2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

Your engine has experienced severe internal damage with burnt valves, which the owner attributes to a known defect with how the piston rings were installed in this engine model. This type of failure typically results in the engine no longer running properly. Repair will likely require professional engine rebuilding or replacement to address the damaged valves and piston rings.

Your engine has been consuming oil excessively since purchase, and the problem worsened after 100,000 miles. Around 100k miles, the car suddenly wouldn't accelerate past 35 mph on the highway. A dealer inspection found the engine and turbocharger need replacement. The fix will likely require a complete engine and turbocharger replacement under warranty or at dealer service.

Your engine has a leaking valve cover gasket that's allowing fuel to enter the engine oil and damaging spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors. The high pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors are spraying fuel directly into the engine and oil pan instead of into the combustion chamber. You may notice a large amount of fuel in your oil when you change it. Fixing this will require replacing the valve cover gasket, fuel pump, fuel injectors, and likely the spark plugs and ignition coils.

Your engine is burning through oil faster than normal, with oil leaking into the cylinders and causing heat damage to the engine components. This excessive oil consumption could eventually lead to engine failure if not addressed.

Your engine's oil drain plug seal is leaking, and even when tightened to the proper specifications, it continues to leak. This causes oil to drip from your engine and could lead to low oil levels if not addressed. The fix will likely involve replacing the drain plug seal and possibly the drain plug itself.

After 110,000 miles, your engine started consuming oil noticeably and developed a knocking sound. According to the complaint history, these Theta II GDI engines (2.0L and 2.4L) from Hyundai/Kia have a pattern of developing these issues that can eventually lead to engine failure. The owner is requesting a recall and engine replacement.

Your engine is burning through oil much faster than normal. You're seeing the low oil warning light come on repeatedly, and you've had to add oil multiple times between oil changes—sometimes adding 1-2 quarts within just a few hundred miles of driving. This problem started happening recently over the last few months. The issue may involve worn piston rings, valve seals, or other internal engine components that need inspection and possible replacement.

Your engine is consuming excessive amounts of oil between service intervals, and the dealership says this is normal wear. The engine has also started stalling unexpectedly. The dealer may need to inspect the engine for internal wear, leaks, or valve seal problems that could be causing the oil loss and stalling issues.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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)

2020 Santa Fe. Engine is consuming oil exceding average rate of 1 quart / 1000 miles. No smoke, no external leaks. No warning until car begins to shudder while driving.

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.

Change the oil in the engine and found metal flakes in the oil. Took it to the dealership and they stated this is normal. After going to another dealership they found that this was not normal and had to replace the motor. Now three (3) months later the check engine light is flashing. It has a code of P1326. Was told this could be a knock sensor or it could be something wrong ever further into the engine.

Check engine light began flashing suddenly as I was driving. My vehicle went into limp mode on the interstate in 70 mph traffic, it was dark and pouring down rain. The check engine light was no longer flashing when I went the next day to take to the dealership to be checked. They stated nothing can be done unless it is flashing when I bring it in. This is the 3rd time it has happened in this vehicle, and I have taken in on other occasions with no resolution. This puts my family and I at risk. This appears to have same issues as my previous vehicle a 2014 sonata limited 2.0t.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at higher speeds, the vehicle experienced a momentary loss of motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to Auto Zone where a diagnostic scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the MAP sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto Parts where, the DTC code: P2565; was retrieved. The contact stated that the spark plugs, and the MAP sensor were previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,363.

While driving down the highway my car started slowing down and would not accelerate. All the lights came up on the dash board and would not let me accelerate. I had to merge 2 lanes to the shoulder on a busy highway where my car ended up dying and would not turn over. I was concerned for my safety and the speed limit was 70MPH and my car rapidly went down. After 5 minutes my car came back on and then immediately stopped working again. I had my car towed to the local Hyundai dealer where they said I would need a new engine on a 4 year old car. My make and model are in the recall for engine issues but my VIN # was not included. I spoke to Hyundai a few times and they stated there was nothing they can do and we needed to pay for the new engine.

