NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Nexo. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (5) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 57–61 mpg combined.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Nexo vehicles. The hydrogen gas detection sensors may fail to detect leaks in the hydrogen gas delivery system.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Hyundai sells Nexo Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles with known Fuel Cell stack issues, leading to severe safety issues from sudden power loss when driving, especially when overtaking and driving on highways and/or uphill. The power loss issue was diagnosed to originate from a fuel-cell stack failure, one of the Nexo’s main power-train components. This is a known power-train issue to Hyundai, debated online since 2021 by consumers experiencing the same power loss, across various Hyundai web-logs. Other affected consumers filed a class action lawsuit this year against Hyundai Motor America Inc, for the same and other reasons. The lawsuit accuses Hyundai of selling Nexo vehicles equipped with defective systems that fail to perform as promised. Plaintiffs argue that these defects compromise the vehicle’s performance, including the core hydrogen fuel cell stack, leading to reduced reliability and substantial safety concerns. There is no warning light indicating this issue when driving the Nexo under power loss conditions. One only realizes it when pressing the accelerator pedal and the power suddenly cuts out. In May 2025 I dropped off our 2020 Nexo Limited (~37,000…”
“PLEASE SEE ATTACH FOR DETAILS 1. Component or System Involved The Fuel Cell System and Accelerator Pedal Control System are suspected to have malfunctioned. The issue is characterized by the vehicle's failure to respond to input from the accelerator pedal, particularly at speeds between 45-65 mph, which may be linked to increased power demand from the fuel cell system. The system is available for inspection upon request, as the issue is ongoing. 2. Safety Risks The malfunction poses a serious safety risk to the driver, passengers, and other road users. Sudden and unexpected loss of acceleration while driving, overtaking, or climbing inclines creates a high risk of collisions, especially on highways where traffic moves at high speeds. Other drivers may not have sufficient time to react, leading to rear-end collisions or side-impact crashes. 3. Problem Reproduction and Confirmation The problem occurs consistently after driving for a short period (less than five minutes) and has not been resolved. The issue has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center because Hyundai service centers in the Los Angeles area are unable to schedule an appointment…”
“I received a safety recall on this car via mail. I brought it to the dealership service center in van nuys, ca, to which they said no recall currently exists on this car. A month later, I’m now experiencing a sensor of the fuel cell system failure. In addition, the CarPlay function on my car has not been working for 2 years and both Tustin and van nuys Hyundai dealership fail to fix it”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexo Blue Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 65 | 58 | 61 | — | — |
| Nexo Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 59 | 54 | 57 | — | — |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (5), power train (2), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Hyundai Nexo at 57–61 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).