2020 Hyundai Sonata Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.4

Ranked #8 in 

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

Users Opinions on 2020 Hyundai Sonata

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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?

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

150

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

September 12, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686955

Components: 280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

NHTSA ID Number:
11686955

Incident Date:
September 12, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEL4JA0LH

Consumer Location:
MOBILE, AL

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was reversing, the back over prevention ...

September 10, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686304

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11686304

Incident Date:
September 10, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEJ4J2XLH

Consumer Location:
JACKSON, MS

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing th...

September 3, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11684797

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11684797

Incident Date:
September 3, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEH4J22LH

Consumer Location:
EWING, NJ

Summary
In early May 2025 while driving around 40mph, I heard a very loud pop which startled me. Pulled over and ...

August 7, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11678997

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11678997

Incident Date:
August 7, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEJ4J29LH

Consumer Location:
HICKSVILLE, NY

Summary
My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three t...

August 7, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11679134

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11679134

Incident Date:
August 7, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5NPEJ4J2XLH

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The ac blower keeps going out I looked it up and a lot of people are having the same problem my ac keep ...

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...

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