Owners filed 178 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
0028552,855 milesMedian miles at failure
54 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Fuel/Propulsion System
36
2
0
0
Electrical System
33
1
0
0
Unknown or Other
17
1
0
2
Engine
17
0
0
0
Power Train
10
0
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline
10
0
0
0
Structure › Body
8
0
0
0
Air Bags
7
1
1
2
Steering
5
0
0
0
Seats
5
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline25V796000
Filed Nov 17, 202585,043 vehiclesHyundai Motor America
Defect. 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.
Risk. A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch22V196000
Filed Mar 28, 202263,461 vehiclesHyundai Motor America
Defect. 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."
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.
Electrical System › Software20V213000
Filed Apr 9, 202011,870 vehiclesHyundai Motor America
Defect. 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.
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels20V122000
Filed Feb 28, 20205,044 vehiclesHyundai Motor America
Defect. 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."
Risk. 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.
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 7, 2026AR
A/C blower motor fan would stop working. Happened twice within less than a year apart. Upon further inspection, multi fuse wiring overheated and melted, ruining fuse and making A/C stop working during 100+ temperatures outside. Apparently this is a well known issue with this make and model Sonata. Electrical failure.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 3, 2026TX
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring, unresolved electrical defect in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL. The vehicle fails to recognize when the ignition is switched off, leaving core vehicle systems active and causing severe parasitic battery drain that leaves the car immobilized. Description of the Problem: False "On" Status: After parking, turning off the engine, and exiting the vehicle, the car continues to register as though the ignition is still active/on (accessories, cluster, or vehicle network remain awake). Severe Parasitic Draw: Because the vehicle fails to shut down its electrical circuits, the 12-volt battery repeatedly discharges overnight or while parked for short durations. Battery Replacement Did Not Resolve Issue: The 12-volt battery was replaced with a brand-new unit to eliminate typical wear, yet the drain and false "on" behavior persisted immediately. Frequency: The vehicle frequently fails to start, requiring constant jump-starts or roadside assistance to operate. Safety Hazard: This defect creates a direct safety risk by repeatedly stranding the driver without warning in public locations, traffic stops, or remote areas. In addition, an electrical system that fails to enter a sleep state creates a potential hazard for component overheating, failure of electronic security and locking systems, or total electrical failure while attempting to restart or operate auxiliary safety equipment. Other Hyundai owners have reported identical issu
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2026NC
The A/C evaporator core and the core seal needs replacing on 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Car is 6 years old. I already have a confirmed diagnosis with a PPM refrigerant leak tester at the condensate drain line The diagnosis is 100% confirmed. The evaporator is leaking heavily—we pulled 274 PPM at the drain tube and 177 PPM inside the cabin behind the glove box so refrigerent has been leaking out of the vents. My wife and I were getting headaches for no reason. Our AC has failed and this problem was discovered as the issue and I am paying out of pocket to fix something that should not have failed and has leaked out refrigerent.
Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Aug 26, 2026NC
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. Car was in reverse and all parking sensors were blaring when the car was found minutes later.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 2026IL
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??
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Aug 23, 2026AZ
The reverse camera only shows a black screen and will put drivers in danger while not being able to see behind them while reversing. This needs to be recalled and repaired. Especially in situations where a person is reversing out of a driveway onto a major/busy road. Sometimes it works, but a lot of the time it is just a black screen with the green, yellow, and red lines to indicate how far your wheel is turned. But it doesn’t allow you to actually SEE where you’re backing up into or the cars coming from either side of you while trying to back out. It’s very dangerous and it seems to a be manufacturer’s defect that needs to be addressed by the company itself, since they’re the ones who made and installed the product incorrectly.
