2020 Hyundai Sonata
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3376 |
| 2012 | 1556 |
| 2013 | 1908 |
| 2014 | 744 |
| 2015 | 1144 |
| 2016 | 722 |
| 2017 | 762 |
| 2018 | 372 |
| 2019 | 161 |
| 2020 | 177 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car was taken to dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded and pushed towards the heat shield, and expanded upward pushing up the back seats of vehicle. It was determined to not safe to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260730
Also filed under STRUCTURE
23% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Parking malfunction. Parked, running car moved itself to reverse and backed up a driveway crossing a dirt road and hitting a fence and post. This car could have hit and severely injured anyone who was in the path while it was reversing on its own.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260826
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SERVICE BRAKES
Fan motor fuse box quit working and ac/heat no longer operational. First time was around October 21, 2025.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
My vehicle while driving, it is jerking and shaking. When I come to a stop, the cars rpms go up and down while the car is shaking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
18% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact added oil to the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
14% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: seats — 16 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 20V122000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V213000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V196000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
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.
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.
Campaign 25V796000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V122000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V213000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V196000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V796000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.