2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Engine Problems

I was driving out of the parking garage at work and happened to catch the oil light flicker on and then go off. I immediately drove it to an auto shop where I told them what happened. They looked at the dipstick and there was no oil showing on the dipstick. If I had just written the light off as an oddity I would have driven the car home from work (around 20 miles) and the engine could have stalled at 60mph creating a safety hazard. I have the oil changed regularly (about every 5,000 miles) and have my receipts. My car has around 80,000 miles in it and I’m the original owner. The auto shop said that I would need to take it to the dealership for an oil consumption test. I called and scheduled the appointment immediately and am in the process of having the test completed. The dealership noted a TSB for the issue on the write up and based on my research online this is not an unusual problem. Why have owners not been made aware of this issue? I don’t feel safe driving my car and am frustrated that this seems to be a known issue. There was no oil on the dipstick, no indicator that stayed on indicating an issue.

The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.0T, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have resulted in a loss of power while driving. The manufacturer has been notified but denied warranty assistance due to lack of maintenance documentation. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

We purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe with approximately 105,000 miles. The vehicle has had regular routine maintenance and oil changes. Around 107,000 miles, the check engine light came on and the vehicle simultaneously started running rough. It was diagnosed with a failed valve on the #3 cylinder and now needs a total engine replacement. This issue also coincided with excess oil consumption. Despite having an oil change fewer than 2000 miles earlier, the oil was almost completely gone from the engine despite not having any leaks present. This goes well beyond normal wear and tear and is indicative of a defect/design flaw.

Around Feb 15, 2026, at ~85,000 miles, the oil pressure warning light began illuminating at idle and extinguishing above idle speed. The vehicle had also been experiencing intermittent hard starts and occasional shuddering at idle — symptoms too subtle for a typical owner to connect to imminent engine failure. An independent mechanic performed a manual oil pressure test: 4 PSI (Hyundai minimum spec is 13 PSI). The authorized dealer confirmed 6 PSI and found metal shavings in the oil pan — the signature of connecting rod bearing wear documented in Theta II GDI engine failures. Dealer recommended full engine replacement ($8,500). Vehicle has been inoperable at the dealer since Feb 19, 2026. SAFETY CONCERN: At 4 PSI with metal debris in the oil system, this engine was at imminent risk of catastrophic seizure. I avoided highway driving after the warning appeared (max 50 mph, city streets only). Had the engine seized at highway speed, loss of power steering and brake vacuum assist would have created serious crash risk. The symptom profile — warning only at idle, clearing at speed, no knocking, no check engine light — is the pattern that puts less-vigilant drivers at risk of seizure at highway speed with no warning. KNOWN DEFECT: The 2.4L G4KJ Theta II GDI is identical to the engine subject to a $210M NHTSA civil penalty (2020), multiple recalls, and a ~$1.3B class action settlement extending lifetime warranties through MY 2019. The 2020 uses the same engine but was excluded. My failure mode is textbook Theta II. Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (ECU update for 2019-2020 Theta II, issued Nov 2025) was incomplete on this vehicle — I was never notified. Completed after the engine had already failed. Manufacturer denied coverage (Case #XXX). BBB AUTO LINE claim #XXX filed Apr 16, 2026. No crash. No injuries. No fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Our vehicle has encountered a catastrophic engine failure (burnt valves) due to a known and ongoing issue with the piston rings install in this engine.

HI! Leaking valve cover gasket which damages spark plugs, ignition coils and fuel injector. Defective High Pressure Fuel Pump and fuel injector causing fuel to spray into engine and into engine oil. Large amount of fuel found in oil pan when oil changed. Complaint filed with Hyuandia, no response at this time. Thank you, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Excessive oil burn off. Oil is getting into the cylinder, causing scorching. This causing engine failure.

After 110,000, the engine started using oil and it began to knock. According to the history of these engines, it will lead to engine failure. They have a record of being a lemon engine and there is not a engine of this type that this does not happen. The engine needs to recalled and replaced, They are the Theda II GDI series of 2.0L and 2.4L four-cylinder engines from Hyundai/Kia.

Excessive oil consumption under warranty, . Hyundai says its normal consumption within 1,000 miles. engine its doing stalls now.

2020 Hyundai SantaFe Limited AWD ... burning excessive oil. This only was noticed because the low oil light intermittently started coming on, and has only started happening in the last few months. low oil indicator flashing - 4QT low, went for an immediate oil change 78788 miles - oil changed 80252 miles - low oil - added 1QT 80628 miles - low oil - added 1QT 81376 miles - oil changed 81999 miles - low oil - added 1QT 82755 miles - low oil - added 2QT These are the most recent events since we started logging it.

My engine has been sucking up oil since the day I bought it. Once I hit 100k miles it started sucking up oil faster than the recommended oil changes. I was driving home two weeks ago. I went to get in a major highway and she would not go past 35 mph. I went to trade it in and was told it needs a new engine and a new turbo. This is a known problem and Hyundai will not fix it. This car is not even 4 years old. I got it in April 2021

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!!!