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Family-friendly SUVs come in many sizes and styles, with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe appearing to lead the pack. Even Hyundai claims “we’ve got your back” with this model, but it seems that the automaker has let down a lot of customers with the failing fuel system, defective steering and malfunctioning electrical system.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Power Train | |
| Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly | |
| Structure:body | |
| Visibility | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Wheels |
Problems with the Fuel System
The fuel system is designed to get the gasoline to the engine and create power. When this system fails, it causes hesitation, trouble accelerating and even stalling conditions.
This is indicated in one Edmunds review. “I was convinced this was the car we wanted. Then we test drove a Limited 2.0 Turbo with AWD. Everything was great until we stepped on the accelerator at a traffic light on a busy street. There is a full three second delay, even if you floor the accelerator, before the car moves with anything more than a sluggish roll. My wife and I both tried it over and over because we couldn’t believe how unresponsive it was. IMHO, it is actually unsafe. The salesman, who owns one, confirmed it and didn’t even try to persuade us to buy the car. He said he knew it was a problem.”
While Hyundai doesn’t specifically address this problem, there are other concerns. Service Bulletin #20-BD-017H talks about how the fuel filler door housing might not fully close or could be misaligned. To repair this, technicians must repair the components for a proper fit. Not only does this look strange on a new vehicle, but it could lead to trouble opening or closing the fuel door. If this is how Hyundai plans to have customers’ backs, it might be time to choose a different vehicle.
Problems with the Steering
While the fuel system is critical to the power of an SUV, the steering must be in tip-top shape to ensure on-road safety. Yet, this is one more area of complaints from Santa Fe drivers.
Here is a review left with the NHTSA. “Steering wheel makes noise during back up, from Stop to motion (low speed) making turns. Sometimes happens during low speed driving as well. The frequency is getting more and more, very annoying and little bit scary. Worry steering wheel will breakdown.”
Nobody wants to worry about the possibility of the steering going out on a car, yet Hyundai has nothing to say. Instead, the company has left owners to worry about this wheel falling off in the driver’s hands. While this might be humorous in some cartoons, it’s not going to be funny when it leads to someone’s accident.
Problems with the Electrical System
Finally, a look at the electrical system of the Santa Fe shows numerous concerns that should be taken seriously.
Here is just one NHTSA complaint. “The FCA (Forward Collision Avoidance) System does not work as it should. It does not see vehicles or pedestrians directly in front while not in cruise control. The only time the system alarms is when following a vehicle, which is in the same lane on city streets, and then the target vehicle turns right and creates no hazard.”
As with the failing steering wheel concerns, this problem could lead to a serious accident. However, Hyundai doesn’t seem to want to “have anyone’s back” by fixing the problem. Instead, the communications are filled with other electrical system issues, such as Service Bulletin #20-01-022H-1. This post talks about how the power tailgate can stop operating, requiring a new tailgate spindle wire harness. From the smaller systems to the major components, this Santa Fe model turns out to be a complete disappointment that can’t even watch its own back, let alone take care of a family.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
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Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel |
| Date | Mar 26, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Pantalla de instrumentos se apaga instrument display turns off |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Mar 26, 2023 |
| State | OK |
| Description | Large sections of paint peeling from vehicle. Paint starts to bubble and then crack in large pieces. One section has peeled and flew onto the windshield while driving. Hyundai has recently had issues with this white color paint and it is continuing to be a problem. Report has been made to hyundai with no resolution. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 15, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I got flashing check engine light in my 2020 hyundai santa fe 2. 0t. My car won't rev beyond 2000rpm when it happened. Blue link app and car's infotainment notified of p1326 error. It is available for inspection. I was turning left in a yield on green light, I was at risk when my car stuttered and won't rev beyond 2000rpm. I contacted my local dealer, they said they can't take my car even for diagnosis due to no appointment availability till june 1st week. I was able to get hold of another dealer who can take my car in this friday itself. Hyundai roadside assistance said they will only tow vehicle to my local dealer and I would have to pay for tow charges if I go to any other dealer. They can't provide me loaner car at all. My insurance said they won't provide rental car unless it is an accident. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. Based on my initial research there has been class action lawsuit against hyundai on theta ii 2. 0t engines but it only covers till 2019 model. I received flashing check engine light warning in my dashboard and app notification in bluelink about ecm fault dtc p1326. I was driving vehicle normally without any issues on engine before this happend |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Mar 09, 2023 |
