2020 Hyundai Sonata Owner Complaints

Car was taken to dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded and pushed towards the heat shield, and expanded upward pushing up the back seats of vehicle. It was determined to not safe to drive. Manufacturer contacted me and offered a buyback. Upon their offer of a buyback, it was determined that I would owe the manufacturer approximately $2,000. I have requested that they fix it, and they have refused to give me the paperwork I requested about the car's condition and fixability. I am in the process of negotiating and am filing this complaint for the record.

NHTSA ID

11753819

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

Fan motor fuse box quit working and ac/heat no longer operational. First time was around October 21, 2025.

NHTSA ID

11751988

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

My vehicle while driving, it is jerking and shaking. When I come to a stop, the cars rpms go up and down while the car is shaking. When I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate the car will not accelerate as normal and the car jerks as I’m driving it. The RPMs rev up and down without any pressure placed on the gas pedal. The check engine light came on.The miles per hour only allows me to put one digit. I wanted to clarify that the problem is occurring anywhere between 0 mph to 65 mph when these the car jerks and shakes and the RPMs go up and down without me pressure on the gas pedal.

NHTSA ID

11749650

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact added oil to the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and several oil consumption tests were performed. The contact was informed that the oil consumption test results did not indicate excessive oil consumption. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the oil level was a half quart low. The contact was informed that no repair options were available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11749550

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Mileage

80,000 mi

The seat belt latches do not latch or will spontaneously unlatch. This has been a problem for about 4 years. I have checked for recalls and not seen any for my car. I will check with the dealer but have tried vacuuming the latches without effect. I have never experienced anything like this in any previous vehicle. The warning buzzer lets me know when the seatbelt unlatches, but I seriously doubt the belt would hold in case of an accident.

NHTSA ID

11749402

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

No air coming from cabin, upon further inspection found melted multifuse with melting terminal pin area in fuse box. No prior signs of warning, leaving vehicle without operable air condition for high temperatures.

NHTSA ID

11746626

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the family inside the vehicle, a strong gasoline odor was inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was lowering quickly. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware of gasoline gushing heavily out of the vehicle onto the ground. Two months prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer due to an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair was not performed because the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was determined that the gas valve was not properly fixed. The abnormal sound in the rear of the vehicle was due to the fuel expansion, which caused the tank to rupture and melt. The melting caused the fuel pump to expand and melt, causing structural damage to the body of the vehicle. The structural expansion caused the rear passenger seats to raise up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11745596

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

Mileage

89,000 mi

My 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. At approximately 88,063 miles, Great Lakes Hyundai documented that the engine oil level was 1.30 quarts below full after an oil-consumption check. The dealer topped off the oil, submitted photos and a prior-authorization/goodwill request to Hyundai, and Hyundai declined assistance. The dealer recommended combustion chamber cleaning with an estimate of $979.76. I am concerned that this excessive oil consumption could lead to sudden engine damage, loss of power, stalling, or engine failure if the oil level drops between checks. The vehicle is only a 2020 model year, and this level of oil consumption appears abnormal. I am also concerned about possible emissions/catalytic converter damage from oil burning.

NHTSA ID

11743992

Incident

May 18, 2026

Hyundai Motors America has failed to comply with its statutory obligations in conducting the recall campaign 25V796, and is instead engaging in behavior substantially similar to that which has been previously censured by NHTSA. My Sonata suffered irreparable damage related to this campaign as confirmed by HMA. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(a)(1)(A) allows HMA to choose one of three remedies: repair, replacement, or refund. However, they 1) say it cannot be safely repaired, 2) will not replace it, and 3) are not offering a repurchase as required by statute, i.e. "by refunding the purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation." Instead, Hyundai's case manager Aditya informed me on 5/29/2026 at 12:57 PM that they will make a repurchase offer "based on the Kelly Blue Book value." I protested and cited the statute, but he maintained that Hyundai has their process and subsequently gave an unconscionably low offer that was not based on any reasonable measure of depreciation. I insisted on a reasonable, defensible calculation. I proposed 1) using the state formula for calculating reasonable depreciation as applied in both Texas and California (HMA and my home states), or 2) using actual market values (of which I have tangible data) to determine the actual market loss in value. Hyundai has rejected both of these reasonable proposals in favor of an arbitrary formula that would leave me with thousands of dollars in lost value. On June 9, 2026, when I pressed Executive Case Manager Jenifer for an explanation of their proposed depreciation formula, she only stated that "it’s a standard calculation across the board" and that it applies "regardless of state" and they "will not change it." The NHTSA discussed this behavior in its Final Order and Determination against Fiat in Federal Register Vol. 45 No. 7, and endorsed a "reasonable" model similar to my proposal #2 above. It found Fiat non-compliant for its behavior which had a nearly similar impact.

NHTSA ID

11743103

Incident

Apr 26, 2026

For my vehicle the Check Engine light has been on continuously throughout the last 6 months and mechanics are going to have to replace the thermostat. Multiple auto mechanics have indicated online that this is a very common problem with many Hyundai vehicles from 2020-2023 and can be a danger due to temperature control not being accurate for vehicles (Code P2181). Many owners of these Hyundai vehicles have experienced this issue leading online and this issue should be made aware to Hyundai and the general public to see if this is something that needs to be made aware for the safety of drivers to determine if their vehicle is at an accurate temperature.

NHTSA ID

11742918

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11742138

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Mileage

108,000 mi

2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus, VIN [XXX] . A/C system fails due to refrigerant leak that empties the system completely within 1-2 weeks of recharge. Leak cannot be located through standard external inspection. First noticed reduced cooling summer 2025. Driver's side loses cooling first, then passenger side fails days later — pattern consistent with evaporator core leak in dual-zone system. In September 2025, independent shop found system completely empty, recharged it, and attempted leak detection but could not locate source. Approximately two weeks later, system was empty again. Shop still unable to find leak. Symptom pattern — rapid total refrigerant loss, asymmetric failure (driver side before passenger), no externally detectable leak — points to evaporator core, which is enclosed in the HVAC housing behind the dashboard and invisible during standard inspection. Vehicle has 50,125 miles, still under the 60,000-mile warranty limit after 6+ years. Low-use vehicle averaging under 8,000 miles/year. 5-year calendar warranty expired approx. Jan 2025; issue first documented Sept 2025, only 8 months later. Defect was almost certainly present before warranty expiration. A class action investigation is underway (XXX) for premature A/C failures in 2018-2022 Sonata, Elantra, Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson vehicles. Loss of A/C in Texas climate poses risk of heat illness to occupants, especially children. This component should not fail at under 50,000 miles. Original lessee and purchaser; vehicle well maintained. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11741173

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and nearly came to a complete stop. The contact stated that the automatic emergency braking system unexpectedly engaged while there were no roadway obstacles or vehicles near the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they would need to verify whether the repair would be covered under the active warranty. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ID

11740813

Incident

May 29, 2022

Mileage

2,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11740561

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the fuel failed to go into the tank. The seat failed to move. The engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled. While driving, the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank had expanded. The vehicle was repaired approximately eight months later. The contact called another local dealer. Ourisman Hyundai Bowie, 2404 Crain Hwy A, Bowie, MD 20716, who was unable to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer instructed the dealer to keep the vehicle due to it being a fire risk. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11736639

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved a diagnostic trouble code for the check valve. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), associated with the VIN; however, the contact had not received notification of the recall. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that the check valve had failed and the fuel tank was deformed. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer offered to buy back the vehicle, but the contact declined the offer. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11736326

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

Mileage

82,000 mi

NHTSA Complaint Statement Subject: Stop‑Drive Recall – Vehicle Held Since March 5, 2026 – No Remedy, No Transportation, Buyback Delayed I am filing a complaint regarding a stop‑drive safety recall that has left me without access to my vehicle since March 5, 2026, and the manufacturer has not provided a timely remedy, transportation assistance, or a completed buyback. My vehicle has been at the dealership since March 5 due to a manufacturer-issued stop‑drive recall. The dealership has confirmed they cannot legally release the vehicle because of the stop‑drive order. The vehicle is not repairable at this time, and the manufacturer initiated a buyback process. However, the manufacturer has been extremely slow to communicate or complete the buyback. Despite multiple attempts to contact them, I have not received a clear timeline, and the process has stalled. I have also not been provided with a loaner vehicle or consistent rental reimbursement, even though the stop‑drive order prevents me from using my car. Because of the delay, I am now facing financial hardship, including a past‑due car loan on a vehicle I cannot legally drive and cannot retrieve. I am effectively without transportation and without a remedy. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance because the manufacturer has not met its obligations to provide a timely remedy or adequate support for a stop‑drive recall that has removed my vehicle from service for an extended period.

NHTSA ID

11733167

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

The AC Evaporator core is leaking. Known issue amongst these vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11729744

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

Vehicle subject to NHTSA Recall 25V796000 (fuel system defect). In July 2025, while driving, a loud explosive sound came from the rear of the vehicle followed by raw gasoline fumes entering the cabin. Vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership and held approximately 120 days before being returned as repaired. In December 2025, the exact same defect recurred. A third-party diagnostic scan (performed before drop-off) confirmed DTC Code P14EE — Fuel Tank Check Valve / Evaporative Purge System failure — directly related to the recall. The vehicle was held an additional 110+ days while the dealer awaited a new remedy from the manufacturer. Total days out of service: 230+. The recall repair has now failed twice. The safety defect was never successfully corrected after a reasonable number of attempts. The vehicle is currently being withheld by the dealership pending an unrelated disputed repair charge.

NHTSA ID

11728980

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing up. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warning signs on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11724672

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

The back up camera sometimes is only a black screen, it is random and has done it in all sorts of weather. Usually is corrected when vehicle is started next.

NHTSA ID

11723910

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

I have had my car since January of 2023 and I have had no significant issues. I bought the car with roughly 30,000 miles, fast forward to February of 2026 it has about 123,000 miles and the engine is burning oil very fast. My car loses oil so fast the oil light comes on way early before my next oil change is due.

NHTSA ID

11720439

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The hesitation felt like the engine was misfiring or struggling to maintain consistent performance. There were multiple explosive sounds before and during the hesitation. This created a major safety concern while driving and the vehicle underwent an inspection at Hyundai in Deland, FL. The service department was brief and stated they needed to keep the vehicle for repair for an unknown amount of time as the fuel tank expanded. No further information was provided at that time.

NHTSA ID

11719504

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

Rear camera doesn’t work and is just a black screen. It started out intermittent and now doesn’t work at all.

NHTSA ID

11718357

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

White pain is pealing off and it’s pretty bad especially when going through car wash

NHTSA ID

11718241

Incident

Jan 22, 2026