NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
178 reports27,000 miles · Nov 20, 2025
Electrical System
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 me…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11700604
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2025
Unknown Or Other
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 p…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11696994
130,000 miles · Oct 30, 2025
Back Over Prevention
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 drive…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11696513
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2025
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
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 tak…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11693692
46,000 miles · Sep 12, 2025
Back Over Prevention
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was reversing, the back over prevention camera system displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure…
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The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was reversing, the back over prevention camera system displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #11686955
101,000 miles · Sep 10, 2025
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and dealers to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not deter…
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The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and dealers to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that one mechanic replaced an unknown sensor, but the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000
NHTSA ODI #11686304
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeatsStructure
In early May 2025 while driving around 40mph, I heard a very loud pop which startled me. Pulled over and looked back and noticed my backseats were push up out of place. I attempted to put the seat back into place but it wouldn’t fit into the latch anymore. The framing underneath the seats looked pretty damaged so I took it to a …
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In early May 2025 while driving around 40mph, I heard a very loud pop which startled me. Pulled over and looked back and noticed my backseats were push up out of place. I attempted to put the seat back into place but it wouldn’t fit into the latch anymore. The framing underneath the seats looked pretty damaged so I took it to a local mechanic. After doing some research, he found information for a check valve/fuel tank recall (Service Campaign 9B1) and then advised me to go a Hyundai dealership. I attempted to take it to the dealership, whom sent me away after I advised them of what happened. I came back the next day asking them to take a look at while informing them about the recall that could be related. Later that evening, they called and said the issue was directly related to the recall and the repairs would be covered. My car was in their possession for from 5.12.25 to 7.25.25 without any updates or instructions on what is happening. I was told they’re waiting to hear back from Hyundai Manufacturer on how to proceed. They returned my car to me on 7.25.25 stating everything was repaired. On 7.31.25 they called me back stating my tank needs to be replaced and bring the car back asap. My car was again being repaired and was returned to me on 8.25.25. Now my vehicle will not start randomly sometimes. At this point, I’m under the impression my vehicle is no longer safe as all the issues I’ve been facing are fuel related.
NHTSA ODI #11684797
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
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 kno…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11679134
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2025
Power Train
My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three times since October 2024, creating dangerous safety conditions on highways and city streets. Component/System Failed: Transmission control system with consistent P0768 error code (Shift Solenoid D Circuit Fault). Safety Risk…
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My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three times since October 2024, creating dangerous safety conditions on highways and city streets. Component/System Failed: Transmission control system with consistent P0768 error code (Shift Solenoid D Circuit Fault). Safety Risks: The transmission failures cause sudden power loss and inability to accelerate while driving, including on highways at speed. This creates immediate danger to myself, passengers, and other drivers when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power during traffic situations requiring acceleration or merging. Problem Reproduction: The failure has been confirmed and reproduced by authorized Hyundai dealership three separate times: - [XXX]: P0768 error, replaced shift control solenoid valve - [XXX]: Same P0768 error returned, replaced entire transmission control unit - [XXX]: Same P0768 error again, replaced complete control wiring harness with extensive dashboard removal Warning Signs: Each failure was preceded by transmission hesitation, rough shifting, and check engine light activation before complete power loss occurred. Manufacturer Inspection: Hyundai technical assistance case #[XXX] was opened for the third failure, acknowledging the recurring nature of this defect despite multiple repair attempts. Assessment: This appears to be a systematic manufacturing defect in the transmission control system affecting safety. Despite three different repair approaches by Hyundai, the identical P0768 error continues to recur, suggesting a fundamental design or manufacturing flaw that creates ongoing safety risks for drivers. The vehicle was out of service for 44 total days across these three incidents, indicating the severity and complexity of this recurring safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11678997
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2025
Electrical System
Without warning, symptoms of the A/C blower not working first occurred a little over a month ago. The fan just stopped blowing altogether (no cold or hot air). After turning the car and the A/C system on and off several times, it began working again and that was it. This past week, the same issue occurred intermittently over 3-4…
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Without warning, symptoms of the A/C blower not working first occurred a little over a month ago. The fan just stopped blowing altogether (no cold or hot air). After turning the car and the A/C system on and off several times, it began working again and that was it. This past week, the same issue occurred intermittently over 3-4 days. The A/C blower did not come on for a day, the next morning it was functioning, that evening it stopped blowing again, and this went on for several days. Research of the symptoms via YouTube and many online forums, and most importantly confirmation through visual inspection of the fuse box, confirmed that the BLOWER fuse is burning so bad it has melted the connecting port in the fuse box. Whatever the electrical malfunction, the fuse burning and melting is disrupting the connection and ultimately the A/C blower itself. In the dead of such a hot and humid summer, it has been insufferable having to ride around with such inconsistent and intermittent air conditioning.
NHTSA ODI #11678037
Official recalls
4Nov 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.
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.
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.
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
1DP22003 · 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.