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
178 reports, newest first.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the contact was refueling the vehicle, the fuel was coming back out of the fuel tank onto the ground surface. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of town. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed a failed fuel tank sensor. The contact was informed that the fuel tank sensor light. The contact stated that when the independent mechanic pulled out the rear seat to perform the repair, the mechanic noticed that the metal sheet under the rear seat was fractured due to the pressure of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the dealer declined the repair. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle and informed that the vehicle was a ticking bomb. In addition, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a collision shop, prior to the repair being performed. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact's insurance declined the repair stating that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because the contact was the second owner of the vehicle. In addition, the contact's vehicle mileage was above the 60,000 mileage warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 99,230.
Chest clip, Buckle, Harness, Nov 14, 2024
I have the Chicco Fit360 and the magnetic chest clip is no longer magnetic it was coming apart with little to no movement. I would buckle the chest clip and then move it to put it in position and it would come apart. I know this is a common problem with this particular car seat and something needs to be done before a child dies or gets seriously injured because the chest clip comes apart while driving!
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2024
I was driving back from Atlanta, GA to Pensacola, FL when we noticed our fuel level dropping significantly. We stopped in West Point, GA to see what was going on. We turned the car off and back on after 3 minutes and car made a weird vibration. Then the fuel level was rising back to normal but my wife was in the backseat with our [XXX] and she noticed the seat was rising and creating a lot of heat. We pulled over again and noticed it wasn't going down. Luckily there was a mechanic at this gas station and he informed us that the fuel tank expanded and to NOT drive the vehicle. We we're driving alongside my parents so we got in their car and drove back to Pensacola to get a truck and tow attachment cause a tow truck would've costed us $2,500 to tow back to Pensacola. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 11, 2024
The component that failed is the fuel tank system. While driving, the fuel tank expanded, causing significant damage to the rear section of the vehicle. This issue resulted in the rear seat rising up, and the bottom rear seat cushion detaching from its securing clamps. The check engine light came on, and gas started leaking from the fuel cap. The fuel tank has moved upward by about 3 to 5 inches, no longer resting on the factory fuel tank straps. The sheet metal underneath the rear seat was crumpled, and the fuel pump access cover bent. The vehicle is currently at College Park Hyundai and is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my children were significantly compromised. The loud popping noise startled us, and the fact that the rear seat lifted and detached posed a serious risk to the passengers in the back seat. Additionally, the gas leak created a fire and explosion hazard, putting all occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road at serious risk. This incident potentially violates the Fuel System Integrity (49 CFR 571.301) regulation, which ensures that a vehicle's fuel system is designed to prevent leaks and fire hazards. Moreover, the unexpected movement and detachment of the rear seat could be a breach of Occupant Protection (49 CFR 571.207 and 571.208), which govern the safety of seating systems and occupant crash protection. The issue has been confirmed by the service center at College Park Hyundai, where the vehicle is currently being inspected and evaluated. The vehicle is being inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized service center at College Park Hyundai. It has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. The check engine light came on immediately after the loud popping noise and the detachment of the rear seat cushion. Additionally, the gas gauge suddenly dropped to empty after the incident, even though the tank was not empty prior to the malfunction.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2024
Gas tank replaced three times and failed each installation (excess pressure)leaked gas with riders in car. I was a LYFT driver .YES car can be seen at MAUI HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT 260 HANA Highway. Kahului, HI. 96732 Car needs another gas tank and Manager at Service Dept tells me there is only one gas tank available, the type we installed. FARMERS INSURANCE HAS SEEN PHOTOS OF THE BAD GAS TANK. Service department was not aware of this gas tank issue...told me you must have run over some debris (not true) HYUNDAI has received my complaint but not replied yet.Engine warning light came on went off came on Took car to dealer for service
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, moved the rear seat, and observed that the fuel pump was protruding upwards. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the purge valve, resulting in damages to the fuel pump and fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2024
I had the check engine light come on about 4 times in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L this year in 2024. I took the car to a technician to get looked at each time it came on. The codes and bulletins kept pointing to fuel system issues. Each time, every service tech said it was a small issue and claimed to fix the issues. The final time a tech seen it lifted the rear seat and found out that the gas tank expanded and the back seat buckled up. The backseat metal frame is bent and messed up. I was flagged down by several drivers ?that noticed gasoline leaking from my driverside rear. My child and I were in dang? er and had to pull on the side of a major highway and stay several hours until someone picked us up. The problem has been confirmed by the hyuandi service center. They said another vehicle experienced this same issue. I was in fear for my life and my child's life because it could have caught fire and/or exploded.
