2020 Hyundai Sonata Problems And Complaints

header-image
Rating7.4

Ranked #8 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$23,600 - $33,500
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2020 Hyundai Sonata

Recommended mentioned in Reviews

Write a Review

Disliked by Users

  • BL

    Barb Leff

    11/09/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... part that may or may not fix it because they don't know what is wrong. So now I have no car for 22 days, and no loaner. The 3rd time it shutdown on me I contacted Hyundai Headquarters and then and only then did I get treated not like an idiot anymore and they at MJ Sullivan replaced a wiring harness and the problem was fixed.Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • H

    H2O

    17/07/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    Update: Almost 3 years now and the problems leveled off at crappy. I will add however the customer service (or lack there of actually) of Hyundai is ALMOST as bad as their actual Service Departments. Horrible experience from day one. I personally will never even consider owning another Hyundai after this experience.Read More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid?

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

139

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 23, 2023

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a luxury sedan that has been in the market for more than three decades. Though the Sonata is not exactly a driver's car given its unimpressive engine, it might be perfect for you if you're looking for a car that delivers luxurious features at an affordable price.

But is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reliable? The Hyundai Sonata is a fairly reliable car as it holds above-average ratings which is pretty decent for its segment. So here we take a look at some of Sonata’s problems, user complaints, reliability, and performance against its competition.

2020 Hyundai SonataUser Complaints and Problems

Engine and Mechanical Problems

  • Engine - An owner of a 2020 Hyundai Sonata complained that their engine made grinding noise while driving. The customer stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the under shield had come loose and dragged.
  • Steering - An owner of a 2020 Hyundai Sonata complained that the steering wheel made a raspy rubbing noise when turned.

Safety Problems

  • Air Bags - Many owners complained that the airbag does not work if the passenger uses a cushion or a heavy coat. The dealership stated that this could not be changed.
  • Brakes - An owner of a 2020 Hyundai Sonata complained that their car would automatically apply the emergency brakes. The car had been fixed thrice yet the issue still persists.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Recalls

S.No.

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

28/02/2020

20V122000

Incorrect Tire Size Information

The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size. The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata vehicles produced between October 22, 2019, and February 13, 2020. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." 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 on April 22, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.

2

09/04/2020

20V213000

Possible unintended Vehicle Movement 

The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata Vehicles. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.

3

28/03/2022

22V196000

Trunk Emergency Release May Fail

The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release." Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.

Should you buy the2020 Hyundai Sonata?

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a decent option for a sedan as it is pretty spacious, has user-friendly infotainment, best-in-class trunk space, and is fairly reliable. According to NHTSA, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata has three recalls and fifty-nine complaints. Though the Sonata is a decent sedan, it might not be a good choice as it lags behind its competition.

The 2020 Toyota Camry is a better choice as it includes a V6 that is much stronger and offers better handling than the Hyundai Sonata, although the Sonata has a larger trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord is also a better option as it excels in almost every department. Overall the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a good choice but the segment has many better options worth considering.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

December 1, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11702255

Components: 220000 SEATS

NHTSA ID Number:
11702255

Incident Date:
December 1, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEJ4J20LH

Consumer Location:
PHOENIX, AZ

Summary
My 202 Hyundai Sonata is involved in the current hyundai fuel system recall. on 10/26/25 the fuel tank ex...

November 20, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11700604

Components: 113000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11700604

Incident Date:
November 20, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEG4JA3LH

Consumer Location:
HOLTSVILLE, NY

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle...

November 2, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11696994

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11696994

Incident Date:
November 2, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KMHL24JJ1LA

Consumer Location:
WHITE PLAINS, MD

Summary
Coolant is leaking again after being fixed at a Hyundai dealer. If I don't fix it, my car will overheat a...

October 30, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11696513

Components: 280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

NHTSA ID Number:
11696513

Incident Date:
October 30, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEG4JA2LH

Consumer Location:
JEFFERSON CITY, TN

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention...

October 15, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11693692

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11693692

Incident Date:
October 15, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEH4J2XLH

Consumer Location:
HERNANDO, MS

Summary
Wiring harness under fuse box is not making a consistent connection and is causing the blower amp to over...

80/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

86/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

87/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

71/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

Similar Cars

2020 Hyundai Sonata
2020 Hyundai Sonata

MSRP: $23,600- $33,500

7.4/10
2020 Acura TLX
2020 Acura TLX

MSRP: $33,000- $48,950

6.9/10
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
2020 Chevrolet Malibu

MSRP: $22,095- $33,320

6.6/10
2020 Ford Fusion
2020 Ford Fusion

MSRP: $23,170- $36,450

6.6/10
2020 Kia Optima
2020 Kia Optima

MSRP: $23,390- $32,190

7.3/10
2020 Kia Stinger
2020 Kia Stinger

MSRP: $33,090- $52,500

7.8/10
2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Subaru Legacy

MSRP: $22,745- $35,895

7.5/10
2020 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Camry

MSRP: $24,425- $35,130

7.6/10
2020 Honda Accord
2020 Honda Accord

MSRP: $23,870- $36,100

8.4/10
2020 Nissan Altima
2020 Nissan Altima

MSRP: $24,300- $35,180

6.7/10