Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints (2020)

218 consumer complaints on file.

#11773578October 25, 2026
ENGINE
Hyundai Dealership, Pedder Hyundai of Poway, applied recall 9C2 to 2020 Santa Fe on 10/20/2026. Vehicle idle is now rough at startup and gas pedal angle no longer is reliable for controlling vehicle speed. Engine surges and jerks during initial operation on residential street due to software change. The vehicle did not operate in this manner for the last six years. I never felt like I had erratic engine control due to gas pedal response. I would like this recall removed and the original software re-applied, or my car bought back by Hyundai.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772480October 20, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My incident relates to peeling paint on my white 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The paint has started to bubble, crack and peel off on the rear hatch of the vehicle. Hyundai has had issues with white color paint peeling off on a variety of their vehicles, across multiple years. Hyundai issued an extended warranty program (Z05) to cover the issue. I took my Santa Fe to the Hyundai dealer body shop near me to assess my peeling paint issue. While at the body shop facility I saw and took photos of multiple white Santa Fe's and Tucson's with peeling paint that appeared to have the same paint issue my 2020 Santa Fe is starting to exhibit. Both the Hyundai dealership body shop and Hyundai's Customer Care center have stated that my specific VIN number is not covered for the issue. The Hyundai Customer Care center stated that they are unable to add me VIN number to their coverage, but advised me that if the Z05 Warranty Program for the paint defect is expanded in the future, and my VIN number becomes included, I would then be reimbursed for expenses I have incurred to address the problem. 10/20/26 - The body shop has now updated that Hyundai will cover 90% of the cost to repair the paint damage for this specific incident, but I am still pressing for them to completely cover the repair. I would also like to see my VIN number added to the Z05 Warranty Program coverage so that I, too, would receive coverage for any additional paint peeling issues should they arise during the remaining warranty period of my vehicle. I have included a picture of my Santa Fe's peeling paint issue, and a picture of one of the random cars from the Hyundai dealer body shop exhibiting the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770071October 9, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle is experience severe, progressive engine oil consumption, completely depleting its engine oil below the safe operating limit ("Low" mark on the dipstick) every 500 miles. This creates an imminent risk of sudden engine seizure, catastrophic mechanical failure, and sudden stalling at highway speeds. The authorized dealers (Safford Hyundai Manassas) and corporate case management (Case #43193472) have failed to fix the issue after multiple visits. Furthermore, dealership service staff explicitly instructed me that I must continue operating the vehicle for an additional 1000 miles even if the oil falls below the safe "Low" limit to satisfy corporate test parameters. Forcing a consumer to drive a vehicle with depleted engine oil is a severe safety hazard to myself and other drivers on the road. The manufacturer is also underreporting oil consumption volumes on service invoices to avoid warranty repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770189October 9, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS MODEL … I HAVE A CLAIM INTO HYUNDAI TO ALLOW MY VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE SAME RECALL. This is a very dangerously problem and wish it to be investigated for the 2.0 Turbo as well. X Hyundai issued two main fuel-related recalls for the 2021 Santa Fe equipped with 2.5-liter turbocharged engines due to risks of fuel leaks and fires: & • Campaign 206 (NHTSA Recall 21V308000 / May 2021): The fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may not have been tightened to the proper torque during manufacturing. Dealers inspected and retightened the connection for free. • Campaign 207 (NHTSA Recall 21V524000 / July 2021): Covering select 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata models with 2.5L turbo engines, this recall addressed fuel pipes from a specific production run installed with insufficient torque or improper concentricity. Dealers inspected and either retightened or replaced the fuel pipe at no charge.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768895October 5, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I do not know what caused this. Here is what happened. While parking the car suddenly accelerated, over the curb, on the sidewalk narrowly missing the building because I turned hard right to avoid the building and I was able to brake to a stop glancing off a concrete pillar. We could have been hurt crashing into the wall/windows, anyone on the walk would have been hurt & anyone in the store could have been hurt. The car was towed to Hatchette Hyundai-East waiting to be looked at. There is no police report because it was private property and no damages except to my car. No warning lamps or messages. I remember 2 previous incidents that happened recently. While driving in normal city traffic, my passenger asked if I had speeded up? It was morning traffic, so I didn’t really think about it. Later that day while returning home there was a weird thing that happened. Again, in traffic, the car engine did something weird, but I thought it was the car reacting to the car beside me being too close. It was like it downshifted, slowed down and then resumed normally. The only other time I had any problem was on May 9th near Lawrence, Ks. The car began vibrating and felt like it was going on rumble strips when I accelerated and did not get up to speed. If I let off the gas it quit. I had the car taken to McCarthy Hyundai-Lawrence, Ks. They diagnosed an issue from the computer codes and completed repairs having the car from Monday until Wednesday.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766290September 23, 2026
ENGINE
At times the engine will freeze up, stall the car while driving, or the car will altogether turn off when at a stop sign or light, while the car is still on. I've had the oil changed before the mileage indicated expired because the engine light came on and I was told the car had no oil at all when I know the oil was just changed within a 3 months time frame.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766360September 23, 2026
ENGINE
Codes P0172 and P016B. Oil has fuel in it due to high pressure fuel pump leaking. Possible premature engine failure or fire. This is a 2020 santa fe limited 2.0T.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766135September 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At approximately 42,000 miles, the AC system on my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe suffered a potential immediate and premature failure, creating a severe driving safety hazard. The AC expansion valve began actively leaking refrigerant inside the dashboard, rendering the climate control system completely inoperable of normal operation. In Florida's high humidity and heavy rainstorms, this loss of proper AC function means the windshield defogging/defrosting mechanism fails to dehumidify cabin air. This results in sudden, severe window fogging while driving, heavily obstructing visibility and creating an imminent crash risk. Furthermore, as a senior managing multiple health conditions, a gradual, then total loss of cooling in extreme Florida heat poses a direct medical and physical safety hazard. The independent repair facility that fixed our vehicle noted an alarming pattern, servicing about 6 newer Hyundai models from our car's age group for similar AC failures and expansion valve leaks within a single month. Because an expansion valve is designed to last the life of a vehicle, this failure at 42,000 miles—combined with active industry investigations into internal Hyundai compressor degradation shedding debris downstream in the AC system—strongly indicates a systematic material defect. We have spent about $2,800 out-of-pocket to recharge the system, add dye, lose the charge again, and ultimately replace the valve inside the dashboard. Unfortunately, because Hyundai refuses to check our vehicle at their expense to find and remove potential Teflon or metal filings caused by this widespread compressor issue, and if needed, replace the compressor and other compromised components, this internal degradation can continue to cause recurring component leaks and damage at our unaffordable expense, while continuously releasing refrigerant into the air.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765014September 17, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to properly accelerate, with the check engine warning light illuminated and flashing. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, engine oil was added to the engine. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine oil level was low shortly after the engine oil was added. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and the vehicle was taken back to the local mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the engine oil level was low, and metal shavings were found in the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil consumption test was needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763784September 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I drove my car from for about an hour to my destination. I get to my destination and park and the car starts smoking lightly from under the hood and then increases. I was still sitting in the car when I was told my car was on fire. It went from a little smoke to a full blown fire in a couple of minutes. I got out the car and within minutes the front of the car caught fire and blew up. The car has been inspected by insurance. There were no warnings prior to this happening. I could have been serious injured or possibly killed. I am currently experiencing PTSD from this event. My son was just in my car previously. I am have this happened when I was there alone. I see that there are certain years that have been affected by fire, but the 2020 should be involved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763336September 10, 2026
ENGINE
