2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Common Problems
Ranked from 61 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Sunroof Explosion During Driving
13complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof explodes during driving without any apparent cause.
- 2
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Seizure Due to Oil Drain Plug Failure
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine seizes due to a failed oil drain plug, requiring immediate towing and repair.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system activates unexpectedly, causing sudden deceleration and potential injury.
- 5
Engine Check Light On Without Warning
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine check light comes on unexpectedly without any prior warning signs.
- 6
Windshield Cracking Without Impact
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe windshield cracks without any impact or visible cause.
- 7
Automatic Acceleration Without Pedal Input
4complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe vehicle accelerates automatically without pedal input, increasing the risk of collisions.
- 8
Air conditioning failure
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe air conditioning system fails to produce cold air, affecting the comfort and cooling of the vehicle.
$800–$1,600est. a/c compressor replacement · 3–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Brake System Malfunction Causing Loss of Control
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to lose control and potentially collide with other vehicles.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Engine Failure Without Warning
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails catastrophically without any prior warning signs, leading to loss of power and control.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine misfire and power loss
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires or loses power, resulting in reduced performance and difficulty accelerating.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Engine Roaring When Starting
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine roars and RPMs exceed normal levels when starting the vehicle.
- 13
Seat belt malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe seat belts fail to function correctly, such as not locking into place or malfunctioning warning lights.
- 14
Severe electrical system failures
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences multiple electrical system failures, including malfunctioning safety systems and warning lights.
- 15
Sunroof Shattering
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof spontaneously shatters without any external impact, posing a safety risk.
- 16
Tire Failure During Normal Driving
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe tires fail during normal driving, leading to sudden loss of control.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.