Is the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model

2020 Hyundai Santa FE
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 213
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2020: 213 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	209
2002	165
2003	308
2004	303
2005	216
2006	106
2007	684
2008	541
2009	358
2010	259
2011	181
2012	353
2013	605
2014	493
2015	254
2016	236
2017	968
2018	109
2019	202
2020	213
2021	166
2022	199
2023	211
2024	153
2025	135
2026	38

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

37% · 79 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I do not know what caused this. Here is what happened.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-05

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12

Also filed under Electrical system

After having a warranty repair for a valve cover gasket' at CENTEREACHHYUNDAI, I picked up my car. Only 8 minutes into my drive home the engine light went on and engine error code appeared.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-06

Power train

12% · 26 reports

Electrical system

12% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Forward collision avoidance

9% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I am reporting severe safety risks and inspection fraud on my AWD 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (VIN: [XXX]) caused by Universal Hyundai in Orlando.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Also filed under Wheels

Visibility

7% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and condensor/evaporator.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2022-06-20Visibility21V00M000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
R

2023-05-16Trailer hitches23V181000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 79 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 26 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V00M000 · Visibility
Recall 23V181000 · Trailer hitches

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.