2020 Hyundai Santa FE
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 213 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 25 Santa FE model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 13 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideMar 17, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Campaign 23V181000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldDec 28, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Campaign 21V00M000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
83 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
I believe I am having an oil burning/consumption problem. I drove my car and the oil light flashed and I have had some hesitations in the engine. I checked the oil upon parking at my home and I had no oil on the dipstick. I put in approx 4.5 qts of oil. I read online that there is an oil consumption issue with my engine type (2.4 gdi). I called Hyundai Service Dept at my local dealership and they told me before looking at the car that wasnt an issue and not the problem. They investigated and found 0 leaks or issues with the car and engine. We did an oil change and they told me to come back in 1k miles. Im very close to the 1k miles and my dipstick is showing low level of oil. The dealership is not happy that I called today to tell them this and said just come in once you hit the 1k and no sooner. I have been told that the next test that needs to be done will be between 700 and 800 dollars out of my pocket as "Hyundai doesnt like to cover the tests and neither does the extended warranty." This appears to be a bigger issue than what Hyundai wants to acknowledge. I have no confidence in them fixing the car and debating to trade my sante fe in and getting a new car at this point.
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
Change the oil in the engine and found metal flakes in the oil. Took it to the dealership and they stated this is normal. After going to another dealership they found that this was not normal and had to replace the motor. Now three (3) months later the check engine light is flashing. It has a code of P1326. Was told this could be a knock sensor or it could be something wrong ever further into the engine.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 19, 2025
Engine oil disappear at 2,000 miles. Car dead stop while driving without any warning ️ break fails at 95 degrees curves. Steering wheel loose and make noise. Hyundai dealer refused to fix the issue.
Power train, Engine, Mar 7, 2025
High utilization of motor oil. Using 1 quart of oil every 300miles. Hyundai dealership (Gurnee Hyundai-Illinois) completed a "combustion system cleaning" but oil consumption continues unabated. Getting run-around from dealership and manufacturer. I am original owner. Care has 87K miles.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Check engine light began flashing suddenly as I was driving. My vehicle went into limp mode on the interstate in 70 mph traffic, it was dark and pouring down rain. The check engine light was no longer flashing when I went the next day to take to the dealership to be checked. They stated nothing can be done unless it is flashing when I bring it in. This is the 3rd time it has happened in this vehicle, and I have taken in on other occasions with no resolution. This puts my family and I at risk. This appears to have same issues as my previous vehicle a 2014 sonata limited 2.0t.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at higher speeds, the vehicle experienced a momentary loss of motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone where a diagnostic scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the MAP sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto Parts where, the DTC code: P2565; was retrieved. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and the MAP sensor were previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,363.
Engine, Nov 25, 2024
While driving down the highway my car started slowing down and would not accelerate. All the lights came up on the dash board and would not let me accelerate. I had to merge 2 lanes to the shoulder on a busy highway where my car ended up dying and would not turn over. I was concerned for my safety and the speed limit was 70MPH and my car rapidly went down. After 5 minutes my car came back on and then immediately stopped working again. I had my car towed to the local Hyundai dealer where they said I would need a new engine on a 4 year old car. My make and model are in the recall for engine issues but my VIN # was not included. I spoke to Hyundai a few times and they stated there was nothing they can do and we needed to pay for the new engine.
Engine, Oct 16, 2024
Vehicle has developed excessive oil consumption. No leaks to be found. Using approximately one quart a week.
Engine, Sep 10, 2024
Knock sensor failed while it was raining and at highway speed and caused the vehicle to slow and jerk. After further investigation this has been a recall issue for several years , but Hyundai still has a problem with their Knock sensor and no recall on the 2020 Santa Fe
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 19, 2024
While driving on the highway loss of power and all the light on the info area lit up had to pull over on shoulder and shut off car and restart. And on two separate occasion while on low speed local road brake pedal locked up and I could not stop the car using the brake it was like it was press down already and I was unable to stop.
