2020 Hyundai Santa FE engine problems

ENGINE

At approximately 122,000 miles, my 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a serious engine malfunction while I was driving on the highway. The check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle began thrusting/jerking forward unexpectedly. We immediately took action to exit the highway and were able to get off the highway, but the engine died before we could fully stop the vehicle. This created a serious safety risk because the unexpected jerking and subsequent loss of engine power occurred while traveling at highway speeds and could have resulted in loss of control or a collision. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic. After inspecting it, the mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced and recommended taking it to a Hyundai dealership because of the continuing issues associated with the Theta II engine. The vehicle was then towed to the Hyundai dealership. The Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and determined that cylinders 2 and 4 were not firing and recommended replacing the valve shaft. We requested a complete engine replacement. Hyundai initially offered a 50/50 split of the repair cost, but after we requested an engine replacement, Hyundai declined and instead offered a 70/30 cost split. There was also a previous documented concern regarding increased oil consumption, as noted in an earlier oil-consumption report. The vehicle has been inspected by both an independent mechanic and a Hyundai dealership. The vehicle and engine components are available for inspection upon request. No police or insurance inspection was performed, to my knowledge.

NHTSA complaint #11763336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car has the 2.0 T GDI theta 2 motor and it went into limp mode and after scanning the codes it’s the p1326 code. The vin doesn’t show to be apart of the class action lawsuit but it’s the same motor

NHTSA complaint #11762696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Hyundai Motor America & Wallace Hyundai of StuartVEHICLE: 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L Theta II GDI Engine)VIN: 5NMS23AD5LH181669INCIDENT MILEAGE: 181,000 MiHYUNDAI CASE NUMBER: 42981944SECTION 1: CATASTROPHIC INTERSTATE SAFETY INCIDENTOn July 16, 2026, while navigating heavy, high-speed traffic on Interstate 95 (I-95) at approximately 80 to 85 MPH, my vehicle suffered an un-commanded, catastrophic mechanical engine seizure. The vehicle instantly dropped from highway speeds down to a 21 MPH "limp mode," creating an immediate multi-car pile-up hazard on a major interstate. Physical inspection immediately after the failure proved that the engine oil level was completely full. The internal components catastrophically failed due to a documented, systemic factory defect involving premature rod bearing failure and oil starvation mechanisms, entirely unrelated to consumer maintenance.SECTION 2: PRIOR SAFETY COMPLAINTS & DOCUMENTED TIMELINEHyundai Motor America has intentionally forced me to operate a known, life-threatening safety hazard for 17 months, during which I drove an additional 31,000 miles under extreme duress. I filed formal oil consumption complaints with Hyundai Corporate every three to four months. I was forced to manually replenish the engine oil every 1,000 miles due to excessive oil loss.Specific safety reports detailing hazardous engine behavior were formally logged with Hyundai on November 25, 2025, and again in April 2026. Rather than remediating the vehicle, Hyundai corporate claims adjusters and dealership supervisors ignored these warning tracks, effectively throwing a consumer out into active traffic in an unsafe, defective vehicle.SECTION 3: AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN TRAUMA & ACCIDENT RISKThe manufacturing defects caused an intermittent, un-commanded automatic The manufacturing defects caused an intermittent, un-commanded automatic engine shutdown condition. On 5 to 10 separate occasions while stationary at active traffic lights, the vehicle stalled10times

NHTSA complaint #11761774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car is consuming an immense amount of oil, the manufacturer recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles, I get an oil change less than 3,000 miles and on my last oil change i was told that there are oil shavings in my oil filter. I just got the SC9C2 update and now my engine is knocking. Car drives super rough and has signs of rod bearing failure. My engine is the Theta II 2.4GDI, a class action lawsuit was filed against Hyundai but my car wasn't included. I don't understand how Hyundai can know about this issue with this engine and not cover replacement. A car should at the very least last for the life of the loan, I am going to end up with no car and still making payments.

NHTSA complaint #11760974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2020 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEL WITH 2.4L THETA II ENGINE EXPERIENCES SEVERE OIL CONSUMPTION AND REPEATED ENGINE STALLING DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF REPEATED LOW-OIL CONDITIONS DESPITE REGULAR OIL SERVICE. THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED TO THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY STALLING WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE. WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP OR WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE MAY STALL UNLESS THE DRIVER MAINTAINS ADDITIONAL THROTTLE. THIS CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE ENGINE CAN SHUT OFF DURING NORMAL TRAFFIC OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PRESENTED TO CENTEREACH HYUNDAI FOR DIAGNOSIS. ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE ADVISOR, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THE ENGINE WITH VERY LITTLE/NEARLY NO ENGINE OIL DESPITE THE VEHICLE HAVING TRAVELED LESS THAN APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES SINCE ITS MOST RECENT OIL SERVICE/TOP-OFF. THE HYUNDAI TECHNICIAN REPORTEDLY SUSPECTS THAT THE ENGINE TIMING MAY HAVE JUMPED AND THAT THIS CONDITION MAY BE RELATED TO THE LOW-OIL CONDITION AND MAY EXPLAIN THE ENGINE STALLING. HYUNDAI HAS DIRECTED THAT AN OIL-CONSUMPTION TEST BE PERFORMED. THE INITIAL OIL SERVICE/ENGINE-FLUSH PROCEDURE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE OWNER AT APPROXIMATELY $400. THE PROCEDURE THEN CONTEMPLATES APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES OF ADDITIONAL VEHICLE OPERATION TO MEASURE OIL CONSUMPTION. THIS CREATES AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE VEHICLE BEING REQUIRED TO ACCUMULATE APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES IS THE SAME VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO REPEATEDLY STALL AT IDLE AND FOR WHICH THE HYUNDAI TECHNICIAN REPORTEDLY SUSPECTS A TIMING PROBLEM. THE OWNER HAS REQUESTED THAT HYUNDAI DOCUMENT WHETHER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE STALLING CONDITION AND WHETHER HYUNDAI CONSIDERS IT APPROPRIATE TO OPERATE FOR THE REQUIRED MILEAGE-ACCUMULATION TEST. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA CASE NUMBER: 43164946. VIN: 5NMS3CAD4LH173916.

