2020 Hyundai Sonata recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata and 181 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system (47), electrical system (40), engine (32). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 31–47 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #7 of 14 Sonata model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (569). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.1 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 · latch
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 · software
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 · labels
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The car has strong fuel smell in the cabin when tank is full, It is especially strong after car sits. I have taken to hyundai several times for this problem. They say the computer says nothing is wrong. They refuse to investigate as they dont smell the odor.
Upon arriving home I noticed that the paint was missing from the back passenger side & when I left the parking lot before heading home there was no paint missing.
Vehicle experienced intermittent, severe powertrain defect resulting in a critical safety hazard. Between 30K and 36K miles, the vehicle underwent 3 violent highway deceleration episodes. During these events, the engine began shaking, escalating to violent shaking; with deceleration and coming to a stop, it would shake, then sputter as if it would die. Coming to a complete s…
Safety ratings
2020 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.
Sonata
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · SIDI & PFI
Regular
Sonata
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
Regular
Sonata Hybrid
Auto (AM-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, most recently for fuel system, gasoline (11/18/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
Based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system (47), electrical system (40), engine (32).
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata safe?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Hyundai Sonata?
The 2020 ranks #7 of 14 Sonata model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (569). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata range from 31 to 47 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Hyundai Sonata in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SONATA, Sonata.