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
Twice while driving in traffic my vehicle’s engine randomly shut off. This left me in very unsafe conditons as one as at a busy intersection which resulted in cars going around me while I attempted to restart my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been reproduced by a dealership. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected. No warning lights or dtc. First failure was 6ish weeks ago.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 6, 2024
Prior to these occasions, the Hyundai Santa Fe was constantly needing oil added. On top of that, starting on [XXX], my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe coded with a check engine light blinking in the upper right corner of the dashboard. I was on [XXX] in NW Indiana on my way to a meeting. The SUV would not accelerate past 2,000 rpm and bogged down on a national interstate sending me into a panic. I had my car towed back to my house. I called my brother in law, [XXX] , who sold me the vehicle in November 2020, to get advice on what to do next. I was told to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. After having my car sit there for two weeks, Webb Hyundai finally looked at it. They upgraded the knock sensor software and had the knock sensor replaced. With the plethora of things that I asked to be repaired or looked at, they only fixed the knock sensor. Due to an extended warranty, I paid $100. Two days later, the SUV got a flat tire. The SUV sat for a week or week and a half due to a flat tire and the place not having it in stock. [XXX] driving back from getting my new tire put on in Valparaiso, Indiana, the vehicle coded again on [XXX]. It caused another very dangerous situation as the vehicle slows to 2,000 rpms. Once again, I had the SUV towed back to my home in Cedar Lake, Indiana. It sat for a few days while I was deciding my next move. This time, I had the vehicle towed to Gerald Hyundai, where my brother in law works and where the vehicle was originally purchased. The vehicle arrived [XXX], 2024. The SUV only sat for one day before telling me all the work that needed to be done. Some of the charges were covered by the extended warranty. Total bill was $540. The work was done on May 13, 2024. I could not pick up the vehicle until the weekend. However, my other car was in an accident, so I did not make it until [XXX] 2024. Shortly after picking up my vehicle, the SUV coded again on [XXX] going back to Indiana. More to follow.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel, prompting her to pull into a parking area and contact Roadside Assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was again towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the engine, requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 14,500.
Engine, Nov 23, 2023
My engine light came on December of 2022. I took it to Autozone and had them to a diagnostic text to read the code. They stated it was a misfire on 3. My vehicle was also burning oil. I took it to the dealer(Napleton). They changed the spark plug. That didn’t fix the issue. I took it back because the check engine light came back on. Napleton Downtown Chicago, IL, kept the vehicle for 5 months because they stated they had to replace the engine. About 2 weeks ago my check engine light came back on. I made an appointment to take it into to Napleton Downtown Chicago on November 27, 2023. Yesterday November 22, 2023, my vehicle cut off, started smoking and didn’t cut back on, I had to have it towed to Napleton in Urbana, IL. Clearly this vehicle is having engine problems. I been telling Napleton Downtown Chicago that there’s a defect with this vehicle and to replace it. Please look into for me.
Engine, Nov 17, 2023
On 01/21/2023 after exiting thr highway and pulling into a shopping center signals started popping up on my dashboard and ny car lost speed. I tried making it down the rd to a tire discounters but ny car lost complete power and would not turn on. A tow truck toad it to the tire discounters and once on the flat bed it was a puddle of oil and a trail of oil coming from my car. Once there tire discounters states that my car needed to go to a dealership. It set at kerry hyundai Alexandria until may 2023 waiting to be diagnosed. Once diagnosed it stated that ny car was missing the drain plug and that I needed a brand new engine. I had a oil change at car x on 12/10/2023 and hyundai blamed car x stating that they didn't tighten my plug. But car x denied. I got a lawyer n began to sue car x when car x lawyer responded stating that there were other people having the same problem and hyundai was being investigated. My car is currently still sitting at hyundsi because I don't have 7800 for a engine and hyundai will not cover the engine under warranty
Engine, Nov 6, 2023, fire
After having a warranty repair for a valve cover gasket' at CENTEREACHHYUNDAI, I picked up my car. Only 8 minutes into my drive home the engine light went on and engine error code appeared. At that piont smoke was coming from the hood when I heard a pop and flames appeared at my passenger side window. I turned the car off removed my phone and exited the vehicle. No one else was in the car but within minutes the fire was totally involved. I also noted it took the fire department very long to arrive. If anyone was trapped in the car they would have peristed.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2023
Oil leak from oil pan area. Took the car to the dealer twice to get it fix and the problem temporarily stop but now is continuing to leak again. All they did was retighten the oil plug the first time and then the second time replaced the oil plug with a new one. They said it was a bad oil plug washer and now it should stop the leak, but now it’s leaking again. Took notice of the leak when the car was parked in garage overnight and a pool of oil formed under the car again. This is scary because losing oil like this is not normal and if it continue it could seize the engine while the driver is driving it risking the safety of the driver and car.
