2020 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel/propulsion system is the leading concern among 178 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 5 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasolineNov 18, 2025
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.
A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V796000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchMar 28, 2022
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."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V196000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareApr 9, 2020
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.
Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 28, 2020
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 20V122000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 23, 2026
Blower motor malfunction at night. Smelled something burning. Extremely hot and humid outside. Windows fogged up inside which greatly reduced visibility. Checked the multifuse which controls the ABS, oil pump, cooling fan, & Blower. I discovered a burnt connection on one of the terminals for the blower. This is a huge safety and fire risk and needs to be addressed ASAP!!!! Upon my research, I’m finding several Hyundai Sonata vehicles having this same exact issue. Kia vehicles are being recalled for this same exact issue. Why isn’t the Hyundai Sonata??
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2026
The AC Evaporator core is leaking. Known issue amongst these vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2026, crash
My vehicle was at a manufacturer‑authorized dealership for a federally mandated recall repair. While the vehicle was in the dealership’s exclusive care, custody, and control, it was struck by a third‑party cleaning vendor operating on dealership property and was declared a total loss. I did not hire or authorize this vendor. After the incident, the manufacturer informed me in writing that the dealership would repair the damage at their own expense, separate from the recall work. The manufacturer also stated they were covering the recall‑related repairs and were coordinating with the dealership. They provided weekly updates, monitored the recall repair, and escalated a backordered recall part. Later, after the dealership confirmed the vehicle was a total loss, the manufacturer reversed its position and stated it was “not involved.” The dealership has refused to identify the cleaning company responsible for the loss, their insurer, or any claim information, preventing any direct follow‑up. The manufacturer continues to direct me to “work with the parties involved,” even though the responsible vendor has not been disclosed. This raises concerns about the safety and oversight of the recall repair process, the handling of vehicles during recall service, and the manufacturer’s response when a vehicle is destroyed during a recall procedure.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2025
My 202 Hyundai Sonata is involved in the current hyundai fuel system recall. on 10/26/25 the fuel tank expanded and caused three explosive "boom" sounds inside the vehicle while I was driving with passengers. The backseat began heating and rising upward due to fuel tank swelling. The tank became pressurized, hissing, bubbling, and would not accept fuel. The vehicle became inoperable. The car has now been at hyundai of camelback since 10/27/25 (30 days). Hyndai Corporate has repeatedly delayed providing a remedy and keeps telling me they "need another week". I have received no repair plan, and no decision. This violates the requirement for a timely recall remedy. The defect caused structural damage and created a serious safety hazard. "
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2025
Coolant is leaking again after being fixed at a Hyundai dealer. If I don't fix it, my car will overheat and catch fire in the middle of a public road. My warranty has now expired, so I'll have to pay for the repairs myself. However, this problem is a design flaw, not related to the car's age or mileage. Hyundai should fix this problem. I'm not the only one; there are a lot of people complaining about this.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2025
The ac blower keeps going out I looked it up and a lot of people are having the same problem my ac keep having to buy blowers and they last 1 week before they stop working and they are not cheap my blower keeps going out and my electric in my car keeps messing up when I try to put the ac up it goes up then goes down I don’t know what’s wrong but I looked it up and a lot of people have the same problem
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2025
My 2020 Hyundai Sonata SE (82931 miles at the time) has experienced repeated issues with the front passenger window. The window would get stuck while attempting to operate it, accompanied by a loud, crushing noise. Upon visiting the dealership, I was informed that the issue stemmed from the window regulator, which had failed internally and required replacement. Additionally, my girlfriend, who owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL with approximately 31,000 miles, is now facing the exact same problem with her vehicle’s front passenger window. After conducting research on online forums, I discovered that several other 2020 Hyundai Sonata owners are reporting similar issues with their window regulators. This suggests that the problem may not be isolated to just one or two vehicles but could point to a potential widespread defect. Although this issue primarily affects the operation of the window, it could lead to safety risks if the window gets stuck in an open position, exposing occupants to potential theft, weather elements, or other hazards. I am requesting the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine if the window regulator failure in 2020 Hyundai Sonata models is a systemic defect that warrants further action, such as a recall or manufacturer response. I am happy to provide additional information or documentation, such as repair invoices, dealership statements, or records of the issue. Thank you for addressing this concern.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2024
I believe the transmission malfunctioned as I reached 60 MPH / 4000 RPMs on the highway when it suddenly did not want to accelerate past that. The more I stepped on the gas pedal, the more it slowed down. I attempted to use the paddle shifters to shift up or down, but I was unable to shift up and shifting down did not allow me to accelerate past 4000 RPMs. The flow of traffic was faster than I could keep up with, and not being able to accelerate made it unsafe to be on the highway. I had to pull over, and get off of the highway. I found that others have reported this same issue online with the same make/model/trim, but I have not had time to take it in to be looked at. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure. I only noticed when I got on the highway and needed to reach speeds greater than 60 MPH. Turning the car off, waiting a bit, then starting it again seems to have resolved the issue, but I am still uneasy with this having happened so suddenly. I fear the issue may return in the future based on what I have read online. The car is available for inspection upon request.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2024
Took a trip to Nashville so I left Memphis Saturday morning hole on the road heading to Nashville I was at least 30 minutes fork the city my car began to jerk very bad suddenly my file light came on so I stopped at a gas station the file light came on telling me I needed gas the had was on the E but my mileage to e said 117miles. So I was like ok that’s weird after I put gas in my car I got back on the road my gas hand went from full to half way and I was not even on the road for 40 minutes so as we get closer to Nashville my car starts jerking very bad I hear a noise that sounded like a bag or a piece of paper being crumbled up I turn around to find my rear seat up in the air I knew it was not normal at all looks like it was a lot of pressure for the frame of a car to stand up like that I definitely knew something was wrong when that happened I instantly started to smell gas very loud smell of gas I then start to do my research and I see Kia’s and Hyundais are dealing with gas tank expansions so at this point I am scared for my life I’m in my car and I’m dealing with a issue like this. I instantly call my dealership and schedule to have my car towed to the dealership out in Nashville. They called me that Monday confirming the gas take had expanded and caused a significant amount of floor damage to my vehicle I am currently waiting trying to see what is Hyundai going to do about this issue that is my only transportation and having to deal with this then find another way back home has been very stressful and just to know that I could have lost my life in that car is even more traumatic
Seats, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2024
Driving 55mph on highway car slows down and make a pop nose and back seat comes up and I start to smell gas
Seats, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2024
An independent service center advise us that the gas tank had expanded which could have put my family at risk if exploding or catched on fired. This happend on June 15th 2024 while driving, a sudden explosion coming from the back of the car was heard. Little after the explosion like sound we perceived as if air was coming through the back as if we had a window rolled down. When pulled to check, i notice that the back seat was popped up. No warning on the car was giving prior to the incident. Will take car to Hyundai dealership to have it inspect by them and have a solution.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2024
UNKNOWN
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2024
A lot of these models have wind coming through the door making a whistling noise, it’s very distracting to drivers and multiple people complaining about it online.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 19, 2023
Sunroof shattered/exploded for no known reason while driving. Resulted in glass falling towards cabin of vehicle as well as loud bang.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2023
Hyundai updated the software for the display and made the font smaller which makes it difficult to read and a safety issue especially when driving at night. I contacted Hyundai and they say that if it is not in the owners manual there is nothing they can do. I have tried to explain to them it is a software issue that came about when their software engineers updated the software and it makes this a safety issue and they have no way to revert back to previous versions.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2023
Paint on hood of car is peeling off, down to bare metal
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2022
The AC Fan in my car quit working. Took it to a repair shop where I was told that the AC Blower Motor went bad. The blower motor was drawing too much amps and caused the blower motor fuse to melt into the wiring harness for the blower motor along with melting several other fuses nearby including the fuse box. The cost to repair this correctly fixing and addressing all parts damaged was $5000. Because my vehicle is out of warranty due to mileage I contacted Hyundai who stated that I had to go and pay another diagnostic fee at a Hyundai Dealership to have them look at it. They continued to tell me that the vehicle was out of warranty but would not assist in providing information to get the issue resolved at no cost to me.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2022
