The Lemon Index2020 Hyundai Sonata.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is about average by owner complaints: 80 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 111, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 31 to 52 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Sonata year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 197 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Sonata year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 46K miles on the car (56 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- latches/locks/linkages 2022
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
- electrical 2020
The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.
Show all 4 recalls
- equipment 2020
The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 126 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a Check Engine light on and one or more of the…
- Grease leak coming from the right side, inner CV axle boot
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hyundai Sonata HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1250–2050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2020 Hyundai Sonata. Consumer writes in regard to grinding noise while driving. The consumer stated upon inspection by Toyota, it was discovered that the undershield had come loose and dragging.
2020 Hyundai Sonata owner · NHTSA complaint 11489948
More owner reports
Defrost doesnât work because harness melted and blew a fuse
NHTSA complaint 11547004
Steering parts being replaced many times, and the engine oil is low after I just got an oil change a week ago. Excessive engine oil usage with no idea where it is going.
NHTSA complaint 11483895
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 111; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Sonata year by this measure since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Sonata problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (24%), electrical (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
4 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata get?
31 to 52 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Hyundai Sonata problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 900 and 46,800 miles. The middle report was at 2,800 miles, from 56 complaints.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata cost in fuel a year?
About $1250 to $2050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Sonata year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works