2020 Hyundai Sonata fuel/propulsion system problems

What owners report

• “The car has strong fuel smell in the cabin when tank is full, It is especially strong after car sits. I have taken to hyundai several times for this problem. They say the computer says nothing is wrong. They refuse to investigate as they dont smell the odor.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 10/19/2026

• “Vehicle experienced intermittent, severe powertrain defect resulting in a critical safety hazard. Between 30K and 36K miles, the vehicle underwent 3 violent highway deceleration episodes. During these events, the engine began shaking, escalating to violent shaking; with deceleration and coming to a stop, it would shake, then sputter as if it would die. Coming to a complete stop, a total stall was prevented only by the ECM forcing a limp mode lock at 1200 RPMs. When Auto Hold was engaged at t…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 10/15/2026

• “Car was taken to dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded and pushed towards the heat shield, and expanded upward pushing up the back seats of vehicle. It was determined to not safe to drive. Manufacturer contacted me and offered a buyback. Upon their offer of a buyback, it was determined that I would owe the manufacturer approximately $2,000. I have requested that they fix it, and they have refused to give me the paperwork I requested about t…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 07/30/2026

• “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) a…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 06/10/2026

• “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 t…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 04/22/2026

• “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 failur…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 04/03/2026

• “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.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 03/16/2026 · fire

• “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. Th…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 02/20/2026

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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