general problems of the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe - part 1

I was driving out of the parking garage at work and happened to catch the oil light flicker on and then go off. I immediately drove it to an auto shop where I told them what happened. They looked at the dipstick and there was no oil showing on the dipstick. If I had just written the light off as an oddity I would have driven the car home from work (around 20 miles) and the engine could have stalled at 60mph creating a safety hazard. I have the oil changed regularly (about every 5,000 miles) and have my receipts. My car has around 80,000 miles in it and I’m the original owner. The auto shop said that I would need to take it to the dealership for an oil consumption test. I called and scheduled the appointment immediately and am in the process of having the test completed. The dealership noted a TSB for the issue on the write up and based on my research online this is not an unusual problem. Why have owners not been made aware of this issue? I don’t feel safe driving my car and am frustrated that this seems to be a known issue. There was no oil on the dipstick, no indicator that stayed on indicating an issue.

The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2. 0t, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have resulted in a loss of power while driving. The manufacturer has been notified but denied warranty assistance due to lack of maintenance documentation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

We purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 105,000 miles. The vehicle has had regular routine maintenance and oil changes. Around 107,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the vehicle simultaneously started running rough. It was diagnosed with a failed valve on the #3 cylinder and now needs a total engine replacement. This issue also coincided with excess oil consumption. Despite having an oil change fewer than 2000 miles earlier, the oil was almost completely gone from the engine despite not having any leaks present. This goes well beyond normal wear and tear and is indicative of a defect/design flaw.

On the morning of February 20 2026 at around 6:35am. I was on my way to work when the engine light started flashing and the speed started to decrease. I was traveling on a major highway in heavy rain with a lot of traffic. I had to put on my hazard lights and quickly pull off the road. The code given is p1326 which has to do with the engine and wiring harness. I just purchased the vehicle on Jan. 17 2026. The carfax stated no open recalls.

Around Feb 15, 2026, at ~85,000 miles, the oil pressure warning light began illuminating at idle and extinguishing above idle speed. The vehicle had also been experiencing intermittent hard starts and occasional shuddering at idle — symptoms too subtle for a typical owner to connect to imminent engine failure. An independent mechanic performed a manual oil pressure test: 4 psi (Hyundai minimum spec is 13 psi). The authorized dealer confirmed 6 psi and found metal shavings in the oil pan — the signature of connecting rod bearing wear documented in theta ii gdi engine failures. Dealer recommended full engine replacement ($8,500). Vehicle has been inoperable at the dealer since Feb 19, 2026. Safety concern: at 4 psi with metal debris in the oil system, this engine was at imminent risk of catastrophic seizure. I avoided highway driving after the warning appeared (max 50 mph, city streets only). Had the engine seized at highway speed, loss of power steering and brake vacuum assist would have created serious crash risk. The symptom profile — warning only at idle, clearing at speed, no knocking, no check engine light — is the pattern that puts less-vigilant drivers at risk of seizure at highway speed with no warning. Known defect: the 2. 4l g4kj theta ii gdi is identical to the engine subject to a $210m NHTSA civil penalty (2020), multiple recalls, and a ~$1. 3b class action settlement extending lifetime warranties through my 2019. The 2020 uses the same engine but was excluded. My failure mode is textbook theta ii. Hyundai service campaign 9c2 (ecu update for 2019-2020 theta ii, issued Nov 2025) was incomplete on this vehicle — I was never notified. Completed after the engine had already failed. Manufacturer denied coverage (case #xxx). Bbb auto line claim #xxx filed Apr 16, 2026. No crash. No injuries. No fire. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Our vehicle has encountered a catastrophic engine failure (burnt valves) due to a known and ongoing issue with the piston rings install in this engine.