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2024
Blower motor stopped working. Same issue has now happened on my 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited. I have been waiting now three months to have my 2020 Sonata to be fixed. Hyundai technician said the wiring harness had a crack and it’s why my 2020 Sonata’s Blower motor stopped working. It’s now three months since they diagnosed and ordered the wiring harness but supposedly it’s still on back order and I’m left with a hot car this entire summer and possibly a cold car come this winter. Now it looks like I will have the same issue with my 2021 Hyundai Sonta Limited leaving me with two cars without A/C or Heat.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2024
There is an issue with the 2020+ Hyuandai sonatas and Kia K5 models. The valves in my gas tank had failed. Causing pressure and gas vapors to be trapped inside the tank. The pressure in my tank has swollen my gas tank to the point where it’s bent the metal frame underneath my backseat, lifting my backseat off its base. My car is a literal tricking time bomb because the tank will eventually burst. There’s also a strong smell of gas coming from underneath the backseat. There’s been a new story on this issue already. Kia has acknowledged the issue and did recalls. Hyundai has not. Many owners of the Sonata are having this same exact issue according to Reddit posts. I took my vehicle to the dealer, got it diagnosed, was quoted $2900+. I was told it was an extreme safety hazard due to the pressure in the tank and the gas leak. The tank has swollen so much that it’s pressing against the exhaust. I’m out of warranty and they expect me to pay out of pocket. I have no where near $3000. I use my car for work and have no choice but to drive it. Please help.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2024
(August 29th) My girlfriend and I were driving in my 2020 Sonata, when the check engine light turned on and my gas gauge dropped from being full to then only half way. About an hour later, driving back home we heard a loud pop as if something exploded. Next day, I took my car to the Autonation Hyundai dealership and after taking a look at my car they quoted me about $6,000 to get my fuel tank and charcoal canister replaced. Our safety was put at risk due to the fact that had the damage been any worse, it could have caused the car to possibly explode or give out while driving on the highway, and in turn would put many more lives at risk.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2024
Gas tank is swelling causing the rear seats to pop up
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Aug 28, 2024
Improperly seated strip fuse High Resistance Connection on the IG-2 40amp blower motor fuse receptacle causing melting of plastic fuse box components and ultimately failure of blower motor circuit and potentially loss of other circuits. Loss of blower motor leads to loss of cabin HVAC as well as loss of front windshield defrost ability during adverse driving conditions. Not only does this pose a potential electrical fire hazard, but a safety hazard due to inability to clear windshield from loss of defrost feature. Brief research finds this to be a very common problem with these vehicles. Manufacturer's recommendation is complete replacement of engine bay wiring harness. Problem begins as intermittent, but leads to total circuit failure over time if not identified.
Structure, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle during a rainstorm, she became aware that water had filled the interior of the rear driver's side door panel, which began to leak when the door was open. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine how the water was entering the door panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 47,000.
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2024
Fuel tank has expanded to the point that my vehicle is deemed not safe to drive. As pressure in the tank is unable to be stabilized. Only had the car for about 70 days since the date of purchase. Repairs are about $3900. In short as told by the dealership service department, my car could blow up at any time. This is not safe, at all.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2024
Multi fuse controlling the A/C blower has burned out 3 times in the past year.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact then heard a loud pop and pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank filler neck, even though the access door and gas cap were both securely closed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the canister purge valve, causing the fuel tank to swell, resulting in damages to the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a booming sound heard and suddenly there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced a fuel sensor. The contact stated that later, while driving, the rear seats started to raise up, and became extremely hot. The contact parked to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the fuel tank had expanded underneath the vehicle. Due to the failure, the rear seats became burned and melted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2024
Riding down the road June 30, 2024 and heard a loud boom coming from the back of my car. I pulled to the side of the road and walked around but saw no damage to outside of car. When I was approximately 30 miles from home my gas started dropping tremendously. Once arriving at home it was a rumble coming from rear of car after inspecting outside car and seeing no damage again, I looked in my back seat and the rear seat was lifted. If my kids or any other occupants would have been back there it could have possibly caused injuries. Upon my mechanic looking my car over they told me it was something to do with my fuel tank. My appointment is July 16, 2024 Hyundai of Dothan in Dothan al for farther diagnosis. My safety was in danger as explosion from the fuel tank could have cause serious damage and/or injury to car and self. Check engine light came on once the fuel consumption started dropping tremendously.
Power train, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2024
I was on my way back home from Alexandria LA on [XXX] when I heard like the sound of an blow out tire but wasn’t happen to look in back of car and seen back seat was blown off the area of the car and proceeded to see that the gas tank was expanded like you would see a balloon and the me car started running funny and. Then a service code comes across the screen of the radio po45100 , so I pull over and look beneath the car and see that the gas tank is so expanded it’s now pressing against the exhaust pipe. So I turned car off and here we are now I’m without a car due to this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2024
A week before my gas tank expanding I heard a loud popping noise. When driving from NC to DC, my gas tank refused to take gas and my car immediately went to empty. I was stranding on the highway and has my 2020 Hyundai towed to the Hyundai dealership in Chesterfield, VA. They told me that my gas tank expanded and my back seats had popped out of place.
Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2024
It looks like the fuel tank has expanded. My back seats are now lifted & will not push down.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2024
I have a 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus. For the past month I been dealing with my CEL regarding Fuel Tank Pressure sensor and I end up replacing one from hyundai itself. After doing that I notice my fuel tank has expanded and I’m currently dealing with Hyundai & the dealership to see if they can make a recall regarding this issue or just fix it period since it’s a big safety concern. This been happening since mid April. My back seat lifts up from time to time and my fuel pump cover is bent. Below I’ll add some pictures so you guys can see how my tank straps are actually bent which is very uncommon for it to happen. I recently took it to the dealer last week after reaching out to hyundai corporate and they took pictures and send it for prior approval to see if hyundai is willing to replace this. I can’t fill up my gas tank, I constantly have to out between $15-$25 the most due to fuel mileage issue since the tank has expanded I get fuel mileage inconsistency