE, SEL, XRT, N Line, Limited.
Why P0720 puts the transmission into limp mode
The TCM continuously compares output shaft speed to engine RPM and selected gear to verify it is actually getting the gear ratio it commanded. Without a valid output speed signal:
- Ratio verification fails (sets P0731-P0734 in some cases)
- Shift point timing breaks (cannot tell vehicle speed for upshifts)
- Torque converter lockup logic fails (depends on accurate speed)
Limp mode is a protection — the TCM picks a safe default gear and holds it until the signal returns. Drive a short distance to a shop; do not attempt long trips in limp mode.
P0720 with metal on the sensor tip
A small amount of metallic dust on the magnetic sensor tip is normal — it’s the natural wear of bearings and gears over the life of the transmission. Large flakes or clutch material is not normal and indicates internal damage that will eventually cause shifting problems beyond the sensor. If you find heavy debris, do a fluid service and inspect the pan magnet too — together they tell the story of what’s happening inside.
P0720 vs P0500 (Vehicle Speed Sensor)
These can look similar but come from different sources:
- P0500 — vehicle speed signal missing (often the ABS wheel speed sensor on modern vehicles)
- P0720 — transmission output shaft speed signal missing specifically from the transmission’s own sensor
On vehicles where the TCM derives “vehicle speed” from the output shaft sensor, both codes can set together from a single sensor failure.