NHTSA complaint #11760193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am currently burning through 2.5 quarts of oil approximately every 800 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11751503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact's daughter owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received a notification for an unknown emissions recall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained for three weeks, and an ECU software update was completed. The vehicle was then driven to the contact's residence. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked and chugged while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11745371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I took it to Hyundai Dealership in November 2025 and did the Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H software update. Since that happened my engine is jumpy and I have taken it back to dealer and they can't find anything. Several people with this issue have been found since on several forums after having the update. One said the dealer knows about the issue and so does Hyundai, but when I ask they know nothing.

NHTSA complaint #11743466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that he received an unknown service campaign from the manufacturer indicating that a software update for emissions was needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an ECU update was completed and an NP001-SC9C2 was installed for the engine and transmission. The contact stated that when his wife drove the vehicle home from the dealer, she noticed that something was wrong with the vehicle but did not specify the failures. The contact stated that the next day, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shifted improperly, and while depressing the brake, the vehicle accelerated forward. The contact stated that the failure persisted and became more prevalent in the morning after sitting overnight. The vehicle was then taken to the same dealer where a shift engine value reset, transmission value reset, shift adaptations were made (Part number 95447-6G200). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the next morning and has persisted every morning thereafter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,051.

NHTSA complaint #11740021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I took my car in for the EVM engine update. Since then whenever it starts it is jumpy. The rpm rev more than they should. It’s very concerning that it will rev and won’t stop and I could possibly hit someone. I took it back to the dealer and they called the timeline and they told them to do another update. They did and it is still like that. Was never like that before. I have connected with several people that have had the same thing happen. I will gave to take it in again and leave it which is a major inconvenience

NHTSA complaint #11735383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11733709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11732776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11732577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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)

NHTSA complaint #11731527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving on the road and all of the sudden my car went limp and would only move 45 miles per hour. I took it to the dealer which I have lifetime powertran on my car. It has been there for over a month at the dealer. They asked me to provide all oil changes,services, and registrations. I did that and then fidelity asked them to tear down the engine again to see if I had carbon build up. Then after the dealer did that they ask the dealer to tear the motor down even further to see if the exhaust valve was bad and if it was bad they would not replace my motor. My car consumed so much oil that I was changing my oil so often. I have been renting a car just to get back and forth to work. In my contract it says that the exhaust valve is covered under my lifetime powertran. I feel like hyundai and fidelity are giving me the run around. I took very good care of my car and I have shown that. Hyundai has had alot of problem with there motors with the oil consumption and motors just going limp. I feel I will never buy a hyundai again. I am losing money everyday because of the dealer and fidelity. I need the motor replaced and it was no abuse on my part I took care of my car. I want fidelity to tell me how I abuse the exhaust valve. I did my oil changes and took care of my car. I am still paying on my Hyundai and can't afford another car. I have alot of medical bills that I pay. Any help would be great. Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11720704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On the morning of February 20 2026 at around 6:35am. I was on my way to work when the engine light started flashing and the speed started to decrease. I was traveling on a major highway in heavy rain with a lot of traffic. I had to put on my hazard lights and quickly pull off the road. The code given is P1326 which has to do with the engine and wiring harness. I just purchased the vehicle on Jan. 17 2026. The Carfax stated no open recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11719921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11720024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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)

NHTSA complaint #11719636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving, the engine catastrophically failed without warning, causing an immediate loss of power-assisted braking and steering. The failure occurred while traveling downhill. I was unable to slow or control the vehicle properly and was forced to proceed through a school bus’s flashing lights to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision, resulting in a traffic citation. My son was in the vehicle at the time. A sudden loss of engine power, braking assist, and steering assist while driving presents a serious safety defect. Vehicle was towed to Fred Beans Hyundai in Doylestown where it has been confirmed engine failure. This failure happened immediately and without warning.

NHTSA complaint #11716098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11711761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil drain plug seal leaking, can’t tighten the bolt with the required torque setting to keep it from leaking.

NHTSA complaint #11708520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11707497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2020 SantaFe Limited AWD with ~81200 miles. This is the 3rd or 4th time the P07410 code pops up with the Engine Check light. Hyundai said they found no issues and cleared the code, again. There was once when the code came up and it cleared itself after 50 miles. Not sure exactly what the cause is and Hyundai is saying "there is nothing wrong". Most recent occurrence Sept.4.2025.

NHTSA complaint #11706847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11706851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11706311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11705956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I had been driving about 1.5 hours when I exited the Interstate and the car engine shut off at a traffic light. When I shifted the car into park and tried to restart the car, smoke filled the cabin. Unbeknownst to me, an oil leak occurred while driving. No warning lights or other indicators that anything was awry. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. Though the suv is under warranty, they say the oil leak was caused by improper oil plug installation at the last oil change. The oil leak caused the motor to seize and the resulting damage is in excess of $10,000. Hyundai says the warranty won't cover this as it is a service issue. Jiffy Lube says their technician did nothing incorrect and they won't take responsibility for the repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11703389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11703237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.