2020 Hyundai Sonata Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Hyundai Sonata has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It carries 4 recalls, with fuel system issues being the top complaint area at 32% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Sonata years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 178
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31
- 27 city / 37 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2020 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System57 (32%)
- Electrical System41 (23%)
- Engine37 (21%)
- Other30 (17%)
- Structure & Body30 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras18 (10%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
- Steering7 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some vehicles stalled or lost power while driving at highway speeds, with drivers reporting the engine shifted into a safe mode and cut motive power.
- Owners described the vehicle stalling at intersections and struggling to restart, with one owner linking the issue to the EGR valve.
- Doors reportedly opened on their own while driving without anyone pressing the unlock button.
- Some owners reported the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature caused the car to move itself into reverse and strike objects while unattended.
- Windshield wipers reportedly performed poorly in heavy rain, reducing visibility on the highway.
- Owners noted rough idling, sudden shutdowns while driving, and improper gear shifting at low mileage, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light.
2020 Hyundai Sonata recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V796000Nov 17, 2025Fuel System85,043 vehicles
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.
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.
- 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.
- NHTSA 20V213000Apr 9, 2020Electrical System11,870 vehicles
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.
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.
2020 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,100
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- The 2020 Sonata has a complaint index of 30, ranking 15th out of 21 Sonata model years, and carries a Good verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Fuel System issues lead at 32% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 23% and Engine at 21%.
- Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 25V796000 covers 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles where a damaged check valve can let air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, which can melt the tank.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Sonata, covering the fuel system, structure and body (trunk latch), electrical system (RSPA software), and a tire pressure label error.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
- EPA rates the 2020 Sonata at 31 mpg combined (27 city / 37 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100.