| State | SC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v00m000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted but was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Mar 09, 2023 |
| State | SC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v00m000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:sump/tank:drain Plug, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 03, 2023 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Vehicle not moving transmisión fail after u turn off the engine it will work again oil leak by bolt in the oil pan |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 30, 2023 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Engine failure the car was calling for road side assistance |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Jan 28, 2023 |
| State | NM |
| Description | Moon roof suddenly shattered while on the highway, no other vehicles around, nothing was thrown or anything object found to hit the car, glass was thrown in vehicle, had to slow down due to wind entering car, dealer was called and he declined to repair, said it was an insurance problem, adjuster will be out to inspect damage, there was no warning, only a loud boom then strong outside wind, until I slowed down and pulled over. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Jan 16, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The very front glass portion of the sun roof suddenly shattered . I have years of aviation experiences involving inspecting of crash damaged parts and sudden failures. This glass shows no signs of any external damage from a strike of a foreign object. It appears to be a manufactured discrepancy or a stress issues. I have enclosed some pictures of the discrepancy glass. I reported the issue to automation hynduia in corpus christi, texas. They said it's a common issue that falls on the owner. The warranty does not cover this issue, I also paid several thousand dollars for a extended warranty besides my new auto insurance . This is definitely a safety issue that should be addressed by the auto manufacturer. I appreciate your help in making these people accountable for this poor design that involves safety. I taped the glass to profit from the weather. Thank you |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 23, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | As I was driving on the highway, the engine oil light came on. As I was trying to safely get off highway, the engine light came on. The engine stopped operating, but I was able to coast to a safe spot off highway. Car would not start after that. Towed to dealership. Noticeable oil was on the flat bed. Have not received update on vehicle from the dealership. Car is available for inspection. The safety of me and my family were are risk due to not being able to accelerate on the highway. Oil light came on first. 5 minutes later engine light came on. Dtc p123600 appeared in my hyundai app. Car is owned by me and my wife (jennifer reardon) |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 23, 2022 |
| State | AL |
| Description | I was locked inside the car on 22 dec 2022 and could not get out until somebody opened a door from the outside, inspite of the fact that the inside lock buttons by the opening handles showed red on the lock buttons. When the lock buttons were pushed in, they immediately popped right back out. If held in the opening handles still remained 'limp' and moved without engaging. The unlocking mechanism. The windows also did not respond to their controls. Thee above occurred whether the ignition was on or off. The vehicle was in "park". The electric buttons on the door console also had no effect, including the child lock button. The key pendant also got no results even though it had allowed entry and starting only minutes before. There was no pre-warning and this had never happened previously. After a (locked) door was opened from the outside, all functions returned to normal. Outside temperature was 20° f. I did not try to open the hatchback. This is a fatally dangerous situation even though the malfunction would not likely be reproducible at the dealer service department. Meanwhile I plan to purchase a glass breaking escape tool. The hyundai dealer had no suggestion for emergency exit. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Dec 05, 2022 |
| State | PR |
| Description | Vehicle emitted smell of burning turned on check engine light and oil. Warranty service indicates that the fault corresponds to the oil pump, what is a safety hazard. Santa fe 2020 |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Sep 27, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | On 07/12/2020 my 2020 santa fe slipped out of park while in garage. It rolled backward until it hit neighbor's porch damaging my tailgate and tail light. It was taken to hyundai dealership and they said they could not replicate the problem. On about 08/28/22 the next incident was the transmission slipped down into low gear and would not go over 40 mph. Again the dealer cannot replicate and the car is still at he dealer. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Sep 19, 2022 |
| State | DE |
