2020 Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and 216 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (80), unknown or other (42), power train (26). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (308). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Visibility · windshield
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 cas…
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 fi…
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…
Safety ratings
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV AWD
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Santa Fe AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Santa Fe AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Santa Fe FWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Santa Fe FWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, most recently for trailer hitches (03/17/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe?
Based on 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (80), unknown or other (42), power train (26).
Is the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe safe?
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Santa Fe model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (308). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe range from 22 to 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SANTA FE, Santa Fe.