Seats
Filed Aug 20, 2026FL
The driver's power seat track master assembly (Part#88500-L0030) on my 2020 Hyundai Sonata suffered a catastrophic structural failure while operating. The black plastic bracket housing and aligning the electric drive motor fractured. This caused the motor to pull out of alignment, twisting the driver's seat violently sideways and permanently jamming the tracking rails. This is a chronic, repeat safety component failure on this specific VIN. The original factory seat track assembly suffered an identical mechanical failure and was replaced by warranty on 10/3/2023 at 46,369 miles. This second factory replacement unit failed in exactly the same manner on 8/13/2026 at 82,271 miles-lasting only 35,902 miles under normal operating conditions. I weigh 95 pounds. A driver's seat structurally shifting sideways dynamically presents an immediate, severe crash hazard. It instantly alters driver ergonomics, compromises the structural crash-anchoring performance of the seat frame, and potentially restricts pedal access to the brake and accelerator. The manufacturer is actively denying product liability by classifying internal structural breakages of shielded components beneath the cushion as user "damage" rather than an engineering or climate-related material defect. This tracking component must be formally investigated for systemic failure patterns to prevent accidents.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 18, 2026NJ
The AC/heating blower motor circuit on my 2020 Hyundai Sonata failed intermittently due to extreme electrical resistance overheating and melting the terminal pins inside the engine fuse box. I took it to the dealership and they inspected it said it was out of warranty but it needed part number 18980-09910-FFF and wiring kit 91300L1000-FF to repair at a cost of 780.00 including parts, tax, and labor. This matches the severe design defect acknowledged in Hyundai TSB #25-EE-002H or alternative TSB-24-EEOO-1H. I filed case number 43138757 with Hyundai corporate. For now this just affects my air conditioning. However, the root failure is a known design defect that presents a severe vehicle fire hazard and potential loss of windshield defrosting capability, lights, etc. if the whole electrical system should fail. As you should know the engine bay fuse box (which currently has melted parts) is the "brain" for the car's electrical distribution. It doesn't just power my AC fan; it holds the fuses and relays for the cars fuel pump, engine control module (ECM), headlights, and electronic power steering. If left unfixed and over time as the plastic melts, copper wires will cross and touch each other, causing a massive short circuit. My engine could suddenly cut out and stall while I am traveling at 70 mph on the highway, instantly killing my power steering and power brakes and putting me in extreme danger. Again not to mention the fire hazard this situation is likely to cause. This shoul
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 30, 2026FL
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. Manufacturer contacted me and offered a buyback. Upon their offer of a buyback, it was determined that I would owe the manufacturer approximately $2,000. I have requested that they fix it, and they have refused to give me the paperwork I requested about the car's condition and fixability. I am in the process of negotiating and am filing this complaint for the record.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 22, 2026NC
Fan motor fuse box quit working and ac/heat no longer operational. First time was around October 21, 2025.
Engine
Filed Jul 10, 202680,000 milesPA
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and several oil consumption tests were performed. The contact was informed that the oil consumption test results did not indicate excessive oil consumption. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the oil level was a half quart low. The contact was informed that no repair options were available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 2026AZ
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. When I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate the car will not accelerate as normal and the car jerks as I’m driving it. The RPMs rev up and down without any pressure placed on the gas pedal. The check engine light came on.The miles per hour only allows me to put one digit. I wanted to clarify that the problem is occurring anywhere between 0 mph to 65 mph when these the car jerks and shakes and the RPMs go up and down without me pressure on the gas pedal.
