Total Complaints
229 filings
HYUNDAI SONATA · model year
229 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 4 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020HYUNDAISONATA carries 229 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2020 SONATA is fuel/propulsion system with 39 filings, followed by electrical system (30) and unknown or other (26). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2020 SONATA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
Total Complaints
229 filings
Crashes Reported
8 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 39 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 30 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 26 |
| ENGINE | 21 |
| POWER TRAIN | 21 |
| SEATS | 13 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 11 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 8 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 7 |
| STEERING | 7 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 6 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 5 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 3 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
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 S
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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 F
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
White pain is pealing off and it’s pretty bad especially when going through car wash
Rear camera doesn’t work and is just a black screen. It started out intermittent and now doesn’t work at all.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The battery and the key warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to the end of the driveway and turned off. The contact was afraid of driving the vehicle due to the failure. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the open recall information. In addition, the contact was advised that the failure might be because of the unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The failure mileage w
Mileage: 42,947
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 dir
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 dir
I have taken my vehicle to a certified Hyundai dealership multiple times due to intermittent starting issues. The car will unlock remotely, and the lights and electrical components will turn on, but the engine will not start. When this happens, I press the ignition button to turn the vehicle off and then try again. Sometimes it eventually starts, but there have been several occasions when it would not start at all, forcing me to call for a tow or have the battery jumped. This issue occurs most often in cool or cold weather. I had a brand new battery installed at the dealership in July 2025, yet the problem has continued. I have been dealing with this for over a year and have even been stranded out of state in below-freezing temperatures. Each time I bring the vehicle in, the dealership states they are unable to replicate the issue while it is in their service department.
I have taken my vehicle to a certified Hyundai dealership multiple times due to intermittent starting issues. The car will unlock remotely, and the lights and electrical components will turn on, but the engine will not start. When this happens, I press the ignition button to turn the vehicle off and then try again. Sometimes it eventually starts, but there have been several occasions when it would not start at all, forcing me to call for a tow or have the battery jumped. This issue occurs most often in cool or cold weather. I had a brand new battery installed at the dealership in July 2025, yet the problem has continued. I have been dealing with this for over a year and have even been stranded out of state in below-freezing temperatures. Each time I bring the vehicle in, the dealership states they are unable to replicate the issue while it is in their service department.
I have taken my vehicle to a certified Hyundai dealership multiple times due to intermittent starting issues. The car will unlock remotely, and the lights and electrical components will turn on, but the engine will not start. When this happens, I press the ignition button to turn the vehicle off and then try again. Sometimes it eventually starts, but there have been several occasions when it would not start at all, forcing me to call for a tow or have the battery jumped. This issue occurs most often in cool or cold weather. I had a brand new battery installed at the dealership in July 2025, yet the problem has continued. I have been dealing with this for over a year and have even been stranded out of state in below-freezing temperatures. Each time I bring the vehicle in, the dealership states they are unable to replicate the issue while it is in their service department.
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 the car eventually it will start . Apparently it is EGR valve and is a very common problem. IT IS NOTED IN THE common problem for this year making model and the repair cost is in the range of $1600 even the dealership said it is a very common problem. They have been experiencing it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 the car eventually it will start . Apparently it is EGR valve and is a very common problem. IT IS NOTED IN THE common problem for this year making model and the repair cost is in the range of $1600 even the dealership said it is a very common problem. They have been experiencing it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 the car eventually it will start . Apparently it is EGR valve and is a very common problem. IT IS NOTED IN THE common problem for this year making model and the repair cost is in the range of $1600 even the dealership said it is a very common problem. They have been experiencing it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I own a 2020 Hyundai Sonata with factory-applied paint. The vehicle developed paint peeling/clear-coat failure on the driver-side rear quarter panel without any prior damage, accident, or repainting. The paint began separating from the body, exposing the underlying surface. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealer. The dealer acknowledged a paint adhesion failure and submitted the issue to Hyundai. Hyundai declined to fully cover the repair, stating the model year was not included in their paint warranty extension, even though similar peeling paint defects have been acknowledged and covered by Hyundai on earlier Sonata model years. The dealer ultimately repainted both rear panels due to the nature of the failure, but Hyundai required me to pay approximately 20% of the repair cost as a goodwill arrangement. I was not offered a full repaint or full reimbursement. I have also observed early signs of potential paint adhesion issues around the rear window frame, raising conc
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. "
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. "
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. "
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started and drove normally. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Mileage: 27,000
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera malfunctioned, and there was no image of the rear of the vehicle displayed. The contact stated that the display screen only displayed lines. The contact stated that the failure caused a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the camera was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
Wiring harness under fuse box is not making a consistent connection and is causing the blower amp to overheat and disconnect. When this happen, cabin air doesn’t blow and the front and rear defrost stops working. The only way to make the blower engage is by removing the fuse box cover and tapping the 30 amp fuse things. I’ve taken my car to the dealership for this specific problem 5 separate times, and it was supposed to be corrected. Due to this poor connection, I am now about $1200 into repairs / replacing parts that aren’t the root cause. I am not taking my car back to the dealership for a 6th time to have it “fixed” but the service guy looked me in the face and said “you should trade it. We see this issue all the time in sonatas and elantras. It won’t be fixed”. I’ve replaced the blower motor, had the Freon charged, this is one of the vehicles with the exploding gas tank, and I’ve already paid to replace gaskets.
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.