2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Sudden failure of the electrical system with warning that the hybrid battery was in operable. I parked the car, turned it off, reset the 12 V battery, and the car restarted and operated normally. This problem with the 12 V battery needing reset has happened dozens of times while I was parked. This is the first time it has happened while I was driving the vehicle. A sudden disabling of the vehicle without warning poses a safety concern so I thought it best to report the problem. The local Hyundai dealership has heard of this problem, but they are unable to diagnose or repair it”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2024
“On July 15th I was driving away from work and my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I was able to get it towed to a body shop I previously had it repaired at. They said the battery system was blowing a fuse when it would become undrivable. They took it to the local Hyundai dealership where they applied a new software update related to the battery management system. This did not solve the issue, it continues to stop while in traffic and the dealership refuses to do anything to figure out the cause.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2024
“Car shutdown (stops) in the highway driving 3 times last couple of weeks. - It first shows Battery Warning Light first and car shutdown on highway driving, and slowly park the side. It restarts with jump (it is hybrid system and allows jump inside the car). - When visited Hyundai Kirkland WA dealership, they found that there was an error in the Hybrid system, (v12 battery), but didn't know what's problem. - I left my car there 2 days but can't find the root cause even if there is a code; they said they can't repro it on highway driving. - I might have to pick it up tomorrow without any fix from them.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2024
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“Case Synopsis: My ownership includes three Hyundai Hybrid vehicles: two 2020 Sonata Hybrids and one 2022 Tucson Hybrid. Each of these cars has consistently manifested engineering defects, predominantly overheating, within a year of purchase. These persistent malfunctions have led to the vehicles being inoperable and beyond repair. As a result, we have endured financial setbacks from negative equity, costs of repairs, reduced value of the cars, and considerable inconvenience and safety hazards due to these ongoing overheating issues.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“Case Synopsis: My ownership includes three Hyundai Hybrid vehicles: two 2020 Sonata Hybrids and one 2022 Tucson Hybrid. Each of these cars has consistently manifested engineering defects, predominantly overheating, within a year of purchase. These persistent malfunctions have led to the vehicles being inoperable and beyond repair. As a result, we have endured financial setbacks from negative equity, costs of repairs, reduced value of the cars, and considerable inconvenience and safety hazards due to these ongoing overheating issues.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“My car's battery dies 2 or 3 times every week. I have to enter into the the car with the manual key that is inside the key fob then hit the 12v rest button to start my car. I have been to two Hyundai dealerships and they both tell me nothing is wrong. I just picked it up a week a go and it has died twice since I picked up. I see many complaints on reddit about the same issue, even some with car dying while driving. This is a serious that Hyundai needs to figure out.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2023
“Check engine light came on and I contacted the dealer. Took 6 weeks to get an appointment and they advised that a module needed to be replaced giving me the impression it was a computer chip. The car has been sitting at the dealer since February 22, 2022, and they have been very cooperative including providing me with a free loaner to use. Unfortunately, they state that the part is not available (#HY25600-2J001 Thermal Management Module). Finding that this is not a unique failure as it is appearing inn 2020, 2021 models as well as some 2022 Hyundai models. Finding OEM part for sale on EBay, Amazon and even on the Hyundai parts website.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2022
“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and pressing the power button, the vehicle continued running. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle by repeatedly pressing the power button. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2021
“My car is a Hyundai sonata hybrid (non plug in) 2020. the issue I have is that when the car transitions from electric motor to the gas engine there can be a small delay resulting in the car not picking up and causing me to almost get hit in different scenarios. (I have not had this checked with a mechanic, Also there was no warning signs from the car indicating that there was a issue)”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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."
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Sonata Hybrid years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Sonata Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches, locks and linkages. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.