Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2020)

198 consumer complaints on file.

#11743103June 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742918June 9, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742138June 4, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741173May 31, 2026
ENGINE
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740813May 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740561May 28, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736639May 8, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEATS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736326May 7, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733167April 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729744April 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The AC Evaporator core is leaking. Known issue amongst these vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728980April 3, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724672March 16, 2026
AIR BAGS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723910March 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720439February 25, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719504February 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718241February 16, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
White pain is pealing off and it’s pretty bad especially when going through car wash
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718357February 16, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Rear camera doesn’t work and is just a black screen. It started out intermittent and now doesn’t work at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717557February 12, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715123February 2, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The battery and the key warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was driven to the end of the driveway and turned off. The contact was afraid of driving the vehicle due to the failure. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an open recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the open recall information. In addition, the contact was advised that the failure might be because of the unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 42,947.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712212January 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle was at a manufacturer‑authorized dealership for a federally mandated recall repair. While the vehicle was in the dealership’s exclusive care, custody, and control, it was struck by a third‑party cleaning vendor operating on dealership property and was declared a total loss. I did not hire or authorize this vendor. After the incident, the manufacturer informed me in writing that the dealership would repair the damage at their own expense, separate from the recall work. The manufacturer also stated they were covering the recall‑related repairs and were coordinating with the dealership. They provided weekly updates, monitored the recall repair, and escalated a backordered recall part. Later, after the dealership confirmed the vehicle was a total loss, the manufacturer reversed its position and stated it was “not involved.” The dealership has refused to identify the cleaning company responsible for the loss, their insurer, or any claim information, preventing any direct follow‑up. The manufacturer continues to direct me to “work with the parties involved,” even though the responsible vendor has not been disclosed. This raises concerns about the safety and oversight of the recall repair process, the handling of vehicles during recall service, and the manufacturer’s response when a vehicle is destroyed during a recall procedure.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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