Hyundai NEXO Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Hyundai NEXO options? We analyzed 8 model years (2019–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai NEXO has 19 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls across model years 2019–2026. The most reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2021 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- NEXO
- Model years analyzed
- 2019–2026 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (7 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2021 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
Hyundai NEXO: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe HYUNDAI NEXO has 19 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 19 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 13 federal recall campaigns
- No crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
13 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLING/CHARGING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2019–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 19 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
19 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I bought a 2019 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell on 04/29/2020 from Lithia Hyundai of Mission Hills without been notified of the two existent recalls with no remedy yet available from Hyundai. In fact, these Recalls shown in the Carfax report, were undisclosed by giving me to sign the last page "as a confirmation I was going to receive it complete". At the end of the process, I received a USB with the purchase documents and it was until two days after when I printed all documents, I found out about the recalls. Is it fraud?
Indicated that there is delay of acceleration on the high driving when I push the gas pedal, it doesn't linearly speed up instead it reduced the speed while I was pushing the gas pedal, worried about the behind car didn't notice the car is slowing due to this issue, it may incur the unexpected accident due to unexpected speed down on the highway driving. Put my car in the dealer to take a look at the issue, they indicated the issue and performed several software upgrade but they failed several times and it still didn't get fixed yet. I also heard that it has orange warning message which need to replace hydrogen related coolant must be replaced but they don't have parts to replace it immediately. There is no actual incident so far, but worrying about this unexpected delay of acceleration, and unexpected speed down could cause the accident. But they cannot figure it so far, been 4months.
WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING, A "REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE" MAY OCCUR. WHEN THIS ERROR OCCURS, BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS IS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED AND THE CAR'S SPEED IS LIMITED TO 13 MPH. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR WILL NOT CREEP FORWARD OR HOLD POSITION WHEN THE BRAKE IS RELEASED, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE CAR TO ROLL BACKWARD WHEN THE BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. THE FAILURE OCCURS MOST COMMONLY WHEN THE CAR IS CREEPING FORWARD IN TRAFFIC, BUT CAN ALSO OCCUR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. TURNING OFF THE CAR, RESTARTING IT, AND PULLING FORWARD - IN THAT ORDER - WILL CLEAR THE BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS AND RETURN THE CAR TO NORMAL OPERATION UNTIL THE NEXT FAILURE. TIME BETWEEN FAILURES CAN BE AS LITTLE AS A FEW MINUTES AND AS GREAT AS A FEW DAYS. THE FAILURE SETS DTCS IN THE VEHICLE ECM BUT THESE CODES HAVE NOT BEEN SUFFICIENT FOR TECHNICIANS TO IDENTIFY THE FAULTY COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO CUSTOMER WITHOUT THE TECHNICIANS OBSERVING THE FAILURE OR PERFORMING ANY FIX. THE CAR THEN FAILED AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER AND HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT.
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 miles) at the hydrogen-certified Hyundai Dealer for a different and unrelated recall and for service, and mentioned the power loss issue. After some weeks of diagnosis the dealership called me back and verbally stated that they would not fix the car, nor would they give it ever back to me due to safety issues. Our car is still at the dealership, unresolved. No other dealers can repair Hyundai Nexo’s, because it is new hydrogen technology, very high pressures and special procedures, which no other repair shop would touch, so one must stick with Hyundai to get the problem addressed. Hyundai’s Original Manufacturer Warranty for Nexo Power Trains lists on page 15: Original Owner 10 Years/100,000 Miles, Subsequent Owner(s) 5 Years/60,000 Miles. So far I'm not aware of an existing recall for Fuel-Cell Power Loss.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Nexo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V761000000 (Fuel system, Other, Fuel/Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the only dealer capable of performing the recall repair on the vehicle was in California. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the issue. The contact had not experienced an issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
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 until April 2025 due to a shortage of technicians. 4. Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, Insurance, or Others The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Attempts to seek inspection by Hyundai have been unsuccessful due to a lack of available appointments. 5. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms There were no warning indicators prior to the malfunction. Once the issue occurs, the following appear: "CHECK FCEV SYSTEM" message on the LCD display "FCEV Service Warning" light on the dashboard These messages activate during the loss of acceleration and persist until the vehicle is turned off. Following the manufacturer's recommended procedure (turning the car off and restarting it) does not resolve the issue.
