2020 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026KSCrashTowedBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11768895 · source
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026NYEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11766360 · source
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026SCEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11766290 · source
4. Filed Sep 17, 2026137,000 miTNTowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11765014 · source
5. Filed Sep 10, 2026ILEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11763336 · source
6. Filed Sep 8, 2026OKEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11762696 · source
7. Filed Sep 2, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11761774 · source
8. Filed Aug 31, 2026NYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760974 · source
9. Filed Aug 28, 2026NYEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11760193 · source
10. Filed Aug 12, 2026PAFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    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

    NHTSA complaint #11756416 · source
11. Filed Jul 8, 202684,000 miFLEngine

    The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a notification for an unknown emissions recall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained for three weeks, and an ECU software update was completed. The vehicle was then driven to the contact's residence. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked and chugged while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was…

    NHTSA complaint #11749004 · source
12. Filed Jun 11, 2026VAEngine

    I took it to Hyundai Dealership in November 2025 and did the Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H software update. Since that happened my engine is jumpy and I have taken it back to dealer and they can't find anything. Several people with this issue have been found since on several forums after having the update. One said the dealer knows about the issue and so does Hyundai, but when I ask they know nothing.

    NHTSA complaint #11743466 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology