2020 Hyundai Venue Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Venue, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Seat belts817.8%
- Driver assistance817.8%
- Powertrain (other)817.8%
- Electrical511.1%
- Engine48.9%
- Exterior lighting36.7%
- Steering36.7%
- Brakes24.4%
- Visibility12.2%
- Body & structure12.2%
- Suspension12.2%
- Airbags12.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have two serious complaints about this vehicle. I am 5 ft 2 in tall. The seatbelt consistently slides across my neck causing distraction while driving. One would think that manufacturers would have figured this out by now. Almost all vehicles do this to anyone under 5ft 3in tall. Can’t tell me that when they add expensive sensors the seatbelt adjustment would be all that expensive to fix. Also- I have three grandchildren two in car seats one rear facing. It is not safe for me to travel with all three in the backseat. If I’m sideswiped the older child will have broken hips there is simply not enough room. And when we put the rear facing in the back seat the passenger in front has to push up so far their knees are in the dash. Can we say”how about I eat that airbag?”
There’s an audible alert to fasten the seat belt for the passenger; the passenger is already secure. The original battery also has to be replaced on February 22, 2022 at 66,326 miles. The replacement has been failing for the past three months at around 122,000 miles. The battery must be jumped every time the car is turned off, even after commuting more than 30 minutes and with chargers unplugged. The battery is hard to find on the market for replacement.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
In a passenger-side front collision at 25mph, no front collision warning was given, and the automatic braking system did not engage. Fire broke out inside the vehicle next to the floorboard beside the front passenger seat (bottom of B-post) almost immediately upon impact. Upon inspection of the vehicle on 1/16, I believe the wiring that powers the passenger side airbags shorted (see photos), resulting in a fire which quickly engulfed the interior of the vehicle. Investigation, police report, and insurance still pending.
Driving on freeway on way home and all the dash lights lite up. Abs, collision waring, traction and the triangle with and exlimation mark. Car slowed down and dash flickered. Engine started making a light thud noise. 2nd time happening. First time was every similar but was on an empty road alone at 6am. When happened. First time took to dealership. Didn't happen again. Plan on taking again tomorrow. Super scary. Had car for 4 years this June. 36000miles.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this Hyundai Venue because it came with a manual transmission, which I prefer driving, however the transmission has been the biggest issue with this vehicle. It has a tendency to get stuck in reverse, most often when changing gear on a slight incline or decline. This has left me frantically trying to force the transmission out of reverse and into first. It's really scary when this happens in traffic (ex: reversing out of a parallel park). Sometimes you have to "rock" the car by reversing further (if you have space), clutching in and jiggling the shifter, but that doesn't always work. This started happening so frequently that I took the car to Pohanka Hyundai of Fredericksburg and they diagnosed it as acorns getting stuck in the gear linkage, but after having it cleaned out and seeing no more squirrel/rodent activity, it still gets stuck in reverse on occasion. I have owned two manual transmission cars before this and never had this issue with those.
I've owned this car since October 26, 2022. I noticed that my gas pedal is spongy and doesn't want to go or after I've stopped for a stop sign or a light. It was only happening every so often when I first got it but now it's happening at least once a week. My local CarX, whom I've been taking my vehicles to since 2013 and have a great relationship with, has looked at everything and can't find a cause. They told me to file a complaint to see if a recall is in the works for this transmission.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
In a passenger-side front collision at 25mph, no front collision warning was given, and the automatic braking system did not engage. Fire broke out inside the vehicle next to the floorboard beside the front passenger seat (bottom of B-post) almost immediately upon impact. Upon inspection of the vehicle on 1/16, I believe the wiring that powers the passenger side airbags shorted (see photos), resulting in a fire which quickly engulfed the interior of the vehicle. Investigation, police report, and insurance still pending.
There’s an audible alert to fasten the seat belt for the passenger; the passenger is already secure. The original battery also has to be replaced on February 22, 2022 at 66,326 miles. The replacement has been failing for the past three months at around 122,000 miles. The battery must be jumped every time the car is turned off, even after commuting more than 30 minutes and with chargers unplugged. The battery is hard to find on the market for replacement.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under TSB #: 23-01-019H; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed with DTC code: P0301 (Transmission Failure) and the contact was informed that the failure was related to TSB #: 23-01-019H. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the crankshaft pulley detached from the engine. Additionally, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The lane departure system is great though it moves the wheel quite a bit. My issue is, when the vehicle is passing an intersection with active lane departure on, it pulls the vehicle toward medians and forces the driver to pull it back into the center of the lane. Active forward collision assistance has not worked when vehicles have flown by directly in front of the car. I have manually stopped the vehicle every time. The lights on the 2020 model are low, and the “top lights” are actually only turn signal or hazard lights. This has caused other drivers to assume my lights are “off” and flash their high beams at me on numerous occasions, especially when driving at night. Which impairs my vision as a driver on a consistent basis. This vehicle should have top lights… I drive quite a bit so these are consistent issues I have observed over the past year of owning this vehicle from new. Thank you!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI VENUE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SHE WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROADWAY CLEARLY DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS BEING VERY DIM. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TWICE TO THE LOCAL DEALER RIVERHEAD HYUNDAI (1800 OLD COUNTRY RD, RIVERHEAD, NY 11901, (631)369-0600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE HEADLIGHTS TO BE ADJUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wheel was slightly going back and forth and it felt like I was driving in a rut. The all of a sudden the wheel jumped over real fast and I hit my head hard on the driver window. I immediately jerk the wheel and pulled us back to our lane. The person with me asked if I went to sleep or something and I said, see the car is jumping in front of the truck, like before when just me driving. I had complained about the car and I could have a serious accident or worse, I could die after hitting the window hard enough that is took me a second to get us back in line because of my head hurting. The car usually feels like in a rut before It jumps me over and I have to come back to my lane. I was jumped into the big truck going the opposite way but was far enough away that I could get us back in our lane. It has happened to me a few days before when someone behind me was coming up just to the left and the wheel jumped over and I almost hit that car and had to fight the car back into my lane. People thought I was drinking to do the swerving like I had. The safety of others and myself is very dangerous. I don't like traveling anywhere with the car, When I drive it does this every now and again. I only drive now for 2 or 3 miles do the danger. It has happened several times even when driving with no one around. I got the vehicle according to the contract is 7-31-2023. I called Carvana to tell them to take the car back and it is a safety issue but Carvana said I am over the 7 day period and I had to take it to Silver Rock to do have maintenance. and they will try to find the issue. To make sure there is a major issue. No police, insurance or other represented except my friend has experienced it. The vehicle feels like you are stuck in a rut when it started acting it, sometimes it just stay in the lane and not send me over to the left but it has done it a few times. No other warnings were made.
The horn on my steering wheel has stopped working for the second time even after malfunctioning and broken part was replaced a few months ago. I noticed now that I once again have no horn sound when pressing on the steering wheel. The car is up for inspection in July and I have to take it back to the dealership once again to diagnosis this problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the ABS inadvertently activated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights activated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. The VIN was not available.
HERE IS A COPY OF MY LETTER TO HYUNDAI DESCRIBING A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT RISKS DRIVER SAFETY: Dear Sirs: I've owned my Venue for just over a year, and overall I like it very much. However, I need to inform you of a major design flaw that can cause serious injuries to the occupants, or worse, cause fatalities. In a nutshell, the at-rest accelerator position is some two inches lower than the brake pedal's. This creates a gap between them, making safe braking extremely difficult. For example, rather than the natural motion of shifting my foot from the accelerator to the brake, my foot goes under the brake pedal and traps it. In order to brake, I must free my foot from the brake gap, bend my leg back, put my foot over the brake, and apply the brake. Making matters worse, on several occasions freeingmy foot from under the brake has caused me to accidentally nick the accelerator and thrust the car forward. Thank God, so far I've been lucky, but one day my luck is going to run out and the result a serious ( or fatal ) accident that would be my fault...all due to the issue I've described. According to my dealership's service department, the pedals are not adjustable, which rules out either raising the accelerator or lowering the brake pedal. I am attaching photos of the pedals. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a shot that pictured them side by side. Thank you for considering my warning seriously. I don't want any Venue driver to be harmed in any way. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The glass windshield of my 2020 Hyundai Venue SEL began cracking in two different locations obstructing my view while driving. I was not able to locate any chips from road debris in the cracks. They both start from the frame of the vehicle. I’ve seen other reports of 2020 models with the same windshield issue that appears to be a quality issue of the windshield.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The trunk handle and latch malfunctioned, due to "internal part failure" (cited by dealership diagnostic). Each time I locked or unlocked my car, the trunk latch would repeatedly make noise as if trying to unlock/lock but it was jammed. After multiple click noises, the trunk would then sporadically pop open while driving, causing me to have to pull over and force it shut again. This created a safety concern as it would pop open while driving. There was no consistency on when this would happen either, making it unsafe to drive not knowing if it would suddenly pop. I brought it to the local Hyundai dealership who looked at it and recommended a full trunk latch and handle replacement. They cited that it was an "internal part failure," however since my model of car did not have a recall out yet for trunk latches (other Hyundai models currently do), it was not covered (costing $1,162). There were no warning lights or messages. The first trunk latch jam happened on November 30th when putting stuff in my trunk. The repeated clicking and trunk popping then occurred December 7th. After that, the clicking and jamming occurred every day, each time I locked or unlocked my car. It got progressively worse with increased trunk pops while driving. I brought it to the dealership on December 10th for diagnostic assessment.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that no cause for the failure was found. The failure mileage was 16,202.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was involved in a multi-car accident in the express lane on a busy fast freeway during rush hour on a Friday night. I was hit hard from the rear, which shoved my car into the car in front of mine, so a double impact. Unknown speed of the driver at fault, but estimate to be at or around the limit of 65mph as traffic was coming to a slower speed and driver did not stop. No indication of my airbags being defective but they did NOT deploy i the accident and I suffered injuries as a result, including a broken rib from the seatbelt. The EMTs at the scene were shocked the airbags did not deploy and encouraged me to get this evaluated as it is a 2020 vehicle. The vehicle was totaled, and has been taken by my insurance. No warning lights or indications popped up but the accident happened very suddenly and quickly.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .