VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata sits mid-pack among Sonata years: 254 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 205, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (57), electrical system (35), and engine (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

254

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Sonata years?

Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted4,608 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 46 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 37 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 187 complaints2000: 378 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 407 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 288 complaints2005: 217 complaints2006: 1,422 complaints2007: 906 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 415 complaints2011: 4,608 complaints2012: 2,272 complaints2013: 2,635 complaints2014: 1,077 complaints2015: 1,636 complaints2016: 991 complaints2017: 991 complaints2018: 540 complaints2019: 205 complaints2020: 254 complaints2021: 169 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 136 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System5722%
Electrical System3514%
Other2811%
Engine2811%
Transmission229%
Driver Assistance218%
Body & Structure156%
Seats146%
Airbags73%
Speed Control73%
Steering73%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Tires & Wheels21%
Lighting21%
Brakes21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V796000Fuel SystemNovember 17, 2025 · 85,043 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Consequence

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.

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.

20V213000Electrical SystemApril 9, 2020 · 11,870 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Nexo and Sonata vehicles. The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.

20V122000OtherFebruary 28, 2020 · 5,044 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata vehicles produced between October 22, 2019 and February 13, 2020. The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers over the tire pressure label and in the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 12, 2026 · fire

“While stopping at a major highway intersection on [XXX] for a red light vehicle stalls and will not start back up while everyone else continues at a 55 mph mile an hour passing me on each side! This happened more than 6 times . While you’re stuck in intersection,you have to keep trying to start…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 30, 2025 · crash

“PUSHED THE PARK BUTTON, SHOWED P ON THE DASH INDICATOR, DOORS THEN UNLOCKED. WHEN EXITED VEHICLE IT BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARD, PARK HAD NOT ENGAGED SLIGHT HILL ONLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY. PUSHED BUTTON TO PLACE THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE OR GO ANYWHERE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 9, 2020 · crash

“It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 12, 2026 · fire

“1.TRANSMISSION DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES. IT SLIPS FROM TIME TO TIME UPON ACCELERATION, (RIGHT AFTER DECELERATION), INCREASING THE ODDS OF A COLLISION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLES ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH MINE. 2.NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN 3. THREE TRIPS TO DEALER HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 26, 2021

2020 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sonata: 254 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2020 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (57 complaints), electrical system (35 complaints), engine (28 complaints).

Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

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