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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 213

Of the 2020 reports, 13 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine78 reports · 37% of complaints
Owner complaints213Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine78
  2. Other or unspecified42
  3. Power train26
  4. Electrical system25
  5. Forward collision avoidance14
  6. Visibility14
  7. Fuel/propulsion system12
  8. Service brakes10

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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: power train

26 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Feb 15, 2021

    WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE AUTO ENGINE TURN OFF KICKS IN AS EXPECTED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. HOWEVER, THE BEHAVIOR IS VERY ERRATIC WHEN I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE JUMPS AGGRESSIVELY WITHOUT ME APPLYING ANY ACCELERATION AND SOMETIMES THE ENGINE JUST STARTS AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE UNTIL I APPLY SOME ACCELERATION. I ALMOST REAR ENDED THE CARS INFRONT OF ME FEW TIMES. I GOT WAY TOO SKEPTICAL AND BEGAN TURNING OFF THE AUTO TURN OFF FEATURE WHEN I GET INTO MY CAR.