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 9, 2026NC
The seat belt latches do not latch or will spontaneously unlatch. This has been a problem for about 4 years. I have checked for recalls and not seen any for my car. I will check with the dealer but have tried vacuuming the latches without effect. I have never experienced anything like this in any previous vehicle. The warning buzzer lets me know when the seatbelt unlatches, but I seriously doubt the belt would hold in case of an accident.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 26, 2026NY
No air coming from cabin, upon further inspection found melted multifuse with melting terminal pin area in fuse box. No prior signs of warning, leaving vehicle without operable air condition for high temperatures.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 22, 202689,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the family inside the vehicle, a strong gasoline odor was inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was lowering quickly. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware of gasoline gushing heavily out of the vehicle onto the ground. Two months prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer due to an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair was not performed because the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the gas valve was not properly fixed. The abnormal sound in the rear of the vehicle was due to the fuel expansion, which caused the tank to rupture and melt. The melting caused the fuel pump to expand and melt, causing structural damage to the body of the vehicle. The structural expansion caused the rear passenger seats to raise up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2026OH
My 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. At approximately 88,063 miles, Great Lakes Hyundai documented that the engine oil level was 1.30 quarts below full after an oil-consumption check. The dealer topped off the oil, submitted photos and a prior-authorization/goodwill request to Hyundai, and Hyundai declined assistance. The dealer recommended combustion chamber cleaning with an estimate of $979.76. I am concerned that this excessive oil consumption could lead to sudden engine damage, loss of power, stalling, or engine failure if the oil level drops between checks. The vehicle is only a 2020 model year, and this level of oil consumption appears abnormal. I am also concerned about possible emissions/catalytic converter damage from oil burning.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 10, 2026TX
Hyundai Motors America has failed to comply with its statutory obligations in conducting the recall campaign 25V796, and is instead engaging in behavior substantially similar to that which has been previously censured by NHTSA. My Sonata suffered irreparable damage related to this campaign as confirmed by HMA. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(a)(1)(A) allows HMA to choose one of three remedies: repair, replacement, or refund. However, they 1) say it cannot be safely repaired, 2) will not replace it, and 3) are not offering a repurchase as required by statute, i.e. "by refunding the purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation." Instead, Hyundai's case manager Aditya informed me on 5/29/2026 at 12:57 PM that they will make a repurchase offer "based on the Kelly Blue Book value." I protested and cited the statute, but he maintained that Hyundai has their process and subsequently gave an unconscionably low offer that was not based on any reasonable measure of depreciation. I insisted on a reasonable, defensible calculation. I proposed 1) using the state formula for calculating reasonable depreciation as applied in both Texas and California (HMA and my home states), or 2) using actual market values (of which I have tangible data) to determine the actual market loss in value. Hyundai has rejected both of these reasonable proposals in favor of an arbitrary formula that would leave me with thousands of dollars in lost value. On June 9, 2026, when I pressed Executive Case Manager Je
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2026NC
For my vehicle the Check Engine light has been on continuously throughout the last 6 months and mechanics are going to have to replace the thermostat. Multiple auto mechanics have indicated online that this is a very common problem with many Hyundai vehicles from 2020-2023 and can be a danger due to temperature control not being accurate for vehicles (Code P2181). Many owners of these Hyundai vehicles have experienced this issue leading online and this issue should be made aware to Hyundai and the general public to see if this is something that needs to be made aware for the safety of drivers to determine if their vehicle is at an accurate temperature.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 4, 2026108,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Engine
Filed May 31, 2026TX
2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus, VIN [XXX] . A/C system fails due to refrigerant leak that empties the system completely within 1-2 weeks of recharge. Leak cannot be located through standard external inspection. First noticed reduced cooling summer 2025. Driver's side loses cooling first, then passenger side fails days later — pattern consistent with evaporator core leak in dual-zone system. In September 2025, independent shop found system completely empty, recharged it, and attempted leak detection but could not locate source. Approximately two weeks later, system was empty again. Shop still unable to find leak. Symptom pattern — rapid total refrigerant loss, asymmetric failure (driver side before passenger), no externally detectable leak — points to evaporator core, which is enclosed in the HVAC housing behind the dashboard and invisible during standard inspection. Vehicle has 50,125 miles, still under the 60,000-mile warranty limit after 6+ years. Low-use vehicle averaging under 8,000 miles/year. 5-year calendar warranty expired approx. Jan 2025; issue first documented Sept 2025, only 8 months later. Defect was almost certainly present before warranty expiration. A class action investigation is underway (XXX) for premature A/C failures in 2018-2022 Sonata, Elantra, Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson vehicles. Loss of A/C in Texas climate poses risk of heat illness to occupants, especially children. This component should not fail at under 50,000 miles. Original lessee and purchase
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Nov 17, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.