| Description | The adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision avoidance systems in my suv have been defective since purchase in june 2019. Hyundai has replaced the radar sensor but the dealer is waiting on a part to calibrate it which has been on indefinite backorder. I have waited over a year to have this issue fixed. I am paying a car payment which includes these features as the total cost and would like reimbursement for the cost difference, for the issue to get escalated and fixed, or the dealer to offer a vehicle buyback so that I may purchase a vehicle with no defects. |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch |
| Date | Sep 04, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Driver's door is not opening brought it to freeman hyundai here in irving and after a month I am still experiencing the same problem. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Aug 25, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer advised the contact to file a complaint with the nhtsa. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Aug 18, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that the vehicle alarm system failed to activate during a vehicle break-in. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the failure. A police report was filed. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to contact the insurance company and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 12, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | There are many reports of hyundais being broken into and hot wired and stolen using a usb cable. This was remedied for the 2022 year models. My car insurance nearly doubled. The company should do a recall and fix this problem. Thank you for your help. Jim https://www. Ksdk. Com/article/news/investigations/class-action-lawsuits-hyundai-kia-thefts/63-3e997aa9-582b-45f4-b09b-aa37b2464de0 |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 11, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The ignition systems in mainly 2015-2021 hyundais with physical keys could be easily hacked using a screwdriver, pliers or the end of a usb cable, because the vehicles are not equipped with immobilizers that require the presence of a key fob. I want a recall so I won't have my car stolen like I hear about on the news about every week. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jul 22, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | 2020 hyundai santa fe. Consumer writes in regard to high engine acceleration while vehicle was parked. The consumer stated the once the engine was started the vehicle began roaring. The rpms were over 5,000mph befor releasing the brake pedal. The consumer restarted the vehicle and it ran as normal. The failure occurred at 33,350 miles. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 19, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Crack windshield |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Jul 14, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v00m000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jul 13, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The windshield cracked without anything striking it. The windshield is being replaced at my expense. There is wind noise coming from the area below the crack where it is attached to the vehicle. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jun 29, 2022 |
| State | OK |
| Description | On may 17th, I had an oil change completed on my 2020 hyundai santa fe at a hyundai dealership. On may 18th, I was parking my santa fe in a parking lot with which I am very familiar. I parked in front of the building, but realized that I had not pulled up far enough to the curb. I went to pull up a couple feet and as I started to put my foot on the gas pedal, I heard the engine roar and take off. I hit the brake, but it didn't stop, and I drove through the window and into the building. I was stunned. I have been driving for 44 years, and I have never had an accident that has been my fault. I was in shock that the car would not stop. I thought there might be a recall regarding this issue, but there wasn't. A friend told me he though he read somewhere that kia and hyundai were having acceleration issues. I went online and I was shocked that there are so many reports of sudden unintended acceleration and my santa fe was one of those vehicles. I saw one website where over 60 people with santa fe's have had similar issues. I was very lucky that I did not injure or kill anyone. Hyundai needs to investigate these instances, before more people are injured or killed. I feel these vehicles need to be recalled immediately. I have contacted hyundai usa and opened a case file. After the extensive repairs to my vehicle were complete, I took my car to the dealership and instructed them to replace the throttle body assembly. To nhtsa: please grant defect petition dp21-003 and investigate these issues. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Jun 23, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The driver's-side rear wheel came completely off the vehicle while traveling at 65 mph on interstate 75. The vehicle violently swerved into the left lane, and then my wife was able to pull off to the right side of the road. She almost tipped over from the side of the road being on a steep incline. A couple of days before this, the vehicle was at the hyundai dealership getting a 'service' where they changed the oil and performed a 'safety' inspection. They did not perform the inspection, but lied on the form saying all systems passed. They reluctantly admitted that they didn't do the inspections. There were no warning lights of any kind before or after the incident, which could have killed my wife. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 22, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | I have a 202 hyundai sante fe. I was pulling into a parking garage parking spot, going about 3 miles per hours. Suddenly about 3 feet away from the wall (with my foot on the break) my suv's engine suddenly race and propelled me forward into the wall. No warning lights or messages. No front- end auto breaking, I have reported it to hyundai. I was injured from the air bag and the seat belt, my passenger was not injured. I am waiting for my suv to be assessed by my insurance and my auto body company. I have read many articles about circumstances like these and am considering contacting an attorney. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