while driving to work on 05.20.2022 my sunroof exploded for no apparent reason. I called my insurance company and they told me to take it to my dealership. so I did.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022
- Shifter system malfunction - Unable to use the shift buttons - Received system error on dashboard that read, "Shifter malfunction! Service immediately." Visited two dealership, who saw a photo of the system error message. Vehicle was inspected by the dealership; however, no support could be given due to the dealership not having a code for the issue. - Dealership was made aware of the issue back in November 2021; however, first available appointment with technician was not until January 2022.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2021
Driving on the Interstate at 65mph the car suddenly goes down to 5mph. Unwanted deceleration! At the same time the dash warning lights come on. Check engine and ABS. This happened 3 times now. 2 times on the Interstate in heavy traffic and once going 35mph on a back road. Miraculously we were able to pull over without any cars slamming into us. This unwanted deceleration happened on July 28, August 18 and Sept 13. Each time after pulling to a safe area we turned the engine off, waited a few minutes and turned it back on. Then resumed normal driving speed. Brought it to the dealer after each time. This shut down started after the car was only 4 months old with 2,983 miles on it.First time they said they couldn't find anything wrong and reset the computer, said if it happens again they will look into it more. The second time they replaced a Body Assy-Throttle and Gasket. The 3rd time they replaced the front wiring assembly control. I have all the repair paper work. We were driving playing Russian roulette wondering when it will happen again. With cars speeding around us we were lucky no one was close on our tail. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Each time it was beautiful sunny weather, two times heading to the beach, 3rd time heading to NH after 2 hrs of driving and one hour stopped, resumed driving for 20 min when it happened. No common denominator. I hope that this is not happening to others. I have reported this issue to Hyundai Motors America and they have offered me $500 and 60 days to release them from any liability or claim. Since I just got my car back finally Sept 20th, I certainly can't say my concerns have been resolved.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2021
The automatic shut off. When the car is locked I can run it for a total of 20 minutes with auto start, when it's unlocked I can run it for a total of 60 minutes. Sometimes because of my job I need to auto start it and run it for longer to either warm up or cool down and it is unsafe to leave it unlocked. There should be an option for me to turn off the time limit and not have it reset every time I restart the car! When I'm shopping and I need to leave my dog inside for instance and it's 91 degrees outside, I should be able to lock my car and let it run for as long as I need to be in the store without worry it will shut off with him inside and suffocate him in the heat. This is another HUGE safety issue!
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2021
The Contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle abruptly decelerated to 30 mph. The contact also stated that previously the windshield wipers failed and the driver’s side window failed to roll all the way up. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code. The contact stated that the dealer could repair the driver’s side window and windshield wipers. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2021
THE VEHICLE'S FUEL GAUGE (TYPE C) DOES NOT ACCURATELY ADJUST FOR CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF GAS IN A TIMELY MANNER. IT NORMALLY TAKES 2-3 DAYS FOR THE GAUGE TO MOVE TO FULL TANK EVEN THOUGH IT IS FULL. SAME PROBLEM FROM 1/4 TO 1/2 TANK, ETC. FOR EXAMPLE, I NOTICED THE PANEL SAID I HAD 11 MILES TO EMPTY ON FRIDAY. THE GAS GAUGE SHOWED OTHERWISE. I WASN'T NEAR MY USUAL FILL STATION, SO I PUT 5 GALLONS OF GAS IN THE CAR. IT IS NOW WEDNESDAY (5 DAYS LATER). THE GAS GAUGE MOVED SLIGHTLY YESTERDAY TO ALMOST 1/4 TANK, BUT THE FUEL TANK WARNING WENT FROM 11 TO 0 MILES LEFT TO EMPTY (SEE ATTACHMENT). I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY EACH DAY AND IN THE CITY. I PURCHASED THIS CAR JULY 2020 WITH A FULL TANK. THIS PROBLEM BECAME EVIDENT IN AUG 2020. AFTER REFILLING THE TANK, THE READER SHOWED 111 MILES TO EMPTY. I INFORMED HYUNDAI AGENT OF THE ISSUE, WHO HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. THE GUAGE AND FUEL TANK READER FINALLY ADJUSTED AFTER ABOUT 3 DAYS. I HAD 449 MILES ON THE CAR AT THAT TIME. I NOW HAVE OVER 4,000 WITH SAME PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, SOMETHING IS FAULTY, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT. AUTO DEALER IS BAFFLED. THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN A REAL FUEL SHORTAGE WHILE TRAVELING WITH NO GAS STATION NEARBY.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2020, 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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2020
ENGINE BLOCK BECAME INFESTED WITH RATS/MICE OVERNIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS WAS THE RESULT OF SOY-BASED COMPONENTS USED BY HYUNDAI. NO OTHER CARS ON MY BLOCK HAD THIS PROBLEM (I WAS ABLE TO SURVEY THE VEHICLE OWNERS BECAUSE WE ALL WERE THERE WAITING FOR STREET CLEANING TO OCCUR.) IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE RATS/MICE WERE ATTRACTED BY THE MATERIALS USED BY HYUNDAI AND ANECDOTAL REPORTS SUGGEST THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AMONG MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS, BUT ESPECIALLY ONES THAT USE SOY BASED COMPONENTS SUCH AS HYUNDAI, LAND ROVER, AND HONDA.