Read 13 more owner reports
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
The city I live is located on top of a hill/low mountain. When I drive uphill by following speed limits to my home the car often can't keep recommended speed (45 mph). The speed drops significantly(can go even 25 mph) and unpredictable. At the beginning I believe the car was able to keep the speed but it slowly started losing the power. The risk is that a vehicle behind might not expect such behavior from my car and also changing lanes is tricky because it can't accelerate and it moves slower than other cars on the road. I've contacted dealership's service two times but they didn't find any issue. I also contacted Hyundai's customer support but they wasn't able to help me as well. The person from the service said that Hyundai is aware of the situation but they don't have any solution. My guess is that the problem is with battery. Battery performs as buffer to power electric engine in hydrogen fueled vehicles. When I drive uphill the battery probably drains fast and the energy from hydrogen can't charge the battery on time. The car doesn't show any warning lamps or malfunction signs on dashboard. I'm ready to cooperate with vehicle inspection if needed.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Nexo. The contact stated while driving at various speeds going uphill, the vehicle would lose power and lose speed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the fuel cells replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and offered to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was 7,438.
Starting March 29, 2021 fuel cell failure when pressing the accelerator, started out as an intermittent failure. Over the period of two weeks while waiting for an appointment to get the vehicle in for repair the problem increased in infrequency. When the vehicle was delivered to the dealership for repair any attempt to accelerate would cause the vehicles fuel cell to shut down and fail. As of May 23, 2021 I have requested and dealership has not released any service documents. The dealership still has possession of the vehicle.
Thermally Activated Pressure Relief Device (TPRD) - Fire Concern
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Nexo. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V258000 (Fuel System, Other, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The car does not automatically brake to avoid collision. I have tested the car by going straight into a large object either another car or person in front of my car and it will not brake. In addition the hydrogen sensor is not working properly as I have already been informed of from their recall number 225 NHTSA Recall 22V-258 which I just received a few days ago. I am dissappointed that it took 3 months for Hyundai to notify me of this very serious safety issue and I am now calling the NHTSA to see what options I have to return this vehicle as I do not feel safe driving, operating, or even parking my car at my home with a hydrogen sensor that is faulty as that is a very serious fire hazard.
I am submitting this complaint to report serious safety, usability, and infrastructure-related issues concerning my Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle has become unsafe and practically unusable due to multiple technical problems, lack of service support, and the widespread unavailability of hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the Bay Area of California. These issues collectively present safety concerns not only for me as the driver but potentially for other Hyundai NEXO owners who may be experiencing similar problems. I purchased the Hyundai NEXO with the expectation that it would provide reliable transportation supported by Hyundai’s service network and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure promoted alongside the vehicle. As a consumer, I was attracted to the NEXO because of its innovative fuel cell technology, environmental benefits, and Hyundai’s commitment to zero-emission vehicles. However, my ownership experience has been extremely difficult and concerning due to both vehicle performance defects and the lack of support required to maintain and operate the vehicle safely. One of the most concerning issues with the vehicle is that the regenerative braking system does not appear to function properly. Regenerative braking is an important component of the NEXO’s efficiency and safety systems. When it does not operate correctly, the vehicle does not slow down in the expected way, and the energy recovery system that is supposed to recharge the vehicle’s systems during deceleration does not function as intended. This raises concerns about both vehicle performance and braking predictability. Another significant issue is that the vehicle’s speed appears to be limited and does not go beyond approximately 60 miles per hour. This limitation occurs even under normal driving conditions where higher speeds are required, such as highway travel. Being unable to exceed approximately 60 mph presents a safety
The vehicle has a material operability limitation related to its fuel/propulsion system that was not disclosed at the time of sale. After purchase, the vehicle’s real-world operation is materially restricted due to fuel availability and system limitations that prevent reliable use as represented. The limitation affects the ability to operate the vehicle predictably and as intended. This issue is not cosmetic or preference-based. It affects normal vehicle operation and reliability. The condition is ongoing and reproducible. The dealer and manufacturer have been contacted. The condition has not been corrected.