| Date | May 05, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was not able to stop immediately while the brake pedal was depressed, causing his vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. The failure recurred on a separate occasion while the contact's husband was driving, and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle from crashing into their daughter's residence. The air bags did not deploy in either collision. No injuries were sustained and no medical attention was received for either collision. No police report was filed for either collision. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle away from both the scenes of the collisions. The vehicle's front end was damaged; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Mar 31, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | While driving down the freeway, the sunroof of my vehicle exploded. This was not caused by a foreign object, there was nothing on or near my car at the time of the incident, and upon pulling off of the roadway I was able to confirm that no foreign object had entered the vehicle. It was an explosion sound accompanied by glass falling into the vehicle, a large hole in the sunroof, and the glass on the edge of the hole appearing in an upward direction as though the force of the explosion came from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was being operated in a normal manner at the time of the incident, there was nothing to indicate any potential issue with the vehicle. The hazards associated with this incident include the potential for loss of vehicle control following the loud and unexpected explosion and the potential for injury from falling glass. The vehicle was taken directly to the hyundai dealership where it was purchased, where service staff confirmed the upward appearance of the glass and stated that the repairs would be covered by the vehicle warranty. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera |
| Date | Mar 23, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | We are experiencing exactly what is listed in hyundai tsb #21-be-005h: intermittent abnormal camera image display conditions on the instrument cluster when the turn left signal is turned on or the radio screen when transmission is in reverse. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 10, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | This car just caught on fire in my fathers driveway at midnight last night... Doesnt appear to be from engine compartment |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 13, 2022 |
| State | VA |
| Description | The drivers door is not properly aligned. When you drive it on the road you can hear a hissing sound of the air penetrating in the cabin. The door appears not to be closed properly, there is a gap. If you look at the alginment of the passangers door, the door is properly aligned with the rest of the body of the santa fe, but that is not the case with the drivers door. I am planning contacting hyundai directly, because if they maintain quality controls, this car did not passed that test. During 2021i did not drive the car on the road, but lately I took 4 trips to sc, and on the road the hizzing sound is noticible. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Feb 11, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The tires has a big noise like, it sounds like bum bum bum bum bum, and I bought this car brand new, I went to the dealer and they said there is not warranty for tires, that's not good, because the noise still there. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection |
| Date | Jan 26, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Blind spot system randomly fails to detect vehicle on right side, I have videos of failure. Dealer unable to find problem cause, contacted hyundai customer service, waiting for response. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 06, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | This is the 1st of two 2020 santa fe's that this has occurred on as well as a 2019 santa fe that we formally owned within the last 2 years. The windshield does not take rock hits well. On all three vehicles a rock strike on the windshield not only left a large star impact, but the crack from the impact reaches all the way to the roof pillar. The crack is long. I believe the windshield glass is substandard and needs to be looked into closer as being a possible safety risk. Replacing the windshield and camera recalibration is expensive. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 06, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | This is the 2nd 2020 santa fe that this has occurred on as well as a 2019 santa fe that we formally owned within the last 2 years. The windshield does not take rock hits well. On all three vehicles a rock strike on the windshield not only left a large star impact, but the crack from the impact reaches all the way to the roof pillar. The crack is long. I believe the windshield glass is substandard and needs to be looked into closer as being a possible safety risk. Replacing the windshield and camera recalibration is expensive. |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 10, 2021 |
| State | ME |
| Description | While driving on the highway, the front pane of the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered. No contact from a foreign object was observed or heard prior to the breakage. The roof was closed, thus our family avoided any glass showering down into our cabin, but this would have been catastrophic had it happened with the roof open. This problem has happened to prior year models of the santa fe. Hyundai dealership has agreed to repair the broken sunroof at no cost, however, does not admit fault with the manufacture of the glass. |
| Category | Tires:tread/belt |
| Date | Sep 10, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Failed tire in question: tire failed immediately when apparent road hazard occurred on a major freeway. Exited freeway and located a area where I was able to pull over. After changing said tire (kumho 235. 60/r18) I attempted to inspect tire and found the steel belt failed (punctured). Upon further investigation I observed that the steel belt has covered with less than as less than a 1/6th inch of rubber thereby exposing the belt for a potential failure. At this point the mileage said tire was 7700. As of yet the tire warranty has not been confirmed. This tire was delivered on a new 2020hyundai santa fe limited. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Sep 08, 2021 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the contact heard a loud explosion. The contact felt the wind coming from the sunroof. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and saw that the glass sunroof had exploded and shattered. The contact stated that no object had struck the sunroof to cause it to explode. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to have the vehicle inspected however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jul 21, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The air conditioner quits working after a few minutes if the temperature is over 80 degrees. This has happened multiple times, at least 6 times. I took the car into hyundai dealer and they said they could fine nothing wrong with it. As soon as we got it back from the dealer it happened again. Heat stroke was our only safety concern. No warning light has ever come on to report this breakdown. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 04, 2021 |
| State | VA |
| Description | The rear occupancy alarm, a safety feature, goes off commanded usually at night with the vehicle locked and unoccupied. Dealer is unable to find a fix and has no way to prevent further occurrences. They recommend disabling the system, removing this system from the safety features of this vehicle. |
| Category | Tires, Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems |
| Date | May 23, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The driver rear tire may be leaking air and the pressure monitoring system shows the pressure is 27-28. The car was brought brand new from hyundai of torrance, ca on 20 jan 2020 and as of this date, 23 may 2021, the mileage is 2,007 miles. I have taken the car into the dealership twice about the tire (second time was on 20 may 2021) and they keep saying they don't fix tires and it may have a slow leak. I find this unacceptable and I feel like I'm being taken advantage of (I'm a senior citizen). I plan on driving to another state and I want to ensure the safety of myself and passengers. Just now, I checked the pressure monitoring system and the light is not on. At this point, I don't know if it's tire issue or the electronic system issue. Unfortunately, I don't have any documentation, but perhaps the hyundai dealership have something on their service database/computer. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | May 12, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | New 2020 santafe took delivery on january 4th, 2021, with less than 5000 miles on march 21st the vehicle refuse to start after it was started and shut off while we were sitting in a parking lot. While attempting to start it getting forward collusion warning but the engine would not crank. Towed to the local dealer was told they cannot diagnose the car because they could not read the onboard computer, unable to say what's wrong. The car was towed back to the dealer where purchase and was told it was a blown fuse maybe lighting strike and other theories what's wrong. The dealer would replace the fuse and computer after 52 days the care is still at the dealer waiting on parts. Total electrical failure with no recourse at the moment, hyundai motor of america consumer affairs wants us to sign a settlement agreement to refund our expenses and have not fixed or replaced the car. The manufacture is totally dragging their feet and denying the car suffer a total electrical failure, while the battery was still in working condition according to aaa. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | May 05, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | I was in a major car accident and the car that hit me was traveling about 60 mph hit me in the rear and the air bag never deployed, this is very concerning and should be looked at. I was stopped at a red light when I got hit. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Mar 19, 2021 |
| State | OK |
| Description | There are three issues: 1.) in sport mode, the transmission will sometimes get stuck/hung in gear (maybe gear 3 or gear4) and will not shift into the next gear, even when increasing speed. 2.) also in sport mode, after driving for about 10 or 15 minutes the transmission will often slip into gear 5, after revving high and can be heard revving, but it is not reflected on the tachometer, and then when the gear catches it is a violet jerk forward. 3.) lastly, in any more, but most pronounced in "smart mode" after taking out from a complete stop, and especially after the engine goes into auto shut off mode, the transmission will stutter at about 3 - 5 mph and feels as if power has been lost for a few seconds. This is most terrifying when making a left turn into traffic, as you never know if it will happen or not. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Mar 13, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Was driving down the road about 40 mph, slowed down to about 10 to 15 mph to make a right hand turn when the right rear tire on my 2020 hyundai santa fe vin: [xxx], exploded ripping several inches into the sidewall. Had no knowledge of hitting anything any time prior to the tire exploding and nothing in the roadway to cause said damage at the sight of the explosion. Temperature at the time of the explosion was about 55 degrees, not to cold or to hot. Had only driven about 3 or 4 miles on the tire prior to explosion, so heat was most likely not part of the problem. Tires were made by hankook tires, dynapro hp2, size 235/65/r17 104h, dot 15m8r rt ho 2719, with about 29,000 miles on the tires, very little wear at all the tire, with air pressure maintained at all times to about 35 to 36 psi which was checked almost daily. Of all of my years of driving have had flat tires, but never have I had a tire just explode as in this instance with this tire. Feel like this should have been reported in case others may have experienced any similar issues with these tires. Hankook, dynapro hp2, 235/65r17 104h, dot 15m8r rt ho 2719. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). *tr |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Mar 08, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The 2020 hyundai santa fe foward collision avoidance assistance system is not functioning correctly. We have contacted hyundai on multiple occasions without response. The system is braking in the middle of the road without and cause. No cars are in any proximity and the car brakes in the middle of the road. This has occurred twice without warning in the last several months. Dealership has no answer when we took the car in. Hyundai consumer line does not return calls. It is an extreme danger with our son driving car. Rear end collison will happpen if this continues. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Feb 15, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | When stopped at a traffic light and the auto engine turn off kicks in as expected with my foot on the brake pedal. However, the behavior is very erratic when I release my foot from the brake. Sometimes the vehicle jumps aggressively without me applying any acceleration and sometimes the engine just starts and the vehicle does not move until I apply some acceleration. I almost rear ended the cars infront of me few times. I got way too skeptical and began turning off the auto turn off feature when I get into my car. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 06, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | On 9/25/20 I filed a vehicle complaint based on the fact that the horn on my 2020 santa fe had twice working, requiring the dealer to replace parts. (tracking number 11371071.) the horn has again stopped working and is back in the dealer's repair shop. The car currently has approximatately 5600 miles on it and was purchased in 7/20. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Feb 04, 2021 |
| State | VA |
| Description | To many problems to list. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 14, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Front windshield has developed numerous pin-head size star shaped cracks that mostly can be seen when car is pointed toward the sun. This happened all of a sudden. I tried to photo but I can not get a good picture. This did not happen while driving. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Leased a 2020 santa fe on april 24, 2020 and on july 9, 2020 it stalled and all the lights on my dashboard lit up like a christmas tree and after 20 mins. Was able to start it. The dealer said nothing wrong. In august 2020 the car wouldn't start, after a road side assistance jump the dealer said I'm not starting it enough. In october same thing happened I got a new battery from the dealer. In december the same thing happened I got another new battery. They refuse to admit something is drawing power from the battery in the off position. Instead they say I'm not starting the car enough. I start the car 2 to 3 a week. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Dec 09, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 hyundai santa fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being transported, the contact learned that the gas cap had detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to o'brien hyundai of fort myers (2850 colonial blvd, fort myers, fl 33966; (239) 277-1222) where the gas cap was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 4,862. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure: Warning |