Hi! leaking valve cover gasket which damages spark plugs, ignition coils and fuel injector. Defective high pressure fuel pump and fuel injector causing fuel to spray into engine and into engine oil. Large amount of fuel found in oil pan when oil changed. Complaint filed with hyuandia, no response at this time. Thank you, [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving on the road and all of the sudden my car went limp and would only move 45 miles per hour. I took it to the dealer which I have lifetime powertran on my car. It has been there for over a month at the dealer. They asked me to provide all oil changes,services, and registrations. I did that and then fidelity asked them to tear down the engine again to see if I had carbon build up. Then after the dealer did that they ask the dealer to tear the motor down even further to see if the exhaust valve was bad and if it was bad they would not replace my motor. My car consumed so much oil that I was changing my oil so often. I have been renting a car just to get back and forth to work. In my contract it says that the exhaust valve is covered under my lifetime powertran. I feel like Hyundai and fidelity are giving me the run around. I took very good care of my car and I have shown that. Hyundai has had alot of problem with there motors with the oil consumption and motors just going limp. I feel I will never buy a Hyundai again. I am losing money everyday because of the dealer and fidelity. I need the motor replaced and it was no abuse on my part I took care of my car. I want fidelity to tell me how I abuse the exhaust valve. I did my oil changes and took care of my car. I am still paying on my Hyundai and can't afford another car. I have alot of medical bills that I pay. Any help would be great. Sincerely [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving, the engine catastrophically failed without warning, causing an immediate loss of power-assisted braking and steering. The failure occurred while traveling downhill. I was unable to slow or control the vehicle properly and was forced to proceed through a school bus’s flashing lights to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision, resulting in a traffic citation. My son was in the vehicle at the time. A sudden loss of engine power, braking assist, and steering assist while driving presents a serious safety defect. Vehicle was towed to fred beans Hyundai in doylestown where it has been confirmed engine failure. This failure happened immediately and without warning.

Excessive oil burn off. Oil is getting into the cylinder, causing scorching. This causing engine failure.

I took my car in for the evm engine update. Since then whenever it starts it is jumpy. The rpm rev more than they should. It’s very concerning that it will rev and won’t stop and I could possibly hit someone. I took it back to the dealer and they called the timeline and they told them to do another update. They did and it is still like that. Was never like that before. I have connected with several people that have had the same thing happen. I will gave to take it in again and leave it which is a major inconvenience.

After 110,000, the engine started using oil and it began to knock. According to the history of these engines, it will lead to engine failure. They have a record of being a lemon engine and there is not a engine of this type that this does not happen. The engine needs to recalled and replaced, they are the theda ii gdi series of 2. 0l and 2. 4l four-cylinder engines from Hyundai/kia.

Excessive oil consumption under warranty, . Hyundai says its normal consumption within 1,000 miles. Engine its doing stalls now.

2020 Hyundai santafe limited awd . . . Burning excessive oil. This only was noticed because the low oil light intermittently started coming on, and has only started happening in the last few months. Low oil indicator flashing - 4qt low, went for an immediate oil change 78788 miles - oil changed 80252 miles - low oil - added 1qt 80628 miles - low oil - added 1qt 81376 miles - oil changed 81999 miles - low oil - added 1qt 82755 miles - low oil - added 2qt these are the most recent events since we started logging it.

My engine has been sucking up oil since the day I bought it. Once I hit 100k miles it started sucking up oil faster than the recommended oil changes. I was driving home two weeks ago. I went to get in a major highway and she would not go past 35 mph. I went to trade it in and was told it needs a new engine and a new turbo. This is a known problem and Hyundai will not fix it. This car is not even 4 years old. I got it in April 2021.

I had been driving about 1. 5 hours when I exited the interstate and the car engine shut off at a traffic light. When I shifted the car into park and tried to restart the car, smoke filled the cabin. Unbeknownst to me, an oil leak occurred while driving. No warning lights or other indicators that anything was awry. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. Though the SUV is under warranty, they say the oil leak was caused by improper oil plug installation at the last oil change. The oil leak caused the motor to seize and the resulting damage is in excess of $10,000. Hyundai says the warranty won't cover this as it is a service issue. Jiffy lube says their technician did nothing incorrect and they won't take responsibility for the repairs.

Excessive oil consumption. Mechanic who changed oil said oil level was too low and he could find no leaks. He said this is a known Hyundai problem. The dealer acknowledged this. There was no warning light saying the oil was low. It was discovered during a routine oil change.

I had my oil changed at a reputable service center November 19, 2025 and the mechanic said my oil drip pan and plug needed to be replaced in the next few months because they were showing wear and could fail. He asked if I knew about a pending lawsuit against Hyundai concerning these items causing major issues. I said I was unaware, so I researched it. It seems to be legit. During my research there were multiple reports that many had oil leaking problems and some owners reported that the vehicle completely stopped running. That is especially dangerous driving on an interstate. I was quoted about $350. 00 to replace the pan and plug but I was told to contact the local dealership to see if they would replace it. They wanted $215. 00 for a diagnostic plus parts and labor. That is quite a chunk of money for a drip pan and plug.

