2020 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 251 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 21 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineApr 28, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Campaign 21V301000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointOct 9, 2019
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the ball joint fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 185.
Campaign 19V721000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, lugs/nuts/bolts/studsOct 9, 2019
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.
Campaign 19V720000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
47 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2026
Transmission TCM/IVT had a service campaign recall #963 for TCM relearn / IVT replacement for premature transmission failure. Hyundai USA and dealership Big Star Hyundai of Friendswood, TX have made claims of the repair being done. Service records indicate there was no replacement, relearn or anything transmission related done with the vehicle and Hyundai USA has claimed on their end that their records show it was completed, but refuse to show or display records of completion, and have not maintained outreach to the dealership regarding maintenance records for this specific issue. Transmission has popped a P0867 code at 65,000 miles, just outside of it's warranty, and reflects the same codes listed for an issue regarding the TCM/IVT service campaign 963. The safety risk is the transmission giving way on a highway or some other location where it could potentially lead to an accident or stranding, that could lead to serious injury or death. This puts other vehicles on the road and passengers at high risk for an accident or incident. The problem has been reproduced by my husband, and confirmed with ECM readers. Independent service in Atascocita TX confirmed the check engine light indeed coincided with the P0867 code and that it has to do with the very same recall they have claimed to have supported and completed, which is once again not listed under any service completed on the vehicle. We are attempting to have this component looked at by the dealership, but they refuse to acknowledge the service campaign 963 and allow an inspection of no-charge. My husband has already observed with a endoscope, and observed the transmission fluid, and replaced it, and there was no obvious signs of an issue. There were no previous issues to the vehicle, and no previous lights. After the light for the code came onto the dashboard, the transmission has now struggled to maintain steady fluid transitioning between gears, and has maintained a sluggish and resistance feeling.
Power train, Aug 20, 2026
My 2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL experienced a total transmission/IVT failure at 81,185 miles. I paid $4,804.14 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at a certified Hyundai dealership, Dick Smith Hyundai Genesis of Greenville, now known as Hyundai of Greenville. The transmission was replaced with a new replacement unit. The replacement transmission has now suffered a second total failure at 117,922 miles, meaning the vehicle has experienced two total transmission failures before reaching 120,000 miles. The repeated failure of the IVT system is extremely concerning, particularly because the first replacement was performed by an authorized Hyundai dealership and the replacement unit failed after approximately 36,700 miles. I am requesting that this repeated transmission failure be documented and investigated. I also believe Hyundai should review the vehicle’s transmission history and consider the possibility of a systemic defect or premature failure involving the IVT system. I have already contacted Hyundai Customer Care regarding a Prior Repair Goodwill Reimbursement request for the $4,804.14 I previously paid out of pocket. Hyundai Customer Care case #43147944 was denied based on the vehicle being outside the factory warranty, although Hyundai directed me to the dealership for possible goodwill consideration. I am requesting full retroactive reimbursement of the $4,804.14 I paid for the first transmission replacement. I can provide the original repair invoice, service records, diagnosis, and documentation of the subsequent transmission failure upon request.
Power train, Jun 12, 2026
Reporting on 2020 Hyundai Elantra. I have owned since 2023, my car is currently at a Hyundai certified dealership for it's 3rd transmission in the three years I have owned it. All 3 transmission were inspected and then replaced by Hyundai certified technicians. The Safety aspect is the inability to get you vehicle off the highway.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 9, 2026
Currently, there are 30,564 miles on my vehicle and I am the original owner of the vehicle since early 2021. This is a continuous intermittent problem that can occur at any time when trying to accelerate the vehicle. The vehicle could be moving down the road and you go to accelerate and the RPM's drop dramatically, giving you no power. The same thing has happened when trying to accelerate from a stop. The vehicle would start to accelerate and then all of a sudden the RPM's drop, giving you no power. I have had the vehicle to the dealership for this problem and I am being told that they can't do anything about it because they can't duplicate it. If this happened when it was necessary for me to get out of the way of a vehicle, an accident could occur, resulting in sirius injury or death. Also, there were no warning lights or check engine light that came on at any time when the problem presented itself.
