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
213 reports, newest first.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 6, 2026
While driving, the engine catastrophically failed without warning, causing an immediate loss of power-assisted braking and steering. The failure occurred while traveling downhill. I was unable to slow or control the vehicle properly and was forced to proceed through a school bus’s flashing lights to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision, resulting in a traffic citation. My son was in the vehicle at the time. A sudden loss of engine power, braking assist, and steering assist while driving presents a serious safety defect. Vehicle was towed to Fred Beans Hyundai in Doylestown where it has been confirmed engine failure. This failure happened immediately and without warning.
Engine, Jan 18, 2026
Excessive oil burn off. Oil is getting into the cylinder, causing scorching. This causing engine failure.
Engine, Jan 3, 2026
Oil drain plug seal leaking, can’t tighten the bolt with the required torque setting to keep it from leaking.
Engine, Dec 29, 2025
After 110,000, the engine started using oil and it began to knock. According to the history of these engines, it will lead to engine failure. They have a record of being a lemon engine and there is not a engine of this type that this does not happen. The engine needs to recalled and replaced, They are the Theda II GDI series of 2.0L and 2.4L four-cylinder engines from Hyundai/Kia.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2025
I have a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.0T. I recently experienced the following issues; gasoline fumes coming into the car at low speeds, difficulty starting the car when it is cold and hesitation when trying to accelerate quickly. The check engine light came on and the dealer diagnosed a faulty fuel pump and high pressure hoses......on a car with only 49100 miles! The repair cars are estimated at over $1800. This is totally unacceptable and there should be a manufacturer issued recall on the car where Hyundai covers the cost of the repairs.
Power train, Dec 25, 2025
Transmission issues with DTC light coming on, dealership did software update which did not resolve the problem. Transmission has rough shift and shuddering. Dealership is recommending complete transmission replacement.
Engine, Dec 23, 2025
2020 Hyundai SantaFe Limited AWD ... burning excessive oil. This only was noticed because the low oil light intermittently started coming on, and has only started happening in the last few months. low oil indicator flashing - 4QT low, went for an immediate oil change 78788 miles - oil changed 80252 miles - low oil - added 1QT 80628 miles - low oil - added 1QT 81376 miles - oil changed 81999 miles - low oil - added 1QT 82755 miles - low oil - added 2QT These are the most recent events since we started logging it.
Power train, Engine, Dec 23, 2025
2020 SantaFe Limited AWD with ~81200 miles. This is the 3rd or 4th time the P07410 code pops up with the Engine Check light. Hyundai said they found no issues and cleared the code, again. There was once when the code came up and it cleared itself after 50 miles. Not sure exactly what the cause is and Hyundai is saying "there is nothing wrong". Most recent occurrence Sept.4.2025.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2025
Excessive oil consumption under warranty, . Hyundai says its normal consumption within 1,000 miles. engine its doing stalls now.
Engine, Dec 18, 2025
My engine has been sucking up oil since the day I bought it. Once I hit 100k miles it started sucking up oil faster than the recommended oil changes. I was driving home two weeks ago. I went to get in a major highway and she would not go past 35 mph. I went to trade it in and was told it needs a new engine and a new turbo. This is a known problem and Hyundai will not fix it. This car is not even 4 years old. I got it in April 2021
Power train, Engine, Dec 6, 2025
I had been driving about 1.5 hours when I exited the Interstate and the car engine shut off at a traffic light. When I shifted the car into park and tried to restart the car, smoke filled the cabin. Unbeknownst to me, an oil leak occurred while driving. No warning lights or other indicators that anything was awry. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. Though the suv is under warranty, they say the oil leak was caused by improper oil plug installation at the last oil change. The oil leak caused the motor to seize and the resulting damage is in excess of $10,000. Hyundai says the warranty won't cover this as it is a service issue. Jiffy Lube says their technician did nothing incorrect and they won't take responsibility for the repairs.
Engine, Dec 5, 2025
Excessive oil consumption. Mechanic who changed oil said oil level was too low and he could find no leaks. He said this is a known Hyundai problem. The dealer acknowledged this. There was no warning light saying the oil was low. It was discovered during a routine oil change.
Engine, Dec 4, 2025
I had my oil changed at a reputable service center November 19, 2025 and the mechanic said my oil drip pan and plug needed to be replaced in the next few months because they were showing wear and could fail. He asked if I knew about a pending lawsuit against Hyundai concerning these items causing major issues. I said I was unaware, so I researched it. It seems to be legit. During my research there were multiple reports that many had oil leaking problems and some owners reported that the vehicle completely stopped running. That is especially dangerous driving on an Interstate. I was quoted about $350.00 to replace the pan and plug but I was told to contact the local dealership to see if they would replace it. They wanted $215.00 for a diagnostic plus parts and labor. That is quite a chunk of money for a drip pan and plug.