While driving the oil light started flashing then the check engine light started flashing with no prior warning. The car was checked, it had burnt up the oil in it and then I put 3 quarts in it. It was 200 miles from needing an oil change. The engine had little to no power once oil was put in it. It died on the side of a highway. It had to be towed to a mechanic. There was no prior warning to this incident that the oil was low. This car put me and my child at risk of car accidents when on the road trying to get home with traffic behind me because the car wouldn't accelerate. I called Hyundai and they said they wouldn't help with no recall or extended warranty on the car.

I recently inquired about this vehicle that was for sale at grayson Hyundai. It's has a ksds that needs service immediately and the pre-owned manager is not willing to do that; in fact he's refusing because "they aren't Hyundai" when that is a lie and his dealership can definitely do that service. Safety is a huge concern because the engine could potentially catch on fire or worse. Nothing has been inspected or replaced or fixed at this dealership. I did not go to the dealership myself so I don't know what lights could be on. But with the recalls and this ksds campaign service needing to be done I don't think there is anything else wrong with the vehicle.

The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph onto the ramp, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle stalled and shut off, and the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact was calling for roadside assistance and noticed white smoke coming from under the hood. The stated that the smoke then turned dark brown and then black, and then flames appeared under the hood. The contact grabbed several things of value and exited the vehicle and started running. The vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the edr was destroyed. The contact sustained minor scratches after falling while running away from the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The police and fire department were called to the scene. The contact stated that a police report was not filed due to the incident not being related to a crash. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The local dealer where the vehicle was purchased was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been purchased two months prior to catching on fire. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance provider and declared a total loss. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v181000 (trailer hitches); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 94,400.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle started shaking and lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted immediately. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had an air leak with the fuel. The contact added that the leak was stopped after an undisclosed repair, but the failure reoccurred a day later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,700.

Maintenance has been maintained on this SUV. SUV has about 20,000 miles. While at a complete stop at stop light, the SUV jerked a few times and when attempting to drive the accelerator pedal the SUV would not respond. I then put in park then back in drive slow acceleration, was able to pull over. After turning SUV off and waiting a few minutes , turned SUV back on engine light is on. Home is 10min. Away, engine light is on and acceleration sucks. By time I park the engine light is off. Wait 2 hrs. Drive around the block no light acceleration is off. Dealership is not helpful no engine lights can 0914not tell what is wrong with SUV. Its has been a week no engine light but acceleration still fill off.

On [xxx}, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe sel 2. 0t (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden complete engine failure accompanied by a strong burning smell. The vehicle would not start or turn over, stranding me and creating a safety hazard. The burning smell indicated potential fire risk. This appears to be related to the known theta ii engine defect that has caused multiple recalls and engine fires in Hyundai vehicles. Despite dealer confirmation that the engine was clean and well-maintained with no customer fault, Hyundai has denied warranty coverage. The sudden failure pattern with burning odor represents a serious safety defect that could endanger drivers and passengers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. After scanning the vehicle, the contact received a code for torque converter damage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the tcm update was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The oil light was illuminated and then turned off. The contact became aware that the engine oil was 4 1/2 quarts low, and it was determined there was an oil consumption issue with the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The vehicle has been taken in for routine oil changes and other routine maintenance since purchasing in January 2024. On 9/4/2025, just before arriving home from work, the oil light came on. I checked the dipstick and it was dry. There was no oil in the engine. The last oil change was ~3600 miles ago (regular intervals of 5,000 with synthetic oil). I added two quarts of oil before driving anywhere. On 9/5/2025, I took the vehicle into a shop to have the oil topped off and asked if there were any obvious signs of a leak. The mechanic noted there were no signs of a leak, but added that Hyundai had a lawsuit about the theta ii engine consuming an excessive amount of oil and to look into it. Upon looking into the lawsuit, it came to my attention that my vehicle has this engine and this is a likely culprit to the problem. This report was advised to work toward a resolution to the issue.

2020 santafe limited awd with ~81200 miles. This is the 3rd or 4th time the p07410 code pops up with the engine check light. Hyundai said they found no issues and cleared the code, again. There was once when the code came up and it cleared itself after 50 miles. Not sure exactly what the cause is and Hyundai is saying "there is nothing wrong". Most recent occurrence sept. 4. 2025.

I am having to get an oil change every month for the past 6 months. My engine lights comes on every now and then, and my oil lights comes on every month. Something is wrong with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe's and the complaints are being ignored. I have never missed maintenace on my car since I purchased it in 2020 brand new. Even the places I have taken my car to get my oil changes said they have heard of the same issues with others that have the same year and make of car. I spends at least 45-55 dollars a month just for oil changes and sometimes 16. 00 in between the changes because the light will come on before it's time for the monthly change. Please help!!!.

First noticed during the last 3 months that the car seemed under powered during acceleration. Then had 2 incidents where the engine shut off when stopped at intersection to turn. Then on [xxx] I noticed while driving, the oil warning light flashed but did not remain on. Then again it flashed 1 time and did not remain lit. Upon checking the oil I found it to be 3 1/2 quarts low. Oil had been changed at the dealership at 90000 miles and the mileage that day was 93340 miles. No leaks under the car where I park at home or work. Have had all our regular oil changes at the dealership every 5000 miles. No prior oil consumption noted. We have contacted the dealership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

June 2020 I purchased the car brand new 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe se 2. 5l from dealership, after the first year I started having issues with my display monitor just shutting off and my car going idle at red lights or when I’m sitting in traffic. I’ve never been in an accident and I’m not a reckless driver to my standards besides occasional potholes, the car going idle happened 3 times before I reached out to a dealership asking questions only for them to tell me, “it sounds like I’m using the start-stop feature too much and it’s not recommended to be used often”. So I stopped using it completely. Fast forward throughout the years, it still happened about 5-10 times a year for the past few years, I’ve learned to hurry up and put it in park, give it gas, then put it in drive. Fast forward 2025, Feb I was passed due for an oil change about 300-500 miles the the oil light came on and when I check it myself the oil tank was completely empty, I assumed it was normal since I was passed due for an oil change, and a family friend told me that wasn’t normal, I follow the recommended oil change interval on my warranty paperwork 7,500 even set my car to it, after the oil change my car was fine. I took it in at 130,284 miles, fast forward June 2025, I start my car a morning for work & it’s at 135,658 miles, the oil light comes back on and I notice it’s completely empty again. 2nd time it’s happened this year, and two family friends that are licensed mechanics tell me that’s not normal especially if I’ve gotten an oil change this year & it’s seems like the engine is burning oil too quick. I took it in to get another oil change, tell them about the issue of it being empty when I’ve been this year and it doesn’t seem right, the dealership & a local quick oil change place tells me it’s due to me not bringing it in for regular maintenance. There are no lights on on my dashboard, and when I called the dealership to ask about using the lifetime powertrain warranty I have, I have to pay.

Driving vehicle at highway speed, engine rpms dropped to less than 1500, could not maintain any speed, cel illuminated. As soon as vehicle was pull to side of road, it would no longer run. It would start, idle roughly then stall out. Vehicle was towed to mountain Hyundai in denver. High pressure fuel pump failed, fuel pump in one cylinder failed, fuel was dumped into oil fouling all spark plugs. This is the second high pressure fuel pump failure on this vehicle.

Vehicle killed the battery even with new alternator and new battery. Dealership does not know why and it died while at the shop. Vehicle has extremely high oil consumption and light comes on every once in a while. Vehicle started shaking and took to two dealership. Vehicle was diagnosed with a burnt valve in cylinder one. Dealer stated they have not heard of this problem. Called Hyundai representative corporate and was told they never had this problem before and have not heard of it. Out of warranty and was informed I would have to pay for it even though it is common in these vehicles.

Car was burning a significant amount of oil in between oil changes. The driving down the highway the car started missing and almost stalled out at 60 mph almost causing a accident now vehicle will not run properly and is blowing black smoke out of the tailpipe.

I believe I am having an oil burning/consumption problem. I drove my car and the oil light flashed and I have had some hesitations in the engine. I checked the oil upon parking at my home and I had no oil on the dipstick. I put in approx 4. 5 qts of oil. I read online that there is an oil consumption issue with my engine type (2. 4 gdi). I called Hyundai service dept at my local dealership and they told me before looking at the car that wasnt an issue and not the problem. They investigated and found 0 leaks or issues with the car and engine. We did an oil change and they told me to come back in 1k miles. Im very close to the 1k miles and my dipstick is showing low level of oil. The dealership is not happy that I called today to tell them this and said just come in once you hit the 1k and no sooner. I have been told that the next test that needs to be done will be between 700 and 800 dollars out of my pocket as "Hyundai doesnt like to cover the tests and neither does the extended warranty. " this appears to be a bigger issue than what Hyundai wants to acknowledge. I have no confidence in them fixing the car and debating to trade my sante fe in and getting a new car at this point.

Engine oil disappear at 2,000 miles. Car dead stop while driving without any warning ?? break fails at 95 degrees curves. Steering wheel loose and make noise. Hyundai dealer refused to fix the issue.