Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2020)

218 consumer complaints on file.

#11733709April 24, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving out of the parking garage at work and happened to catch the oil light flicker on and then go off. I immediately drove it to an auto shop where I told them what happened. They looked at the dipstick and there was no oil showing on the dipstick. If I had just written the light off as an oddity I would have driven the car home from work (around 20 miles) and the engine could have stalled at 60mph creating a safety hazard. I have the oil changed regularly (about every 5,000 miles) and have my receipts. My car has around 80,000 miles in it and I’m the original owner. The auto shop said that I would need to take it to the dealership for an oil consumption test. I called and scheduled the appointment immediately and am in the process of having the test completed. The dealership noted a TSB for the issue on the write up and based on my research online this is not an unusual problem. Why have owners not been made aware of this issue? I don’t feel safe driving my car and am frustrated that this seems to be a known issue. There was no oil on the dipstick, no indicator that stayed on indicating an issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732776April 21, 2026
ENGINE
We purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 105,000 miles. The vehicle has had regular routine maintenance and oil changes. Around 107,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the vehicle simultaneously started running rough. It was diagnosed with a failed valve on the #3 cylinder and now needs a total engine replacement. This issue also coincided with excess oil consumption. Despite having an oil change fewer than 2000 miles earlier, the oil was almost completely gone from the engine despite not having any leaks present. This goes well beyond normal wear and tear and is indicative of a defect/design flaw.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732577April 20, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.0T, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have resulted in a loss of power while driving. The manufacturer has been notified but denied warranty assistance due to lack of maintenance documentation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731527April 16, 2026
ENGINE
Around Feb 15, 2026, at ~85,000 miles, the oil pressure warning light began illuminating at idle and extinguishing above idle speed. The vehicle had also been experiencing intermittent hard starts and occasional shuddering at idle — symptoms too subtle for a typical owner to connect to imminent engine failure. An independent mechanic performed a manual oil pressure test: 4 PSI (Hyundai minimum spec is 13 PSI). The authorized dealer confirmed 6 PSI and found metal shavings in the oil pan — the signature of connecting rod bearing wear documented in Theta II GDI engine failures. Dealer recommended full engine replacement ($8,500). Vehicle has been inoperable at the dealer since Feb 19, 2026. SAFETY CONCERN: At 4 PSI with metal debris in the oil system, this engine was at imminent risk of catastrophic seizure. I avoided highway driving after the warning appeared (max 50 mph, city streets only). Had the engine seized at highway speed, loss of power steering and brake vacuum assist would have created serious crash risk. The symptom profile — warning only at idle, clearing at speed, no knocking, no check engine light — is the pattern that puts less-vigilant drivers at risk of seizure at highway speed with no warning. KNOWN DEFECT: The 2.4L G4KJ Theta II GDI is identical to the engine subject to a $210M NHTSA civil penalty (2020), multiple recalls, and a ~$1.3B class action settlement extending lifetime warranties through MY 2019. The 2020 uses the same engine but was excluded. My failure mode is textbook Theta II. Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (ECU update for 2019-2020 Theta II, issued Nov 2025) was incomplete on this vehicle — I was never notified. Completed after the engine had already failed. Manufacturer denied coverage (Case #XXX). BBB AUTO LINE claim #XXX filed Apr 16, 2026. No crash. No injuries. No fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731625April 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was at a standstill waiting for oncoming traffic to pass with my foot on the brake and all of a sudden the car accelerated and the forward collision warning fail to come on and I hit a trailer because of it
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11728981April 3, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-75 MPH, the Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged erroneously, almost causing a crash. The contacted stated that the failure mostly occurred while driving at highway speeds with no other vehicle nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726750March 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'm reporting a rearview camera issue in my Hyundai Santa Fe 2020. The camera image was previously static/distorted and has now completely stopped working. When the vehicle is placed in reverse, no image is displayed. This creates a safety risk, as the rearview camera is essential for visibility and preventing accidents while backing up. I am aware there has been a recall for similar rearview camera issues; however, my vehicle is not included because the recall is VIN-specific, despite experiencing the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725909March 20, 2026
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof shattered outward. The contact stated that his wife was able to drive the vehicle safely back to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720704February 26, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the road and all of the sudden my car went limp and would only move 45 miles per hour. I took it to the dealer which I have lifetime powertran on my car. It has been there for over a month at the dealer. They asked me to provide all oil changes,services, and registrations. I did that and then fidelity asked them to tear down the engine again to see if I had carbon build up. Then after the dealer did that they ask the dealer to tear the motor down even further to see if the exhaust valve was bad and if it was bad they would not replace my motor. My car consumed so much oil that I was changing my oil so often. I have been renting a car just to get back and forth to work. In my contract it says that the exhaust valve is covered under my lifetime powertran. I feel like hyundai and fidelity are giving me the run around. I took very good care of my car and I have shown that. Hyundai has had alot of problem with there motors with the oil consumption and motors just going limp. I feel I will never buy a hyundai again. I am losing money everyday because of the dealer and fidelity. I need the motor replaced and it was no abuse on my part I took care of my car. I want fidelity to tell me how I abuse the exhaust valve. I did my oil changes and took care of my car. I am still paying on my Hyundai and can't afford another car. I have alot of medical bills that I pay. Any help would be great. