CarModelProblems.com

2020 Hyundai Santa FE Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
207Complaints
2Recalls
13Crashes
8Fires
15Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (36.2% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.

Engine complaints here are 2.9× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine75 · 36.2%Investigation closedDP22003
Power Train26 · 12.6%No official action
Electrical System25 · 12.1%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System12 · 5.8%No official action
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly9 · 4.3%RecalledRecall 21V00M000
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings9 · 4.3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE75 · 36.2%
Unspecified / other40 · 19.3%
POWER TRAIN26 · 12.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 5.8%
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY9 · 4.3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS9 · 4.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY8 · 3.9%
SERVICE BRAKES8 · 3.9%
AIR BAGS7 · 3.4%

Percentages are the share of the 207 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Visibility:windshield

NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 2021 · reported 12/28/2021

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Trailer Hitches

NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 2023 · reported 03/17/2023

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11647003 — filed 03/07/2025 · ENGINE
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11638926 — filed 01/27/2025 · ENGINE
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11627278 — filed 11/25/2024 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

202020242021282022542023262024742025692026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 75 of 207 NHTSA complaints (36.2%), followed by unspecified/other issues (40), power train (26), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE have?

207 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 8 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V00M000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.