Trailer hitches, Engine, Nov 25, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH onto the ramp, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle stalled and shut off, and the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was calling for Roadside Assistance and noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. The stated that the smoke then turned dark brown and then black, and then flames appeared under the hood. The contact grabbed several things of value and exited the vehicle and started running. The vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the EDR was destroyed. The contact sustained minor scratches after falling while running away from the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The Police and Fire Department were called to the scene. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed due to the incident not being related to a crash. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The local dealer where the vehicle was purchased was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been purchased two months prior to catching on fire. The vehicle was inspected by the Insurance provider and declared a total loss. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V181000 (TRAILER HITCHES); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 94,400.
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2025
Unknown Sometimes when i stop the vehicle the engine shuts off and wont come back on until i put the car in park and turn the ignition off. Not safe at all when your in heavy traffic
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2025
White pearl paint is chipping off from the vehicle by itself without any outside force. This is outbreaks over all Hyundai white pearl paint vics and they are not account for their defect. This problem eventually cause erosion on the body of the vehicle and treat safety of the drivers and people around it. This seems common issue with my research, please look close into this problem and protect driver and customer who have no power to defend their right.
Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted immediately. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had an air leak with the fuel. The contact added that the leak was stopped after an undisclosed repair, but the failure reoccurred a day later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,700.
Engine, Nov 10, 2025
While driving the oil light started flashing then the check engine light started flashing with no prior warning. The car was checked, it had burnt up the oil in it and then I put 3 quarts in it. It was 200 miles from needing an oil change. The engine had little to no power once oil was put in it. It died on the side of a highway. It had to be towed to a mechanic. There was no prior warning to this incident that the oil was low. This car put me and my child at risk of car accidents when on the road trying to get home with traffic behind me because the car wouldn't accelerate. I called Hyundai and they said they wouldn't help with no recall or extended warranty on the car.
Engine, Nov 6, 2025
I recently inquired about this vehicle that was for sale at Grayson Hyundai. It's has a KSDS that needs service immediately and the pre-owned manager is not willing to do that; in fact he's refusing because "They aren't Hyundai" when that is a lie and his dealership can definitely do that service. Safety is a huge concern because the engine could potentially catch on fire or worse. Nothing has been inspected or replaced or fixed at this dealership. I did not go to the dealership myself so I don't know what lights could be on. But with the recalls and this KSDS campaign service needing to be done I don't think there is anything else wrong with the vehicle.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2025
2020 Sante fe with 59000 miles on it. Air stops blowing cold, I look it up and there is a TSB for the Evaporator Temperature Sensor from May of 2021. This is a safety issue because if you run the air conditioning or defroster if the sensor is bad it clicks off the compressor which can affect the fan and overheat the car. I watched it happen on my car when they ran the diagnostic trying to fix it. It came up as a bad sensor, and it clicked off the compressor. The fact that a 6 year old car with 59000 miles needs work on an air conditioner is ridiculous and in this case not safe.
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 14, 2025, crash
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report repeated safety system failures in my Hyundai vehicle that have resulted in significant injury and ongoing hardship. The first incident occurred in 2021, when my vehicle was struck from the front by another driver who fled the scene. Despite the impact causing visible front-end damage, the airbags did not deploy, and the seatbelt did not engage properly. The vehicle was repaired by an authorized Hyundai dealership, yet at no point was I informed that the vehicle’s safety systems might be compromised or that it should not be driven. The second and more severe incident occurred in December 2024, when my vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial truck and subsequently pushed into four other vehicles. Once again, neither the airbags deployed nor the seatbelt engaged, resulting in multiple bodily injuries for which I am still undergoing treatment. After reporting this second failure to Hyundai, I was informed that the airbags and seatbelts may not activate when the vehicle is struck from behind. However, this explanation does not address the fact that the same safety failures occurred in the 2021 front-end collision as well. I believe these repeated malfunctions indicate a serious defect in the vehicle’s safety restraint and airbag systems that poses an ongoing danger to drivers and passengers. I am requesting a full investigation into these safety system failures, including whether the dealership’s repair process or Hyundai’s design or manufacturing contributed to these malfunctions. Due to these failures, I have experienced significant physical injury, emotional trauma, and ongoing medical issues, and I am seeking appropriate accountability and resolution.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2025
My rear window suddenly shattered while I was driving. My safety was put at risk as it sounded like someone shot into my back window. The vehicle was inspected by state police.
Engine, Oct 4, 2025
Car was burning a significant amount of oil in between oil changes. The driving down the highway the car started missing and almost stalled out at 60 mph almost causing a accident now vehicle will not run properly and is blowing black smoke out of the tailpipe
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2025
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , 30,000 miles. Air conditioning fails to blow cold air; climate control displays -10°F, indicating a defective evaporator temperature sensor per Hyundai TSB 21-HV-002H (2021). Dealer diagnosed evaporator/thermostat failure, quoted $2,500, despite TSB specifying a $30–$50 sensor replacement. Vehicle is 9 months past 5-year warranty but under 60,000 miles. This known defect causes driver discomfort and potential visibility issues (fogging in humid conditions). I have dash photos and dealer quote. Request NHTSA investigate for recall due to widespread HVAC issues in Hyundai models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. After scanning the vehicle, the contact received a code for torque converter damage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the TCM update was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The oil light was illuminated and then turned off. The contact became aware that the engine oil was 4 1/2 quarts low, and it was determined there was an oil consumption issue with the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.