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720545February 25, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The front piece of the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while sitting in my parked vehicle. I heard a loud pop and saw that the entire piece of glass was totally shattered. I took it to the dealership and they told me it is a known problem with this type of sunroof on their vehicles, they said it is not covered by warranty. The estimated repair cost was over $800. Had I been driving down the road with the sunroof open, it could have presented serious safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719921February 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On the morning of February 20 2026 at around 6:35am. I was on my way to work when the engine light started flashing and the speed started to decrease. I was traveling on a major highway in heavy rain with a lot of traffic. I had to put on my hazard lights and quickly pull off the road. The code given is P1326 which has to do with the engine and wiring harness. I just purchased the vehicle on Jan. 17 2026. The Carfax stated no open recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720024February 23, 2026
ENGINE
Our vehicle has encountered a catastrophic engine failure (burnt valves) due to a known and ongoing issue with the piston rings install in this engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719636February 21, 2026
ENGINE
HI! Leaking valve cover gasket which damages spark plugs, ignition coils and fuel injector. Defective High Pressure Fuel Pump and fuel injector causing fuel to spray into engine and into engine oil. Large amount of fuel found in oil pan when oil changed. Complaint filed with Hyuandia, no response at this time. Thank you, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718307February 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The roof of my car between the sunroof and the windshield (called panoramic sunroof) shattered as I was driving down the highway. It was about 10:00 pm on a weeknight and there were no cars within sight distance in front of me. When it happened it sounded like a gun shot going off at point blank range and I immediately pulled over and checked for bullet holes. Since it was dark I could not see any damage. Today I took the car and had a small chip fixed in my windshield down by the windshield wipers and the service tech pointed out to me that the roof was shattered. He told me that this happens a lot with this vehicle. So I got online and searched and found a lot of vehicles have reported the exact problem. Down to the sounds of gunshots. So I stopped at my local Hyundai dealership and recorded the conversation. He told me that theres no recalls on this car and It probably shattered by a rock or debris. I told him that when this happened it was late night and no cars within sight in front of me. He didn’t even come out and look at the damage. He said to call my insurance company and I said that is a manufacturer defect and I shouldn’t have to pay for their mistake. When I searched for this on the internet people stated that the dealerships will deny this manufacturer defect and that’s exactly what they said to me. My main concern is that this defect is documented by many vehicle owners from their 2020 vehicles and their Is a recall out for this problem but it stops at 2016 models. In this recall the shattered piece is replaced and there is actually compensation given for people getting scared or dealing with stress dealing with thinking they are getting shot at. I don’t care about any of that. I just want the issue fixed because I did not cause the issue, the manufacturer did. Reason being is that the exact thing is happening to numerous people across the Country. Thank you for your time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717373February 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On the morning of December 10, 2025, I left my home for an appointment. I traveled for about 15 minutes before entering onto the highway. As I entered the highway, I traveled about half a mile and was scared by a very loud explosion! I pulled over to assess my vehicle and the surrounding area. The sunroof had SHATTERED to pieces, fortunately I didn’t have it open at the time. It was just a miracle I didn’t have an accident from being startled, or receive any cuts or injuries due to this unforeseen event. As I was driving, there was very little to no traffic and I never heard anything like hit the car or window or anything. I called my insurance company and filed a claim. They eventually had me to take it to a Collision Center 12/22/2025. They removed all glass from sunroof, and determined that there was an issue with the glass rack, and it would end up being very costly. My Insurance Provider contacted me to say they would not be able to provide coverage due to the cost and findings of the Collision Center. So they backed out and informed me that I needed to file a claim with Hyundai. So I picked the vehicle up 1/19/2026 from the Collision Center. Then I filed a claim with Hyundai, and was told to schedule an appointment for inspection. I took the vehicle for inspection 1/22/2026, after about a week I was told that the vehicle had been inspected there was nothing they could do. I’m confused as to how the inspection went since there was no glass present in order to check the opening and closing of the car rack. Plus the plastic that the Collision Center placed on it was barely removed. So I picked the vehicle up 1/30/2026. and it’s been sitting in my driveway covered every since. The vehicle has been inspected by a Collision Center, and the Dealership without any success. There were no warning lights of any indication of trouble on the dashboard at any given time, not even when the explosion occurred. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716098February 6, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711761January 18, 2026
ENGINE
Excessive oil burn off. Oil is getting into the cylinder, causing scorching. This causing engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708520January 3, 2026
ENGINE
Oil drain plug seal leaking, can’t tighten the bolt with the required torque setting to keep it from leaking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707497December 29, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707127December 26, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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