Power train, May 22, 2026
I bought a 2020 Hyundai Elantra in 2024 with 67k miles on it. After driving 22k miles the check engine light went on and when it was brought in to get it checked the transmission went out. I did not buy a warranty so I understood it would not be covered. The issue I had was it was very hard to get information on the condition of the car that was sold to me. What I found out was that the transmission fluid was likley not changed ever and definetly not checked before the car was sold since the check engine light was not on and the engine sounded fine when I bought it. Which when I did meet with the service manager was informed of. The service manager noted that the IVT transmission has a long history of going out and is a bad design. He stated that most cars are not being made with it anymore and that this is well known problem. My biggest issue is that they knew this when it was sold and since the car was already over 60k when they got it should have at least checked the fluid or put in new fluid due to the history of transmission problems on the car. It is very likely this was not done to the likelihood the fluid was already bad and the transmission would have gone out so they wanted to pass it on to the customer. I know it is on me to know about a car when it is purchased but did not think of checking specifically on what type of transmission was in the car and now always will. I have had two Hyundai and both went over 200k without problem. To have one go 89k and go out was totally unexpected and there were no warnings except a check engine light. The service manager was nice but told me there was nothing that could be done.
Power train, Engine, May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed and at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The RPM increased and decreased without applying the accelerator pedal. The check engine light was illuminated. A mobile mechanic reset the codes but was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred him to the local dealer. The local dealer was contacted, who stated there was a transmission pressure sensor issue. which prevents the service from being performed under Hyundai Service Campaign 863 T5B Bulletin: 20-01-028H. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 5, 2026
The Contact owns a 2020 HYUNDAI Elantra. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that his RPM were going back and forth while on cruise control, after removing cruise control the vehicle stayed the same. The vehicle was pulled over and restarted but the vehicle was hesitating to accelerate and noticed a issue with the gears not. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic but was not fully diagnosed due to the transmission driving forward when in neutral. The dealer was notified of the failure and a appointment was set for a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 26, 2026
I see there was a P0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning lamps, messages comes on frequently and was reportedly fixed charges $2000 for a sensor. I the code and it is all over the internet that it is a recall.but does not show up with VIN.i need assistance with getting this fixed at the dealer
Power train, Dec 30, 2025
Was driving car after a recent oil change. The oil change was performed early because the car was ticking and found oil to be low. Was going to take into dealer to be looked into but the car made a loud sound and stopped immediately and turned off. Luckily I was not driving too fast but had I been this could have posed a risk to myself, my passengers and other drivers. This complaint is consistent with prior engine failure complains of other Hyundai models. The Elantra has yet to be investigated. The maintenance lights that came on have only been for a high mount break light and low tire pressure. I did not get a low oil or oil change needed alert.
Power train, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the transmission was slipping, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated and that no fault was found with the vehicle; however, metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,781.
Power train, Feb 17, 2025
Vehicle was recently purchased and brought in to service recall 22-01-030H (TCU Update and IVT Replacement) Fred Bean Hyundai of Langhorne (1106 E Lincoln Highway, Langhorne, PA, 19047) did the software update, but refuses to honor the IVT replacement as part of the recall, despite the transmission not working and needing to be towed to the dealership. They are attempting to charge me a minimum $5000 to replace the transmission, despite the replacement being covered under this recall campaign. Please contact me and advise if I should pay them and am then entitled to a reimbursement or if I should even have to pay them in the first place. They currently have my vehicle and I can't even drive it off-lot due to failed transmission.
Power train, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the RPM elevated to a high level while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted while depressing the accelerator pedal without a warning light being illuminated. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the vehicle; however, no fault codes were found. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 31, 2024
transmission failed while driving & now doesn’t drive.
