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2020 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 161.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 124 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

31 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2026
Engine

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 c…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11761990

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11749650

80,000 miles · Jul 10, 2026
Engine

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 cont…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11749550

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2026
Engine

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, an…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11743992

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2026
EnginePower Train

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11742918

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2026
Engine

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 — patt…

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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 purchaser; vehicle well maintained. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11741173

80,000 miles · May 8, 2026
EngineFuel System, GasolineSeats

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the fuel failed to go into the tank. The seat failed to move. The engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled. While driving, the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) after the failur…

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The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the fuel failed to go into the tank. The seat failed to move. The engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled. While driving, the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank had expanded. The vehicle was repaired approximately eight months later. The contact called another local dealer. Ourisman Hyundai Bowie, 2404 Crain Hwy A, Bowie, MD 20716, who was unable to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer instructed the dealer to keep the vehicle due to it being a fire risk. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11736639

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2026
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFireInjury

It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing…

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It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing up. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warning signs on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11724672

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2026
Engine

I have had my car since January of 2023 and I have had no significant issues. I bought the car with roughly 30,000 miles, fast forward to February of 2026 it has about 123,000 miles and the engine is burning oil very fast. My car loses oil so fast the oil light comes on way early before my next oil change is due.

NHTSA ODI #11720439

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The…

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On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The hesitation felt like the engine was misfiring or struggling to maintain consistent performance. There were multiple explosive sounds before and during the hesitation. This created a major safety concern while driving and the vehicle underwent an inspection at Hyundai in Deland, FL. The service department was brief and stated they needed to keep the vehicle for repair for an unknown amount of time as the fuel tank expanded. No further information was provided at that time.

NHTSA ODI #11719504

Official recalls

4

25V796000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 17, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V196000 · Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V213000 · Electrical System:software

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V122000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.