MYRModel Year Report

2020 Hyundai Santa FE

● Typical for this model
2020 Hyundai Santa FE
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:28:15.758Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Santa FE Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2001: 209 complaints 2001 2002: 165 complaints 2003: 308 complaints 2004: 303 complaints 2005: 216 complaints 2005 2006: 106 complaints 2007: 681 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 357 complaints 2009 2010: 256 complaints 2011: 181 complaints 2012: 352 complaints 2013: 604 complaints 2013 2014: 492 complaints 2015: 253 complaints 2016: 235 complaints 2017: 937 complaints 2017 2018: 108 complaints 2019: 190 complaints 2020: 193 complaints 2020 2021: 162 complaints 2021 2022: 187 complaints 2023: 199 complaints 2024: 130 complaints 2025: 116 complaints 2025 2026: 27 complaints 2026
2020: 193 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001209
2002165
2003308
2004303
2005216
2006106
2007681
2008541
2009357
2010256
2011181
2012352
2013604
2014492
2015253
2016235
2017937
2018108
2019190
2020193
2021162
2022187
2023199
2024130
2025116
202627

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 36%

36% of complaints: engine — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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, 20231106

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200316

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240801

I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT ON THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO THE GARAGE AND THE FRAME. THERE ARE TIRE MARKS ON THE CEMENT SHOWING THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200910

VISIBILITY 5%

5% of complaints: visibility — 9 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220620 — visibility

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.

Campaign 21V00M000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230516 — trailer hitches

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.

Campaign 23V181000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Hyundai Santa FE — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (69 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V00M000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V181000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2007 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

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 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Santa FE have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.