Engine, Sep 20, 2023
Oil pan cracked leaking oil
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact state that while driving into the driveway, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil drain plug had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. The VIN was unavailable The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense with no assistance provided from the manufacturer.
Engine, Jun 19, 2023
The vehicles oil was changed on 3/22/23 at 22,395 miles. Almost 3 months and 1500 miles later when driving the engine seized. No lights came on. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealership who said it is the fault of whoever did the last oil change as the drain plug came loose. After doing research it appears that this is a known issue with Hyundai. Also, fresh oil was all over the driveway which was not noticed when car was leaving the driveway.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2023
Car stalling and don't move when it's in a complete stop
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, May 18, 2023, crash
On Thursday, May 11, 11:45 am, I experienced a distressing incident at Moulton Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677. my car was parked near the school building, with the engine turned off and the gear set to park. I was there to pick up my children, and at that time, nobody was inside the vehicle. Unexpectedly, my car started moving backward as if in neutral gear, despite being in park mode. I estimate I was approximately 10 feet from the vehicle in front of the school building. The situation was alarming because numerous children were nearby, which could have resulted in a tragedy. Thankfully, no one was injured or hit by the moving vehicle. Instinctively, I attempted to stop the car by using my entire body to push against it. Unfortunately, my efforts were unsuccessful, and as a result, I sustained severe back pain. I have been on bed rest for the past five days due to the discomfort caused by the incident. Subsequently, the vehicle collided with another car, which belonged to a teacher. The incident shocked everyone, and the reason behind the car's unexpected movement remains unclear. Later, I discovered through online research that my car was actually on the recall list, but I had not been informed of this beforehand. As a result of the incident, we contacted the police, and they arrived at the scene can confirm that the car was indeed in park gear during the incident. It is vital to investigate this matter thoroughly to determine the cause of the vehicle's accidental movement and prevent future accidents. I hope that this statement provides a clear account of the accident that occurred at Moulton Elementary School. I strongly urge authorities and the involved parties to take immediate action to address the issues surrounding my car's movement and prevent any similar incidents from happening again.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2023
Driving down the road I heard a loud noise when I stopped I noticed oil under my car. When I was 0.1 mile from my house the oil light came on. I arrived home called Hyundai and they towed the vehicle and reported that the oil plug had was missing and I need to contact the place that changed my oil last.
Power train, Engine, Mar 15, 2023
I got flashing check engine light in my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T. My car won’t rev beyond 2000rpm when it happened. Blue link app and car’s infotainment notified of P1326 Error. It is available for inspection. I was turning left in a yield on green light, I was at risk when my car stuttered and won’t rev beyond 2000rpm. I contacted my local dealer, they said they can’t take my car even for diagnosis due to no appointment availability till June 1st week. I was able to get hold of another dealer who can take my car in this Friday itself. Hyundai Roadside assistance said they will only tow vehicle to my local dealer and I would have to pay for tow charges if I go to any other dealer. They can’t provide me loaner car at all. My insurance said they won’t provide rental car unless it is an accident. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. Based on my initial research there has been class action lawsuit against Hyundai on Theta II 2.0T engines but it only covers till 2019 model. I received flashing check engine light warning in my dashboard and app notification in Bluelink about ECM fault DTC P1326. I was driving vehicle normally without any issues on engine before this happend
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2023
Vehicle not moving transmisión fail after u turn off the engine it will work again Oil leak by bolt in the oil pan