Vehicle: 2023 Hyundai Nexo Limited VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: ~12,077 Location: California What is the problem? After Hyundai performed Safety Recall 269 (thermally-activated pressure relief device) on my vehicle, the vehicle developed a hydrogen leak and was declared unsafe. Hyundai advised that no repair remedy is available. When did this happen? January 13, 2026, during attempted pickup from the dealership following recall service. What happened? My vehicle was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealer for Safety Recall 269. On the evening of January 12, 2026, the service advisor called and said the vehicle was ready for pickup. When I arrived the next day, the dealer attempted to bring the vehicle out. A malfunction appeared, and after over an hour, I was told the vehicle was leaking hydrogen and was unsafe to release. The dealer retained the vehicle and provided a loaner. The following day I was informed that the vehicle would be bought back and that no repair remedy or parts are available. Why is this a safety issue? The vehicle is fueled by high-pressure hydrogen. A hydrogen leak presents an immediate risk of fire or explosion. This defect appeared only after recall service and renders the vehicle unsafe for operation or storage. What has the manufacturer done? Hyundai has not repaired the vehicle and has stated no remedy exists. Instead, Hyundai offered only to pay off the loan and provide a small cash payment, without repairing the safety defect. Has this happened before? No. The vehicle was operating normally before the recall service. What do you want NHTSA to do? I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s recall remedy for Safety Recall 269 on the Hyundai Nexo and determine whether the recall repair is causing or failing to prevent hydrogen leaks, and whether Hyundai is providing an adequate safety remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle uses hydrogen fuel which is stored in three high pressure cylinders. Any fires or damage to the vehicle that affects the fuel system can result in an explosion. During a recent recall, customers were recommended not to park near structures because the car can explode and cause property damage. This is applicable to all hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available in the US.
A THERMALLY-ACTIVATED PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE (TPRD) THAT VENTS HYDROGEN GAS TO THE ATMOSPHERE TO PREVENT OVER-PRESSURIZATION OF THE HYDROGEN FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING IN THE LOCAL AREA AROUND THE HYDROGEN FUEL TANKS. THE TPRD IS DESIGNED TO VENTTHROUGH A GLASS BULB-TYPE RELEASE MECHANISM THAT FRACTURES WHEN A SPECIFICOPERTAING TEMPERATURE IS REACHED. THE GLASS BULB-TYPE MECHANISM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES COULD PREMATURELY FRACTURE DUE TO MICROCRACKS IN THE GLASS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INADVERTENT DISCHARGE OF HYDROGEN GAS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. HYDROGEN GAS LEAKING IN CONFINED AREAS WITH THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SURCE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE WHIEL PARKED. THE DEALER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REPAIR UNTIL MAY 12, 2025
I WAS DRIVEN ABOUT 65 MILES WHEN SUDDENLY SHOW ON THE CLUSTER EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLY IT HAPPEN TODAY AND ABOUT 2 WEEKS BEFORE . I HAPPEN LIKE 5 SECONDS AND DISAPPEAR AND BOTH CASES.
Showing 19 of 19 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Hyundai NEXO
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Hyundai NEXO, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai NEXO has 19 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai NEXO has 13 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 0 of the Hyundai NEXO's 19 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai NEXO vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Hyundai NEXO vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai NEXO has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Hyundai NEXO.
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Hyundai NEXO reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai NEXO reliable?
Good. The Hyundai NEXO has 19 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Hyundai NEXO years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (7 complaints), 2023 (6 complaints), 2019 (3 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Hyundai NEXO problems?
Top reported issues: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints); ENGINE (4 complaints).
Does the Hyundai NEXO have recalls?
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Hyundai NEXO. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.