If someone retires at age 52 and has company 401k, is there a penalty on any distributions taken prior to age 59 1/2?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-rule-of-55-2894280#:~:text=It's%20known%20as%20the%20Substant...

[singh]

Yes. The best thing is to roll over to another account such as IRA to avoid the penalty.