2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 29, ranking 11th worst out of 15 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 16 complaints, 1 recall, and no fire or death reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #11 of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 49.5
- 47.5 city / 52.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (50%)
- Electrical System6 (38%)
- Other4 (25%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine warning lights and module failures leave the car sitting at the dealer for extended repairs.
- Some owners report a burning smell along with stuttering acceleration while driving.
- Overheating alerts appear with steam and a strong coolant smell coming from the engine area.
- The 12V battery repeatedly dies while parked, requiring a manual reset before the car will start.
- The power button sometimes fails to shut the vehicle off, requiring repeated presses.
- Rear tires have failed suddenly at highway speed, causing loss of control in at least one case.
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V196000Mar 28, 2022Structure & Body63,461 vehicles
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 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.
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 47.5 MPG
- Highway
- 52.5 MPG
- Combined
- 49.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Sonata Hybrid rates Good, ranking 11th worst out of 15 model years with a complaint index of 29.
- What problems does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
- Engine issues make up half of all complaints, followed by electrical system problems such as the 12V battery dying repeatedly, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall for a trunk latch that may become damaged and prevent the trunk from opening from inside; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 Sonata Hybrid compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?
- It ranks better than years like 2012 (complaint index 100, Avoid) and 2016 (86, Avoid), but not as strong as 2018, 2022, or 2024, which earn Best verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 49.5 mpg combined, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,325.