At approximately 122,000 miles, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a serious engine malfunction while I was driving on the highway. The check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle began thrusting/jerking forward unexpectedly. We immediately took action to exit the highway and were able to get off the highway, but the engine died before we could fully stop the vehicle. This created a serious safety risk because the unexpected jerking and subsequent loss of engine power occurred while traveling at highway speeds and could have resulted in loss of control or a collision. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic. After inspecting it, the mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced and recommended taking it to a Hyundai dealership because of the continuing issues associated with the Theta II engine. The vehicle was then towed to the Hyundai dealership. The Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and determined that cylinders 2 and 4 were not firing and recommended replacing the valve shaft. We requested a complete engine replacement. Hyundai initially offered a 50/50 split of the repair cost, but after we requested an engine replacement, Hyundai declined and instead offered a 70/30 cost split. There was also a previous documented concern regarding increased oil consumption, as noted in an earlier oil-consumption report. The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent mechanic and a Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine components are available for inspection upon request. No police or insurance inspection was performed, to my knowledge.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762696September 8, 2026
ENGINE
My car has the 2.0 T GDI theta 2 motor and it went into limp mode and after scanning the codes it’s the p1326 code. The vin doesn’t show to be apart of the class action lawsuit but it’s the same motor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761774September 2, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Hyundai Motor America & Wallace Hyundai of StuartVEHICLE: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L Theta II GDI Engine)VIN: 5NMS23AD5LH181669INCIDENT MILEAGE: 181,000 MiHYUNDAI CASE NUMBER: 42981944SECTION 1: CATASTROPHIC INTERSTATE SAFETY INCIDENTOn July 16, 2026, while navigating heavy, high-speed traffic on Interstate 95 (I-95) at approximately 80 to 85 MPH, my vehicle suffered an un-commanded, catastrophic mechanical engine seizure. The vehicle instantly dropped from highway speeds down to a 21 MPH "limp mode," creating an immediate multi-car pile-up hazard on a major interstate. Physical inspection immediately after the failure proved that the engine oil level was completely full. The internal components catastrophically failed due to a documented, systemic factory defect involving premature rod bearing failure and oil starvation mechanisms, entirely unrelated to consumer maintenance.SECTION 2: PRIOR SAFETY COMPLAINTS & DOCUMENTED TIMELINEHyundai Motor America has intentionally forced me to operate a known, life-threatening safety hazard for 17 months, during which I drove an additional 31,000 miles under extreme duress. I filed formal oil consumption complaints with Hyundai Corporate every three to four months. I was forced to manually replenish the engine oil every 1,000 miles due to excessive oil loss.Specific safety reports detailing hazardous engine behavior were formally logged with Hyundai on November 25, 2025, and again in April 2026. Rather than remediating the vehicle, Hyundai corporate claims adjusters and dealership supervisors ignored these warning tracks, effectively throwing a consumer out into active traffic in an unsafe, defective vehicle.SECTION 3: AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN TRAUMA & ACCIDENT RISKThe manufacturing defects caused an intermittent, un-commanded automatic The manufacturing defects caused an intermittent, un-commanded automatic engine shutdown condition. On 5 to 10 separate occasions while stationary at active traffic lights, the vehicle stalled10times
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760974August 31, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My car is consuming an immense amount of oil, the manufacturer recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles, I get an oil change less than 3,000 miles and on my last oil change i was told that there are oil shavings in my oil filter. I just got the SC9C2 update and now my engine is knocking. Car drives super rough and has signs of rod bearing failure. My engine is the Theta II 2.4GDI, a class action lawsuit was filed against Hyundai but my car wasn't included. I don't understand how Hyundai can know about this issue with this engine and not cover replacement. A car should at the very least last for the life of the loan, I am going to end up with no car and still making payments.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760193August 28, 2026
ENGINE