Power train, Engine, Apr 24, 2024
THIS VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD A NEW ENGINE AND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED INTO IT IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ON 4/12/2024 AND I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY. THEY CALLED ME ON 4/15/2024 STATING THAT THEIR ENGINEERS AND TECHS HAD HAD PROBLEMS ON THE TRANSMISSION RECENTLY INSTALLED ON IT DUE TO MANUFACTURING AND/OR FAULTY PARTS, AND TO REPLACE THAT TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE. STILL WAITING TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
Power train, Apr 16, 2024
I have a code "P0867 Transmission Fluid Pressure" that showed up on my car. Yes. Dealership refused to fix under "Service Campaign [XXX]". Dealership confirmed issue. No. There is a check engine light that appeared. To continue after the questions, Max Hyundai of Manhattan, address: 8020 US-24, Manhattan, KS 66502. Refused to fix my vehicle under "service campaign [XXX]". As the service campaign indicates Code P0867 must be present, which it is. As well as a VIN that starts with [XXX], which my vehicle also has. As well as 20MY Elantra's. Which my car falls into that category as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 11, 2024
Engine seized while going 55-60mph with warning lights only 15 seconds before my vehicle completely stopped on the highway [XXX] ) The engine was replaced by Hyundai along with the manifold and catalytic converter. Vehicle lost all control and power and started excessively knocking while I tried to get to the shoulder but only made it to the right lane. The safety of others and myself were out at risk due to no control of the vehicle. Repair order attached INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 24, 2024
Transmission failed - car disabled at 85mph
Power train, Engine, Feb 21, 2024
TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER ON 1/30/2024 TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE ENGINE AS MY REGULAR MECHANIC STATED THE "ENGINE WAS KNOCKING" AT THE MOST RECENT OIL CHANGE, AND GET IT TO THE DEALER AS IT SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY. TURNS OUT IT DID NEED AN ENGINE WHICH THEY REPLACED YESTERDAY FINALLY, HOWEVER WHEN THEY TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE THEY STILL HEARD NOISES. THEY EXAMINED IT FURTHER AND TODAY THEY NOTIFIED ME IT ALSO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN JANUARY OF 2021, HAD LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT WHEN WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER ON 1/30/2024. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE. THANK GOODNESS I HAD ALL MY RECEIPTS TO PROVE REGULAR PROOF OF MAINTENANCE ESP SINCE I HAVE A REGULAR GUY AND DID NOT HAVE IT DONE AT THE DEALERS.
Power train, Feb 21, 2024
Started noticing my 2020 Elantra was "jerking", "lurching" while in motion of driving. RPM would shoot up. A handful of times I would be losing power and almost not make to where I was headed. Starting/Turning from a dead stop, I would have no power and then suddenly it would surge and then I could get up to speed. I did not have any indication before hand or while driving. I did not have any lights come up, while driving or when it did the startup check when turned on. I barely made it to a Auto service, he drove it from one end of the parking lot to the other, then whipped into a bay for him to look at. I was told it was the Transmission, specifically CVT slippage and he suggested I do not drive home.
Power train, Engine, Jan 21, 2024
I took the vehicle in for it's regular oil change on 1/19/2024. My regular mechanic stated to me that "the engine is knocking, you need to get it to the dealer so they can fix the issue as it should be under warranty." He finished the oil change and we came home and immediately made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer - that appointment is on 1/30/2024 at 9 am. This is an extremely concerning issue as it affects the whole vehicle and the ability of it to be driven and last a long time. No warning lamps, or messages occurred for this issue, only the statement by my regular mechanic. I want to make sure this is documented in case Hyundai tries to get out of fixing the issue. This could be a very expensive problem. The appointment was made for the 30,000 mile service, but I will make sure they are aware of the engine issue when I take it in as well.
Power train, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
Transmission studders and looses acceleration while driving
Power train, Jun 23, 2023
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to downshift into 2nd gear. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while shifting gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly was the incorrect size, and the clutch assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,117.
Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2023
When I start off I give my car gas but it does not want to speed up. The rpm drops to 2 and does not move as I push the gas to go to get out of the way of traffic behind me. It goes about 600 ft before it kicks in. Then it runs normal. It's still under manufacture warrenty (3 more years and 20000 more miles unde warrenty). I've taken it to the dealership and they didn't see anything. Said they would have to keep it a couple of days to check it out. It's my only means of transportation but the never have a loner car for me to use till I get mine back. I've seen others with same complaint so why is there no recall. Afraid I'm gonna get hit in the rear due to lack of power. Doesn't do it everyday but has happened twice in two weeks when I've pulled out onto a major highway with heavy traffic. I bought the car used in Jan.2023 with warrenty still on the car. Thought hey great deal! But now I think I bought a lemon.
Power train, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted to park, and then shifted in reverse. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they did not provide service on Saturdays. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,211.