Recall 20V520 covers 151,205 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles for ABS brake-fluid leaks. Park outside. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
An ABS module short circuit raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. Smoke from the engine compartment, a burning or melting odor, or the MIL or ABS light means stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 151,205 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles because brake fluid can leak inside the ABS module and trigger an electrical short. If the module short circuits, the engine compartment fire risk increases, so owners should park outside and away from structures until a Hyundai dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The ABS assembly on the 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the brake control unit that helps manage wheel lockup during hard braking. It combines hydraulic passages for brake fluid with an electronic control unit that reads sensor signals and commands the anti-lock brake function. The system depends on brake fluid staying inside the hydraulic side of the module.
In affected vehicles, a supplier quality control issue left piston seals in the ABS module's hydraulic valve unit vulnerable to leakage. Brake fluid can move past those seals and enter the electronic control unit. Fluid inside that electronics area can create an electrical short, so the problem is inside the ABS assembly rather than at the brake pedal or wheel-end parts.
Owners can notice smoke from the engine compartment, a burning or melting smell, or the MIL or ABS light turning on. Those signs point to fluid reaching the electrical side of the ABS assembly and need Hyundai dealer attention.
Who's affected?
All 3 model years are tied to the ABS assembly within the hydraulic brake system.
| 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 151,205 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An ABS module short circuit raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. Smoke from the engine compartment, a burning or melting odor, or the MIL or ABS light means stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is included in this recall.
- Park outside and away from structures until the ABS module recall repair is complete.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free ABS module inspection and needed replacement, which addresses brake-fluid leakage that can short the module.
- Reference recall number 20V520 and Hyundai recall 194 when you call, and tell the dealer this recall was superseded for the current repair path.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one, or bring your VIN if you do not have the notice.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the ABS module and replaces it if needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall, and affected vehicles are now repaired under recall 21V-303. Until the repair is complete, park outside as Hyundai directs. Hyundai provides reimbursement under its submitted plan for eligible prior repairs. If you already paid for an ABS-module related repair, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 or ask the dealer how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 23, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 23, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 22, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V520?
Recall 20V520 covers 151,205 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles with an ABS module brake-fluid leak that can cause an electrical short and increase engine-compartment fire risk. Hyundai dealers inspect the ABS module and replace it if needed for free. This recall was superseded by NHTSA recall 21V-303.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe Sport is included in recall 20V520. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the free ABS module inspection and repair under the superseding recall 21V-303. Park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if necessary for free. Parts and labor are covered when your VIN is included in the recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine-compartment fire. Brake fluid can leak inside the ABS module and create an electrical short. Hyundai advises owners to park outside as a precaution until the recall repair is complete.
What if I bought my Hyundai Santa Fe Sport used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Santa Fe Sport is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall 20V520 or the superseding recall 21V-303.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V520000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V520 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V520000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →