2020 Hyundai Santa Fe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe: 2 recalls, 214 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #21V00M000 · 2021 · 26,413 vehicles
What's wrong: During manufacturing, the windshield May not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Why it matters: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022.
Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #23V181000 · 2023 · 584,784 vehicles
What's wrong: Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (pcb) May cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Why it matters: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (79): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (24), warning light on (24), excess oil use (16).
- Other / unknown (42): the most common themes are fire / smoke (6), electrical failure (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), hard / delayed shifting (8), warning light on (8).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4).
The 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe has 214 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 26 Santa Fe model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 295). Complaints peaked in 2026 (54 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 15,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (202 complaints, 2 recalls), 2021 (166 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe problems?
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (79), other / unknown (42), transmission & drivetrain (26).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.