2020 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEL WITH 2.4L THETA II ENGINE EXPERIENCES SEVERE OIL CONSUMPTION AND REPEATED ENGINE STALLING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF REPEATED LOW-OIL CONDITIONS DESPITE REGULAR OIL SERVICE. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY STALLING WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE. WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP OR WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE MAY STALL UNLESS THE DRIVER MAINTAINS ADDITIONAL THROTTLE. THIS CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE ENGINE CAN SHUT OFF DURING NORMAL TRAFFIC OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PRESENTED TO CENTEREACH HYUNDAI FOR DIAGNOSIS. ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE ADVISOR, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THE ENGINE WITH VERY LITTLE/NEARLY NO ENGINE OIL DESPITE THE VEHICLE HAVING TRAVELED LESS THAN APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES SINCE ITS MOST RECENT OIL SERVICE/TOP-OFF. THE HYUNDAI TECHNICIAN REPORTEDLY SUSPECTS THAT THE ENGINE TIMING MAY HAVE JUMPED AND THAT THIS CONDITION MAY BE RELATED TO THE LOW-OIL CONDITION AND MAY EXPLAIN THE ENGINE STALLING. HYUNDAI HAS DIRECTED THAT AN OIL-CONSUMPTION TEST BE PERFORMED. THE INITIAL OIL SERVICE/ENGINE-FLUSH PROCEDURE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE OWNER AT APPROXIMATELY $400. THE PROCEDURE THEN CONTEMPLATES APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES OF ADDITIONAL VEHICLE OPERATION TO MEASURE OIL CONSUMPTION. THIS CREATES AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE BEING REQUIRED TO ACCUMULATE APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES IS THE SAME VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO REPEATEDLY STALL AT IDLE AND FOR WHICH THE HYUNDAI TECHNICIAN REPORTEDLY SUSPECTS A TIMING PROBLEM. THE OWNER HAS REQUESTED THAT HYUNDAI DOCUMENT WHETHER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE STALLING CONDITION AND WHETHER HYUNDAI CONSIDERS IT APPROPRIATE TO OPERATE FOR THE REQUIRED MILEAGE-ACCUMULATION TEST. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA CASE NUMBER: 43164946. VIN: 5NMS3CAD4LH173916.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756946August 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The multifunction/turn signal switch in my Hyundai has failed and causes the left turn signal to operate intermittently. While driving, I am unable to reliably activate the left turn signal when making a left turn or changing lanes. The signal may fail to engage when the turn signal lever is operated, requiring repeated attempts to activate it. College Station Hyundai inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the multifunction switch as the failed component requiring replacement. The replacement component has been identified as Hyundai part number 93400-S1750. I consider this a significant safety concern because the failure prevents me from reliably signaling my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. The malfunction occurs during normal operation of the vehicle and creates the risk that surrounding drivers will not know that I intend to turn or change lanes. The vehicle currently has approximately 86,611 miles. I reported the issue to Hyundai Motor America and requested assistance because this is a safety-critical component. Hyundai declined my request because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the premature failure of a component necessary for the reliable operation of the vehicle's turn signals may constitute a safety-related defect, and I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756767August 13, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle began running sluggish, gas smell noticed. Vehicle was due for oil change, took car in for oil change to AAA and mentioned gas smell. AAA identified gas leaking from fuel pump posing immediate safety issue that needed to be resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756416August 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to the store, came home , parked and turned off the car. Went to go outside about 10 minutes ,maybe. Black smoke coming from right front. By the time i grabbed the keys and fire extinguisher there were flames coming from the engine compartment
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756514August 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward. In addition, the vehicle almost stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that no fault codes were displayed. The contact was informed that the issues with the vehicle were just a case of bad luck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred shortly after the vehicle was repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: 9C2, in May 2026. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,558.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753119July 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were notified there was a recall and to schedule an appointment to get the update. We did and it was updated. It hesitated when we drove it the next day and everyday after. WE took it in a second time and was told by our dealer that following the completion of service campaign 9c2 certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting conditions and to let it warm up for 1-3 minutes. We were told that Hyundai is working on it. It has been over a month and it still does it. I now own a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle with less than 38,000 miles that is a lemon in my opinion. I am paying for gas to let it run for the 3 minutes and cant sell it or trade it in without a major reduction in price. I feel Hyundai is not being responsible for the damage they have caused to my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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