Vehicle has developed excessive oil consumption. No leaks to be found. Using approximately one quart a week.

Knock sensor failed while it was raining and at highway speed and caused the vehicle to slow and jerk. After further investigation this has been a recall issue for several years , but Hyundai still has a problem with their Knock sensor and no recall on the 2020 Santa Fe

Twice while driving in traffic my vehicle’s engine randomly shut off. This left me in very unsafe conditons as one as at a busy intersection which resulted in cars going around me while I attempted to restart my vehicle. The problem hasn’t been reproduced by a dealership. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected. No warning lights or dtc. First failure was 6ish weeks ago.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light flashed on the instrument panel, prompting her to pull into a parking area and contact Roadside Assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was again towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the engine, requiring a replacement engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 14,500.

My engine light came on December of 2022. I took it to Autozone and had them to a diagnostic text to read the code. They stated it was a misfire on 3. My vehicle was also burning oil. I took it to the dealer(Napleton). They changed the spark plug. That didn’t fix the issue. I took it back because the check engine light came back on. Napleton Downtown Chicago, IL, kept the vehicle for 5 months because they stated they had to replace the engine. About 2 weeks ago my check engine light came back on. I made an appointment to take it into to Napleton Downtown Chicago on November 27, 2023. Yesterday November 22, 2023, my vehicle cut off, started smoking and didn’t cut back on, I had to have it towed to Napleton in Urbana, IL. Clearly this vehicle is having engine problems. I been telling Napleton Downtown Chicago that there’s a defect with this vehicle and to replace it. Please look into for me.

On 01/21/2023 after exiting thr highway and pulling into a shopping center signals started popping up on my dashboard and ny car lost speed. I tried making it down the rd to a tire discounters but ny car lost complete power and would not turn on. A tow truck toad it to the tire discounters and once on the flat bed it was a puddle of oil and a trail of oil coming from my car. Once there tire discounters states that my car needed to go to a dealership. It set at kerry hyundai Alexandria until may 2023 waiting to be diagnosed. Once diagnosed it stated that ny car was missing the drain plug and that I needed a brand new engine. I had a oil change at car x on 12/10/2023 and hyundai blamed car x stating that they didn't tighten my plug. But car x denied. I got a lawyer n began to sue car x when car x lawyer responded stating that there were other people having the same problem and hyundai was being investigated. My car is currently still sitting at hyundsi because I don't have 7800 for a engine and hyundai will not cover the engine under warranty

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. At that piont smoke was coming from the hood when I heard a pop and flames appeared at my passenger side window. I turned the car off removed my phone and exited the vehicle. No one else was in the car but within minutes the fire was totally involved. I also noted it took the fire department very long to arrive. If anyone was trapped in the car they would have peristed.

Oil leak from oil pan area. Took the car to the dealer twice to get it fix and the problem temporarily stop but now is continuing to leak again. All they did was retighten the oil plug the first time and then the second time replaced the oil plug with a new one. They said it was a bad oil plug washer and now it should stop the leak, but now it’s leaking again. Took notice of the leak when the car was parked in garage overnight and a pool of oil formed under the car again. This is scary because losing oil like this is not normal and if it continue it could seize the engine while the driver is driving it risking the safety of the driver and car.

Oil pan cracked leaking oil

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact state that while driving into the driveway, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil drain plug had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. The VIN was unavailable The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense with no assistance provided from the manufacturer.

The vehicles oil was changed on 3/22/23 at 22,395 miles. Almost 3 months and 1500 miles later when driving the engine seized. No lights came on. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealership who said it is the fault of whoever did the last oil change as the drain plug came loose. After doing research it appears that this is a known issue with Hyundai. Also, fresh oil was all over the driveway which was not noticed when car was leaving the driveway.

Driving down the road I heard a loud noise when I stopped I noticed oil under my car. When I was 0.1 mile from my house the oil light came on. I arrived home called Hyundai and they towed the vehicle and reported that the oil plug had was missing and I need to contact the place that changed my oil last.

ENGINE FAILURE THE CAR WAS CALLING FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE

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

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.

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.

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.