Is the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE reliable?

The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has 270 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Top problems: ENGINE (74 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (40 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (24 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, TRAILER HITCHES. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE?

The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE often stolen?

The Hyundai SANTA FE was the #22 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 4,500 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE is approximately $1,900/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Hyundai SANTA FE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE has 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 289. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: 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 . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.

9 fire reports 11 crash reports 12 injuries

270

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

74 complaints

27%

• 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
• 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 D
• 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 T

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“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 ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE

Based on 58 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD28/12/2021

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.

Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

High theft risk

#22 most stolen in 2025

The Hyundai SANTA FE was the #22 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,500 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Hyundai SANTA FE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,900

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1900

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai SANTA FE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2020 SANTA FE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 270 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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 RI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)