Complaint volume
188 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Complaints
188 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, grouped by component category.
188 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
7 Fire reports
12 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, visibility. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 7 fire reports, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 41 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,122 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, visibility?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe complaints?
13 Crash
7 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
13 Towed
10 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe complaint categories?
ENGINE 41
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23
VISIBILITY 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 7
POWER TRAIN 7
AIR BAGS 5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 4
STRUCTURE 4
188 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 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 dark and pouring down rain. The check engine light was no longer flashing when I went the next day to take to the dealership to be checked. They stated nothing can be done unless it is flashing when I bring it in. This is the 3rd time it has happened in this vehicle, and I have taken in on other occasions with no resolution. This puts my family and I at risk. This appears to have same issues as my previous vehicle a 2014 sonata limited 2.0t. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SEAT BELTS | Front passenger seat belt will no longer click and lock into place. When held in place by hand, the warning lamp turns off and the audible warning alert turns off. It has not yet been checked by any service department. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The backup camera will sometimes have black lines and flash off/on while in reverse. Other times, it will display a solid blue screen and the camera doesn't show an image at all. I took it to the dealer and since they weren't able to replicate the problem, they didn't look at it. I showed them a video I recorded, but that wasn't good enough. It's happening more often and seems to mostly occur after the vehicle has been parked outside. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | AIR BAGS | PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The vehicle seat caught fire overnight, Sept 26th, and was discovered the morning of Sept 27th 2024. The fire was contained to inside the vehicle and melted parts of the driver seat and lower part of steering wheel. The vehicle interior was covered in orange dust and had extremely toxic smell inside. Insurance 3rd party inspected and declared it a total loss. A few weeks later, a neighbor and fellow Hyundai SantaFe owner mentioned that he had heard of an issue with the Santa Fe catching fire. With this new information, I called Hyundai to alert them. Hyundai opened an investigation, but closed the claim since the 3rd party that declared it a total loss had already sold it as salvage. They also denied any recalls pertaining to my specific vehicle or knowledge that electrical fire was a potential issue for this model and year. There was a recall for a tow hitch that lead to fires....but mine did not have a tow hitch. Obvious concern is that this could be a wider issue than just 1 vehicle and lives and property of those owners and others could be at significant risk. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE | Back up camera glitches. Causes driver assist to take control at times when not necessary. Have has this in for service at least 4 times since purchasing vehicle in 2020. Service states repaired each time bit eventually happens again. This last time is getting more severe cause multiple electrical short in Overhead lights, Panoramic roof failure to close at times and rear hatch sometimes only partially opens. I saw recent recall for 2021 and 2022 Santa fe's, I believe this problem is what is happening with my 2020 Santa fe and the scope of the recall should be expanded. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at higher speeds, the vehicle experienced a momentary loss of motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone where a diagnostic scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the MAP sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto Parts where, the DTC code: P2565; was retrieved. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and the MAP sensor were previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,363. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100,363 |
| Nov 2024 | 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 not let me accelerate. I had to merge 2 lanes to the shoulder on a busy highway where my car ended up dying and would not turn over. I was concerned for my safety and the speed limit was 70MPH and my car rapidly went down. After 5 minutes my car came back on and then immediately stopped working again. I had my car towed to the local Hyundai dealer where they said I would need a new engine on a 4 year old car. My make and model are in the recall for engine issues but my VIN # was not included. I spoke to Hyundai a few times and they stated there was nothing they can do and we needed to pay for the new engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Vehicle has developed excessive oil consumption. No leaks to be found. Using approximately one quart a week. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | The park break keeps turning on by its self, rather I'm driving or sitting at a light or stopped at a stop sign. Putting me and my passengers as well as the other motorist on the road at risk for collision.There is an orange EPB light that never goes off that came on about two months ago, and the emergency park break started being engaged without me engaging it after last driving the car, every time I get back in the car. A red park break light comes on and continously blinks and that has been happening for the last month and a half. The breaks lock and I have to keep pushing the park break disengage button and turning the car off several times to get it to disengage at some point, while in traffic. I haven't had this problem checked out yet, because it is so costly, but I plan to. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ENGINE | Knock sensor failed while it was raining and at highway speed and caused the vehicle to slow and jerk. After further investigation this has been a recall issue for several years , but Hyundai still has a problem with their Knock sensor and no recall on the 2020 Santa Fe | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I parked my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe in a hospital parking garage on the morning of July 30, 2024. I was getting ready to leave after my doctor’s appointment. I slowly reversed my car and hit a pillar behind me. As I put the car into drive to come forward slowly, the car accelerated forward at a very fast speed. I took my foot off of the gas and kept pressing the brake pedal, but the car kept speeding forward on its own and I crashed headfirst into a concrete wall. The impact cracked the concrete barrier on the outside of the parking garage. The air bags deployed, causing fractures in my sternum and L1 vertebrae. This accident occurred near the elevators/stairs and cars were all around. IF a person had been walking in my path to get to their car, he/she would have been severely hurt or killed. I was able to frantically steer the accelerating car into a handicap parking space and crash into the concrete wall, thus avoiding other cars. If that space was not available, my car could have crashed into another car with people inside. We were just told that the car is going to be totaled. If necessary, it could be inspected before that happens. I thought that I was going to die… the car was out of control. I do not want this to happen to others with this type of car…or put others in its path at risk. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was driving on the highway going about 75 to 80. My vehicle will start warning me that a car was in front of me when the cars was about 3 to 4 car links ahead of me. The emergency brake will start for at least a mile down the road. Then shut off. It will happen at least 5 times on a 4 hour trip. This really need to be fix before someone get rear end. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | While driving on the highway loss of power and all the light on the info area lit up had to pull over on shoulder and shut off car and restart. And on two separate occasion while on low speed local road brake pedal locked up and I could not stop the car using the brake it was like it was press down already and I was unable to stop. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ENGINE | Twice while driving in traffic my vehicle’s engine randomly shut off. This left me in very unsafe conditons as one as at a busy intersection which resulted in cars going around me while I attempted to restart my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been reproduced by a dealership. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected. No warning lights or dtc. First failure was 6ish weeks ago. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Prior to these occasions, the Hyundai Santa Fe was constantly needing oil added. On top of that, starting on [XXX], my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe coded with a check engine light blinking in the upper right corner of the dashboard. I was on [XXX] in NW Indiana on my way to a meeting. The SUV would not accelerate past 2,000 rpm and bogged down on a national interstate sending me into a panic. I had my car towed back to my house. I called my brother in law, [XXX] , who sold me the vehicle in November 2020, to get advice on what to do next. I was told to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. After having my car sit there for two weeks, Webb Hyundai finally looked at it. They upgraded the knock sensor software and had the knock sensor replaced. With the plethora of things that I asked to be repaired or looked at, they only fixed the knock sensor. Due to an extended warranty, I paid $100. Two days later, the SUV got a flat tire. The SUV sat for a week or week and a half due to a flat tire and the place not having it in stock. [XXX] driving back from getting my new tire put on in Valparaiso, Indiana, the vehicle coded again on [XXX]. It caused another very dangerous situation as the vehicle slows to 2,000 rpms. Once again, I had the SUV towed back to my home in Cedar Lake, Indiana. It sat for a few days while I was deciding my next move. This time, I had the vehicle towed to Gerald Hyundai, where my brother in law works and where the vehicle was originally purchased. The vehicle arrived [XXX], 2024. The SUV only sat for one day before telling me all the work that needed to be done. Some of the charges were covered by the extended warranty. Total bill was $540. The work was done on May 13, 2024. I could not pick up the vehicle until the weekend. However, my other car was in an accident, so I did not make it until [XXX] 2024. Shortly after picking up my vehicle, the SUV coded again on [XXX] going back to Indiana. More to follow.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | WHEELS | Front drivers side wheelwell cover come off on the highway, I could have had a wreck | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On Interstate 95 in Virginia, multiple times, going ~68-70 MPH the vehicle automatically applied the brakes causing an unsafe situation with a momentary loss of control. Multiple times this has happened with no other vehicle or obstacle in front of, or beside me. It has happened now for no reason causing the loss of control of the vehicle. We have reported this to Hyundai and they cannot find any fault code, or record of the incident. Our understanding is that this is a widespread problem with this vehicle and system, but also includes other vehicles with the same technology. We are afraid this may end up causing serious damage, injuries or fatality(ies). We have asked Hyundai to turn the system off, and they have refused. They have no solution, and we have spent time and money on this. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that one bolt on the fuel pump was sheared off and another was extremely loose. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 63,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 63,000 |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY | Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving on the highway. There were no other vehicles around and nothing visibly seen that hit the roof. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I purchased this vehicle in early 2023. I was driving on the interstate and received a TINY rock chip that immediately cracked across my entire windshield in April of 2023 resulting in my replacing the windshield. I have since received two TINY rock chips one on 11/25/23 and one on 01/03/24 resulting in immediate cracks. the rock chips are barely visible and as soon as it was heard each time, the windshield cracked considerably. The windshield is faulty and defective. I have driven the same interstate for the last 10 years and have never had this issue with any other vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN | La guagua a tenido problemas con el tren delantero. Comenzó con un sonido en el Guía. La Hyundai le reparo esa pieza y luego continuó con el mismo ruido. Ahora tienen que cambiarle el Rack and Piñogn. Mi guagua tiene solo 19,750 millas creo que vino mala de fábrica. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he shifted to park(P), turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had recurred 5 times while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the immobilizer warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 30,595. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,595 |
| Nov 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel, prompting her to pull into a parking area and contact Roadside Assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was again towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the engine, requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 14,500. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 14,500 |
| Nov 2023 | ENGINE | My engine light came on December of 2022. I took it to Autozone and had them to a diagnostic text to read the code. They stated it was a misfire on 3. My vehicle was also burning oil. I took it to the dealer(Napleton). They changed the spark plug. That didn’t fix the issue. I took it back because the check engine light came back on. Napleton Downtown Chicago, IL, kept the vehicle for 5 months because they stated they had to replace the engine. About 2 weeks ago my check engine light came back on. I made an appointment to take it into to Napleton Downtown Chicago on November 27, 2023. Yesterday November 22, 2023, my vehicle cut off, started smoking and didn’t cut back on, I had to have it towed to Napleton in Urbana, IL. Clearly this vehicle is having engine problems. I been telling Napleton Downtown Chicago that there’s a defect with this vehicle and to replace it. Please look into for me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |