Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
360–25K
725–50K
250–75K
675–100K
3100–150K
0150K+
54 reports with mileage · 124 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
178 reports
9,998 miles · Sep 24, 2020
Unknown Or Other
ENGINE BLOCK BECAME INFESTED WITH RATS/MICE OVERNIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS WAS THE RESULT OF SOY-BASED COMPONENTS USED BY HYUNDAI. NO OTHER CARS ON MY BLOCK HAD THIS PROBLEM (I WAS ABLE TO SURVEY THE VEHICLE OWNERS BECAUSE WE ALL WERE THERE WAITING FOR STREET CLEANING TO OCCUR.) IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE RATS/MICE WERE ATTRACTED BY T…
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ENGINE BLOCK BECAME INFESTED WITH RATS/MICE OVERNIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS WAS THE RESULT OF SOY-BASED COMPONENTS USED BY HYUNDAI. NO OTHER CARS ON MY BLOCK HAD THIS PROBLEM (I WAS ABLE TO SURVEY THE VEHICLE OWNERS BECAUSE WE ALL WERE THERE WAITING FOR STREET CLEANING TO OCCUR.) IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE RATS/MICE WERE ATTRACTED BY THE MATERIALS USED BY HYUNDAI AND ANECDOTAL REPORTS SUGGEST THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AMONG MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS, BUT ESPECIALLY ONES THAT USE SOY BASED COMPONENTS SUCH AS HYUNDAI, LAND ROVER, AND HONDA.
NHTSA ODI #11360966
1,200 miles · Sep 23, 2020
Engine
MY CAR STALLED AND STUTTERED BETWEEN 1000 AND 1500 MILES IN TRAFFIC AND COULDN'T GET IT INTO GEAR ONCE STARTED. IT WAS THE FUEL RAIL SENSOR. NOW AT 6000 MILES DID SAME THING. IF SITS FOR BIT WORKS AGAIN. IT ALSO RESET ITSELF AND I LOST ALL PREPROGRAMMED INFORMATION. THE GAS DOOR ALSO OPENS AT TIMES WHEN UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR. THE D…
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MY CAR STALLED AND STUTTERED BETWEEN 1000 AND 1500 MILES IN TRAFFIC AND COULDN'T GET IT INTO GEAR ONCE STARTED. IT WAS THE FUEL RAIL SENSOR. NOW AT 6000 MILES DID SAME THING. IF SITS FOR BIT WORKS AGAIN. IT ALSO RESET ITSELF AND I LOST ALL PREPROGRAMMED INFORMATION. THE GAS DOOR ALSO OPENS AT TIMES WHEN UNLOCK DRIVER DOOR. THE DEALERSHIP HAD IT THE FIRST TIME FOR OVER 30 DAYS AND HAD TO CONTACT ENGINEERS TO FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI #11360642
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
I OWN A 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA. I PURCHASED THE CAR ON JANUARY THIS YEAR THE MILES IN THE CAR IS 700 MILES. A MONTH AFTER THE CAR STAR GIVING ME PROBLEM WITH BREAK. SOMEHOW THE CAR APPLIES THE EMERGENCY BREAK BY ITSELF AND DOESN'T WANT TO MOVE. WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP BY ITSELF AND GIVING ME MESSAGE LIKE: TO MOVE THE CAR…
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I OWN A 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA. I PURCHASED THE CAR ON JANUARY THIS YEAR THE MILES IN THE CAR IS 700 MILES. A MONTH AFTER THE CAR STAR GIVING ME PROBLEM WITH BREAK. SOMEHOW THE CAR APPLIES THE EMERGENCY BREAK BY ITSELF AND DOESN'T WANT TO MOVE. WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP BY ITSELF AND GIVING ME MESSAGE LIKE: TO MOVE THE CAR PUT YOUR SEAT BELT, LOCK ALL THE DOOR EVEN WHEN I HAVE MY SEATBELT AND DOORS ARE LOCK THE CAR DO THAT WHEN EVER THE LESS I EXPECTED. I TOOK THE CAR THREE TIME FOR REPAIR AND UPDATE AND THE CAR GIVE ME THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER GAVE ME A LOANER ANOTHER 2020 SONATA AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUES BECAUSE IF IS RAINY OR SNOWING. THE DEALER DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR WHEN THEY DRIVE THE CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT HAPPEN WHEN THE LEES EXPECTED
NHTSA ODI #11359814
1,768 miles · Sep 4, 2020
Air Bags
I NEVER GOT WHAT I WANTED FROM HYUNDAI. I WAS TOLD THAT YOU CANNOT USE A CUSHION AND HAVE A PASSENGER AIRBAG.. I WENT UP TO CEO, STILL SAME ANSWER. I TRIED.