| Date | Nov 12, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Hyundai 2020 santa fe limited blind spot collision-avoidance assist (bca) system when set in active mode and under these conditions its activation is extremely dangerous: in three (3) or more lanes of traffic. In neither of the outer lanes. Passing a truck in the lane on the immediate right. Vehicle(s) in the lane on the immediate left. Vehicle(s) in the lane on the immediate right. At speeds of 50 ' 70+ mph. When the santa fe approaches the front end of the truck, the bow wave of air from the truck pushes the santa fe towards the left lane line activating the bca, which violently jerks the santa fe to the right. When this occurs and the santa fe is moved violently toward the right line lane, the bsa detects the truck (or other vehicles) in the right hand lane, and violently jerks the santa fe toward the left hand lane. Upon doing so the santa fe bsa again detects vehicles in the left hand lane and again immediately jerks the santa fe toward the right hand lane. This action continually occurs until the driver forcibly regains control of the steering wheel, and/or depresses the brake. This repeated violent jerking the santa fe back and forth across the lane it's in has very nearly caused an accident in at least two (2) occasions (oct 27 & 28, 2020) until we found that the bca could be deactivated and set to warning only. This violent action of the bca should be removed from the santa fe vehicle to prevent accidents. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Sep 25, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | With less than 1000 miles on the car, the horn stopped working intermittently. (the majority of the time it didn't.) the dealer kept the car for a week. The determination was that the "driver air bag clockspring has internal malfunction". The paperwork shows that it was replaced. Yesterday, approximately three weeks after the repair, the horn failed to work again while driving on the highway. (based on past experience, speed doesn't seem to be a factor.) |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 11, 2020 |
| State | AL |
| Description | My husband and I purchased this car brand new, with only 252 miles on it. On the third day of owning it we were driving and within 5 miles the car began alarming with the center driver console indicating the engine was overheated. The temperature gauge was in the red zone. After a few seconds it dropped slightly and fluctuated in the upper 2/3s of the high temperature region. We drove to the dealership, which was within 10 miles. Once we were within half a mile the car engine began rattling every-time I tried to accelerate and the temperature gauge at this point remained in the redline. In addition, during all of this we turned the heat on to pull some heat from the engine but only cold air would blow. We were within the 3 day grace period of no questions asked return policy so we decided to return the call as it was brand new and had such a serious malfunction. We have not heard back from the dealership as to why the car malfunctioned. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Sep 10, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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. I've had problems with the accelerate cutting out while on the freeway on ramp. |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 27, 2020 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Brake has been sticking last couple of weeks so that I had to pump brake to release to start. This morning I went out to the driveway and could not get into car with either remote or by using blue link on my phone. I used the manual key but could not release any other doors or lift gate. No lights, hazards, radio no nothing. I have had a few dead batteries and never had a car that dead overnight. I drove home from work previous night and I was outside after dark next to my car, no lights left on. I called roadside assistance, first guy said he thought there was a short, parking brake would not release and car still did not start. A different tow truck had to come with dollies and it was towed to the dealer. Dealer said it was a dead battery at 4918 miles! Thankfully I was at home and the heat index was not at 105 degrees yet for the day. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 03, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Date: friday, 3 july 2020. My car would not unlock with the key fob. Thought the key fob was dead and grabbed the spare to try again. No luck with that one either. Tried using the blue link app to unlock. Unsuccessful again. Unlocked my car with the key from the fob and got in. None of the interior lights came on (I keep this feature on). That should have been my first clue. Tried starting the vehicle like the owner's manual suggests if the key fob battery is weak. Didn't work. I tried to test different functions that would normally work if a vehicle is off (I. E. The lock/unlock buttons and hazard lights). Nothing worked. I had to call for a tow to my dealership, which has to wait until after the holiday weekend (4th of july). I will not find out the problem until after. I did not leave any lights on or any doors open. I just used my car the day before this and there was no indication of anything wrong with the vehicle. No lights on the dash came on to alert me of anything and my car is acting dead. More dead than your regular needing a jump start dead. The only thing I have not tried is jump starting in fear of invalidating the warranty in some way. Thankful my car is just in my driveway and I'm not stranded with my kid somewhere. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other, Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Jun 19, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Sunroof exploded while traveling on the highway. *tr |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | May 27, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Steering wheel makes noise during back up, from stop to motion (low speed) making turns. Sometimes happened during low speed driving as well. The frequency is getting more and more, very annoying and little bit scary. Worry steering wheel will breakdown. *tr |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Mar 16, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | 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. The contact stated while stopping the vehicle it suddenly stalled. The contact stated various warning alerts illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer pugi hyundai (1866 ogden ave. Downers grove, il.) who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was recharged but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the alternator and battery was replaced. Later, after driving and parking the vehicle, it caught on fire. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was taken as they believe the fire was started in the engine compartment. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 80. |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 04, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | My car is siting in park, running with the driver's door open in my town house parking lot. I get out of my car to open the passenger's back door as well as my trunk for her. I then get back into the driver's seat. I am waiting on my friend to load her items into my new santa fe for an out of town retreat. She finishes loading items and proceeds to get into the passenger side front seat. As she is getting into the car, "she says she needs to go to the bathroom". I tell her let's go now before we get started on our trip. We were suppose to be meeting about 10 college students. So I get out of my car since I have the house keys. My car is still in park and running. I do leave my driver's door open about a 20-25 degree angle. My friend walks around the back of the car. As we are walking toward my townhouse, I turn around because I hear a noise. I immediately see my car not rolling but backing up on a small incline upward across my parking lot. It seems to have picked up speed and then hits the back of a parked car in the parking lot. My car hits the parked gray camry with so much momentum that it butterflies my driver's door completely open and the car never slows down. The car continues moving while the inside of my driver's door scrubs the parked camry. After my car moves past the camry it is still moving at an accelerated rate. I am yelling and running to my car with my keyfob trying to push buttons to get it to stop. My friend is running and chasing my car. She is able to get to my car and jump in where she pushes on the brakes very hard to make the car stop. If she had not been able to do that my car would have hit a parked black truck or would have jumped the sidewalk and ran into a townhouse before it stopped. Once my friend got the car to stop. She looked down and it was still in park and was not making the dinging noise it usually does when it is in reverse. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 11, 2020 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | The fca (forward collision avoidance) system does no work as it should. It does not see vehicles or pedestrians directly in front while not in cruise control. The only time the system alarms is when following a vehicle, which is in the same lane on city streets, and then the target vehicle turns right and creates no hazard. The fca does not work according to what is mentioned in the owners manual, nor does it operate like it is shown in a youtube video sponsored by hyundai. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jan 03, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Have only had the 2020 santafe 2. 0t for a few weeks - 1,000 miles. It is going to the shop (selling dealer). The turbo lag has almost got me t-boned twice when pulling out into traffic. This is clearly a safety issue. It did not seem this way on the test drive. The overall power has gone down the past few weeks. Trying to pass someone - hah, make sure you have plenty of room, because that turbo lag will bite you in the butt when you pull out and suddenly you are stuck in the oncoming lane waiting for the engine to kick in. After an inspection by the dealer - they said " nothing is wrong, it is performing exactly as designed and with specs". Really scary when the dealer service writer tells you - "it is performing as designed". I take that to mean they are fully aware of this safety design flaw/defect. The dealer then said - just drive it in the "sport" mode and it will not be as bad. That is ludicrous. The default mode is "comfort" and that is where the best ride and performance, mileage, etc. Is to be achieved. I took a test drive with the dealer's mechanic. He advised that he gets this complaint every single day. It is a safety design defect inherent in the engine. He checked for any error codes or software updates - none are present or available. The mechanic verbally confirmed that the "engine lag" is clearly there. However, when the service writer completed the ticket, he wrote that the mechanic said he could not duplicate the problem. That is an absolute un-truth. In my opinion - this is a very clear safety issue when trying to merge into traffic or pass another vehicle. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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