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2020 Hyundai

Sonata

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI

Hyundai Sonata: best and worst years
2020 Hyundai Sonata (photo 1 of 5)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2020.

PhotoNikolai BulykinCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
180
Power to weight
0.053 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.37

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
25.8 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 5.2 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1 (6,000 lb or less)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
4
Owner complaints
195 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
5

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15%
  • ENGINE13%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
  • POWER TRAIN8%
  • STRUCTURE6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 297 total.

Hyundai Sonata: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

120 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DL

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DCS

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached anno

  • Feb 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS26-AD-001H TSB

    Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., loading excessively heavy cargo in a specific location of the vehicle, or significant

  • Feb 5, 2026ENGINE26-EM-003H TSB

    Some Sonata (DN8, DN8A) vehicles may have DTCs P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 (Cooling System Performance) set in the Engine Control Module, resulting in an illuminated Check Engine warning lamp. Follow the procedure in this TSB to replace the Integrated Thermal Management (ITM) module and update both the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) if applicable. Follow the flowchart in this TSB to update the appropriate modules.

  • Dec 18, 2025ENGINE25-EM-007H TSB

    Some Elantra (CN7, CN7A), Kona (OS, SX2), and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines may illuminate a warning lamp for DTC P218100 (Cooling System Performance) related to the Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure in this bulletin to install a spring onto the thermostat within the ITM, in order to prevent premature opening, and perform an ECU software update on affected vehicles.

  • Nov 6, 2025EXTERIOR LIGHTING25-BD-012H TSB

    This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

  • Sep 30, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25-BE-020H TSB

    This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2025 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system as described in this TSB.

  • Aug 21, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25-01-010H-1 9B4 OL

    Certain Hyundai vehicles may exhibit a warning light with Diagnostic Trouble Code (“DTC”) P1BB20 due to a battery over voltage condition.

  • and 112 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.