NHTSA ODI #11353115
1,790 miles · Sep 2, 2020
Air Bags
THIS IS STILL A PROBLEM WHICH IS UNSOLVED. I WAS TOLD TO GO TO A BODY TO RAISE THE SEAT. THE BODY SHOP REFUSED SAYING IT WOULD SHIFT RESPONSIBILITY TO THEM INSTEAD OF HYUNDAI.NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK AS OF YET.
NHTSA ODI #11352696
623 miles · Aug 31, 2020
Electrical SystemLane Departure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKE ASSIST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKE ASSIST ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NASSIEF HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 1059 OH-46 NORTH, JEFFERSON, OH 44047, AND PRESTON HYUNDAI OF SHARON LOCATED AT 1251 E STATE ST, SHARON, PA 16146, WHERE THE MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 623. *BF *TR
NHTSA ODI #11352301
1,780 miles · Aug 29, 2020
Air Bags
THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE SENT BE BACK TO HE DEALER. AS BEFORE, IF THE PASSENGER USE A CUSHION, YOU LOSE THE AIRBAG. I WAS TOLD THAT YOU WILL STILL HAVE SEAT BELT PROTECTION. THIS MAKE ON SENSE TO IF YOU ARE SHORT YOU GET SHORT CHANGED.
NHTSA ODI #11351932
1,670 miles · Aug 27, 2020
Air Bags
MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT WORK WITH A CUSHION.. I TRIED IT WITH NO CUSHION BUT WITH A LONG WINTER COAT AND THE IS NO AIR BAG. HYUNDAI SENT BE BACK TO THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT. ABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM.. I WILL FILE ANOTHER ONE IF THE SAFETY CAN NOT BE RESOLVEDIF YOU ARE SHORT NO AIR BAG IF YOU NEED A CUSHION
NHTSA ODI #11351683
1,200 miles · Aug 27, 2020
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK IF PASSENGER USES A CUSHON OR A HEAVY COAT. DEALER SAID THEY CAN NOT CHANGE THIS I WAS TOLD TO CONTACK HYUNDAI. I DID SO NO HELP YET. I BELEAVE THIS A PROBLEM WITH MADEAL AND IT SISTER KIA. A RECALL MAY BE NECESSARY TO GET THIS MATTER TAKEN CARE OF.
NHTSA ODI #11351500
650 miles · Aug 12, 2020
Unknown Or Other
THE CAR WHILE I'M DRIVING SOMETIMES THE CAR IS UNSTABLE ALSO WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR AND I PREPARE TO PUT IT ON DRIVE THE CAR APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BY ITSELF. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS NO WAY TO REMOVE IT, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF CONTINUALLY UNTIL FINALLY THE CAR REMOVES THE BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING…
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THE CAR WHILE I'M DRIVING SOMETIMES THE CAR IS UNSTABLE ALSO WHEN I TURN ON THE CAR AND I PREPARE TO PUT IT ON DRIVE THE CAR APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES BY ITSELF. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS NO WAY TO REMOVE IT, I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF CONTINUALLY UNTIL FINALLY THE CAR REMOVES THE BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ON THE STREET AND WHILE I WAS DOING SO THE CAR PUT ON THE BRAKES BY ITSELF. ONE TO TWO MONTHS AGO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND I TOLD THEM ABOUT IT BUT THEY SAID THAT THE CARE NEEDS 2 UPDATES, APPARENTLY THE CAR HAS TWO RECALLS. 6 HOURS LATER AFTER THE UPDATE THE CARE WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 3 TO 4 DAYS, I GOT A LONER BY THEN. LAST WEEK WEDNESDAY 08/05/2020 I TOOK THE CAR AGAIN TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND I WAS TOLD THE CARE WOULD BE READY IN 5 HOURS BUT AFTER 5 HOURS IT WASN'T. SINCE I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR I TOLD THEM TO KEEP THE CAR AND GIVE ME A LOANER BECAUSE THE CAR IS GOING TO TAKE ONE WEEK TO FIX BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO ORDER PARTS, THEY WANT TO KEEP THE CAR BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE ME A LOANER. I CONTACT HYUNDAI CORPORATE TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE IT IS TWICE ALREADY, AND I WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT WITH ME IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS. I MISSED THE CALL AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CALL TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM AGAIN TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT EVERY TIME I CALL THEY COME WITH ANOTHER EXCUSE. THE CASE MANAGER IN CHARGE OF THE CASE IS GARRISON AND THE CASE NUMBER 17216875.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
2020 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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