NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 165 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, backed by standard crash-avoidance technology. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 places it in the Strong band. This strong showing is somewhat moderated by its defect record, reflected in a subscore of 12/20, stemming from four recall campaigns.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata ranks 55 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 165 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata represents a meaningful step forward from the 2019 model, with its NHTSA Safety Index rising three points from 84 to 87, both years sitting in the Strong band. That gain was driven primarily by the crash-protection subscore of 65 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-technology subscore of 10 out of 10, reflecting the standardization of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup for this model year. The weakest link in the index calculation is the defect-record subscore of 12 out of 20, a direct consequence of four active recall campaigns. The fuel system campaign covering 2020 through 2023 Sonata vehicles is the broadest in scope and the most recently initiated, making it the highest-priority item for current owners and prospective buyers. The trunk latch recall is also notable because an unsecured trunk lid poses a real-world safety risk during normal driving. Taken together, the 2020 Sonata scores well on tested crash protection but carries a recall burden that meaningfully pulls the defect subscore below what the star ratings alone might suggest.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its side impact and rollover protection both earned perfect 5-star scores, with a low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result, the frontal protection assessment received 4 out of 5 stars, preventing an unblemished record.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14409
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata is tied to four recall campaigns. They cover a fuel system check valve that may allow air into the fuel tank, a trunk lid latch that may fail to secure properly, Remote Smart Parking Assist software that may malfunction, and a tire information label applied incorrectly to early production units. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE25V796000
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu
Reported 2025-11-18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH22V196000
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Reported 2022-03-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE20V213000
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.
Reported 2020-04-09
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS20V122000
Risk: The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers over the tire pressure label and in the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.
Reported 2020-02-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has logged 165 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Sonata. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System with 44 reports, the Electrical System with 33, and the Engine with 28. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
165 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Sonata, a significant factor for any prospective buyer. Of particular note is an active fuel system campaign, underscoring the necessity of verifying all recall remedies have been completed by a dealership. This VIN-specific check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is the most critical safety precaution for the 2020 Sonata.
- The 2020 Sonata's Safety Index climbed three points over the 2019 model year, from 84 to 87, reflecting stronger crash-test performance and fully standardized crash-avoidance technology for this generation.
- Four recall campaigns are attached to this specific model year, including a fuel system check valve issue spanning the 2020 through 2023 Sonata range and a trunk lid latch recall unique to 2020 production units.
- The defect-record subscore of 12 out of 20 is the primary drag on the Safety Index and directly reflects those four recalls, meaning the gap between the strong star ratings and the overall index score is almost entirely explained by the recall record.
- NHTSA has received 165 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Fuel and Propulsion System alone accounting for 44 of those alleged reports, a concentration that aligns with the active fuel system recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Hyundai Sonata places
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Hyundai Sonata safety questions
Was the 2020 Hyundai Sonata crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Hyundai Sonata crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Hyundai Sonata earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 165 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Sonata. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sonata years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14409), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 55 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.