VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?

Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted216 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 216 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 40 complaints2015: 83 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 123 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 21 complaints2021: 69 complaints2022: 30 complaints2023: 23 complaints2024: 12 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine838%
Electrical System629%
Other419%
Fuel System15%
Steering15%
Tires & Wheels15%

Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V196000Latches & LocksMarch 28, 2022 · 63,461 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On July 15th I was driving away from work and my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I was able to get it towed to a body shop I previously had it repaired at. They said the battery system was blowing a fuse when it would become undrivable. They took it to the local Hyundai dealership where they…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 15, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and pressing the power button, the vehicle continued running. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle by repeatedly pressing the power button. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2021

“My car is a Hyundai sonata hybrid (non plug in) 2020. the issue I have is that when the car transitions from electric motor to the gas engine there can be a small delay resulting in the car not picking up and causing me to almost get hit in different scenarios. (I have not had this checked with a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 20, 2021

“DRIVING ON DRY ROAD, IN MIDDLE LANE OF THREE LANES GOING 65 MPH. SUDDENLY, RIGHT REAR TIRE "POOFED" BUT I KEPT CONTROL, STARTED TO LOOK RIGHT TO GET OFF ROAD. TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, DID NOT PUT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY, LEFT REAR "POOFED" AND THEN AN EXTREMELY LOUD-METAL ON METAL- SOUND OCCURRED BACK LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 31, 2021 · crash

“On July 15th I was driving away from work and my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I was able to get it towed to a body shop I previously had it repaired at. They said the battery system was blowing a fuse when it would become undrivable. They took it to the local Hyundai dealership where they…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 15, 2024

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 Sonata Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015, 2021, 2014. The cleanest record among Sonata Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.