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
- 182
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Fuel/propulsion system
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 182 complaints
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 | 320 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,380 |
| 2012 | 1,559 |
| 2013 | 1,915 |
| 2014 | 748 |
| 2015 | 1,154 |
| 2016 | 727 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 375 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 134 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel/propulsion system
26% · 48 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fuel system recall (NHTSA 25V796; Hyundai 286/23HYZ2 "Fuel Tank Expansion") on a 2020 Hyundai Sonata, plus the fuel-tank heat shield and rear floor pan area.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-06
Also filed under Structure
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, 2026-07-30
Also filed under Structure
Electrical system
22% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing starter assembly.
Show 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, 2026-08-26
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, 2026-07-22
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, 2026-07-10
Engine
18% · 32 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-10
Power train
13% · 24 reportsStructure
10% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-04-22Equipment20V122000 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.
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2020-06-03Electrical system20V213000 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.
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2022-05-26Latches/locks/linkages22V196000 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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2026-03-09Fuel system, gasoline25V796000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V122000 · Equipment
- Recall 20V213000 · Electrical system
- Recall 22V196000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 25V796000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.