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: steering
20 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Aug 19, 2026
Steering wheel has been making whining noises when turning. Previously replaced worm shaft on steering while under warranty due to malfunction when first purchased. Issue has resurfaced but no longer covered under warranty. Dealer quoted nearly $800.00 to replace worm shaft.
Steering, Apr 1, 2026
On January 1, 2025, I discovered my vehicle had been stolen after finding broken glass in my driveway and immediately reported the incident to the police, who arrived within approximately 20 minutes; neighbors later provided camera footage of the theft, and I also observed other nearby vehicles with similar damage, including a broken rear window and another Hyundai Elantra that appeared abandoned. The following day, police informed me the vehicle had been recovered, and upon inspection I found the rear driver-side window completely broken and the ignition area under the steering wheel damaged. Couple months later I received a recall notice for the antitheft system on my 2020 Hyundai Elantra (VIN [XXX] ). When I brought the vehicle to the dealership on April 1, 2026, I was informed that the recall cannot be completed unless an additional part is replaced, at a cost of approximately $1,178. This part was damaged during a prior theft incident. My vehicle was stolen last year and later recovered, and it sustained damage during that incident. However, I understand that safety recalls are required to be repaired at no cost to the owner under federal law. I am concerned that I am being asked to pay for repairs in order to complete a safety recall, and that my vehicle remains vulnerable without the recall remedy being performed. I am also concerned about the safety and legal compliance of continuing to operate the vehicle under these conditions. I am attaching supporting documents as proof of the vehicle theft, along with the reports provided by the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Dec 12, 2025
There is a grinding in my steering column, worse at lower speeds. I have spoke to Hyundai about this and several other shops and they said this is a common recall for Elantras and there is a barring that is in the recall. However, my VIN is not in this common recall. If this is a common recall on Elantras in my year range, wouldn't ALL Elantras have the option to have to corrected not just a select few? Per Hyundai dealership, They know exactly what it is and it should be on a recall list my VIN just showing it so they can not correct the problem. This started before I purchased the car from a friend and she was told the same thing when she checked into it before.
Steering, Sep 9, 2025
THE MOST CAR HUNDIA ANTRA 2020 HAS ONLY 75000MILES NEED TO REPLACE SOMTHING IN STEERING WHEEL HAS COMMON ISSUE STERING WHEEL TRUN IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE UNTILL NOW IS NO RECALL DID CALL HUNDIA COORPRAT OFFICE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IS NO ANSWER IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE CAN LED TO BIG ACCDENT
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2024, crash, fire
The contact called on behalf of their son who owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while their son was decelerating, speed was unknown, and coming to a stop sign. The next thing their son was able to recall was that the vehicle had suddenly turned right crashing into an electrical pole nearby. The air bags deployed. The driver had lost consciousness during the crash making it difficult to recall all that occurred. The vehicle was towed but they had not yet received any confirmation if the vehicle had been totaled. The electrical pole had fallen and began to catch fire. The fire department had put out the fire. The contact was not completely sure of the damage done to the vehicle. The driver lost consciousness and received an injury on their right arm. Medical attention was needed. The contact could only assume a police report had been filed but had not heard from the police department to confirm. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Mar 4, 2024
Good morning, I was hearing a rubbing noise every time I turned my steering wheel on my 3020 Hyundai Elantra. I did some research and found a Hyundai service bulletin explaining the worm gear shaft. I brought it to my local Hyundai dealership in Manchester New Hampshire. They confirmed that it was indeed the worm gear shaft. They replaced it and charged me but when I called the Hyundai corporate office, they explained to me they would not be able to reimburse me even though it has happened on many of their Hyundai and other cars. I am requesting help for this unfortunate situation. The cost of replacement was over $500. Why is the worm gear shaft problem not a recall as of yet? If I would not have had this fixed, it would have caused other problems in the steering. Ty
Steering, Oct 30, 2023
There has been a noise coming from my steering column. Its sounds a like rubbing or whirring noise. It only happens at low or stationary speeds. I took the vehicle to a local shop in my area. They diagnosed the problem as the Worm Shaft Assembly ( located inside the steering column). If steering fails while driving, it can a crash and lead to significant injury. While my steering has not failed or led to any accidents, its very possible and a real risk.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2022
Tens of thousands of Hyundai's and Kia's are being stolen in under 2 minutes due to a design flaw Hyundai and Kia engineers failed to address. With a quick removal of steering column cover and a USB male end, thieves can steal your vehicle. This puts the public and law enforcement at risk as these thieves flee from police at high rates of speed and use these stolen Kia's and Hyundai's to commit other crimes.
Steering, Feb 2, 2022
Noise coming from steering wheel column when turning wheel, especially at low speeds. After research, seems it is an issue that is common for these cars. If the electric steering fails during driving it can seriously injure the driver & passengers, it will cause wrecks to happen. My steering is starting to make the same noise people explain it creates before it goes out.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 14, 2021
Hello, I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra [XXX] Vin. The car has a major problem with the steering and suspension at speeds over 45 mph. I am talking with [XXX] at this time after dialing [XXX] at Hyundai cust care (case #[XXX]). She told me she is on the West Side location. I asked where is that and she stated she is unable to let me know where. The car does not hold the road and the suspension and steering is not working well at speeds of 45mph or faster. This is a very dangerous situation and this year and model of Hyundai should be examined before someone loses control because of a defect made at Hyundai. [XXX] stated she does not have a recall for this problem and I am at a complete loss for what to do. She stated an appointment is not easily made until Dec 31st because of staffing issues. I looked online and also found other comments with this same exact issue so I know it is a major problem that needs to be addressed. Please let me know what I should do before a tragic accident happens with this and other 2020 Elantra vehicles. Thank you in advance. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021
I was in the inside left turn lane turning left and as I was turning my steering wheel my car was not turning, it was continuing to go straight. I hit my brakes so I wouldn’t crash into the car turning next to me and then my wheels finally turned as I was braking so it caused me to burn the tires and swerve. I’m not sure if any lights came on as I was trying not to crash into the vehicle next to me. I have an appointment for the dealership to look at it.
Steering, Aug 27, 2021
Purchased used from Carvana. Steering pulls to right and left, unexpectedly and sporadically. Noticeable by both drivers, independently. Also, noticeable from passenger seat and not by driver alone. Suspected LOWER BALL JOINT issue which could result in sudden loss of control, crash, and death. IF this work was done, perhaps defective "repair"? Carvana advised this is a death trap (my words). Have been trying to return vehicle since MONDAY 8/23. Driving to the 'vending machine' to hand back over THEIR vehicle, uninvited yet announced, on 8/27 a.m. in Las Vegas. This issue occurs at low, medium, and highway speeds without any apparent cause, except perhaps dips and uneven road surfaces. Perhaps the mismatched set of front/back tires?
Steering, Aug 5, 2020
AT AROUND 4,000 THE MILES THE VEHICLE BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER WITH THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINING VERY STIFF AT ALL SPEEDS. I DO NOT FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE HANDLING OR SAFE MANEUVERING OF THIS VEHICLE. SOUGHT HELP AT DEALERSHIP THROUGH WARRANTY BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. I AM CONTINUING TO PURSE HELP ON THIS MATTER.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2020
THE CAR HAD MANY SMALL PROBLEMS TO BEGIN WITH. THE STEERING WHEEL NEVER SAT STRAIGHT AND THERE WERE MANY LIGHTS FOR LOW TIRE PRESSURE EVEN THOUGH THE PRESSURE WAS FINE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO BROKE 3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING. I NOTICED THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND HANDLE BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL. SUDDENLY THE RPM WENT ALL THE WAY 8 ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. THIS WAS A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT. IF I HAD DRIVEN A LITTLE FURTHER WHERE THERE WAS A MERGE IN THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY LOST MY LIFE. WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT, THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT OTHER HYUNDAI ELANTRA'S WERE ALSO EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THEY PREDICTED A RECALL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 27, 2020
I STARTED TO HEAR A GRIDDING NOISE THAT WAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING LOUDER WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING, FAST OR SLOW, HIGHWAY OR STREET, DOES NOT MATTER. I TOOK THE CAR IN AND THE DEALERSHIP HAD IT FOR A WEEK WHILE REPLACING THE STEERING ASSEMBLY COLUMN (NOT 100% SURE ON EXACT NAMES OF PARTS REPLACED). I GET THE CAR BACK AND THE STEERING PROBLEMS ARE WORSE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVING AROUND WHILE DRIVING. THAT LEVER THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT WORK. I CALL HYUNDAI AND AM TOLD THEY ARE BOOKED AND CAN NOT GET MY CAR IN FOR ALMOST A WEEK. IT GETS TO THE POINT THAT DRIVING IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE SO I DECIDE TO TAKE THE CAR IN A FEW DAYS EARLY. AS I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 70MPH THE STEERING WHEEL DROPS AND IS FLOPPING AROUND AND ALL POWER TO THE CAR GOES OFF MAKING STEERING EVEN WORSE THAN WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE WORST IT CAN GET. NOW THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR STEERING PROBLEMS AND NOW AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
Steering, Mar 24, 2020
FIRST THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK HAVING THE STEERING FIXED. A WEEK LATER AND STEERING IS BROKEN AGAIN. STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE. MAKES IT FOR A FUN DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY. I HOPE I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS BECAUSE THEN HYUNDAI MIGHT LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS.
Steering, Air bags, Structure, Mar 14, 2020, crash
MY CAR SOLD TO ME WITH OUT IT BEING DISCLOSED THAT IT WAS CRASHED NOW MY LKA WILL KILL YOU IF USED AND THE FENDER IS OBVIOUSLY REPAINTED MY STEERING IS WEIRD AND IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE NEW PURCHASED AT 6 MILES CRASH REPORTED AT 0 REPAIR COMPLETED 2/10 MY PURCHASE 2/11
Steering, Feb 26, 2020, crash
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT THE SPEED RANGE OF 40-70 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL UNDERGOES ABRUPT STIFFNESS CHANGE FROM STIFF TO VERY SOFT CAUSING SUDDEN JOLT OF THE VEHICLE RIGHT OR LEFT DEPENDING ON THE ROAD CONDITION. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT THIS SPEED RANGE. LOST CONTROL RESULTING IN ALMOST CRASHING INTO A DIVIDE BARRIER. DRIVING REQUIRES MAINTAINING THE STEERING WHEEL IN STRONG GRIP AT ALL TIME AND A LOT OF EXPERIENCE TO AVOID LOSS OF CONTROL.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2020, crash
I WAS SOLD TO ME NEW I TOOK IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION IN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP AND THE TECH SLIPPED ME A NOTICE OF A ACCIDENT AND REPAIR COMPLETED AT 0-5 MILES OF ITS LIFE I PURCHASED AT ONLY 6 MILES THEY KEEP TELLING ME I'M LYING. INCIDENT DATE 9/1/19 REPAIR DATE 2/10/20 COMPLETED REPAIR 2/11/20 DATE I PURCHASED 2/12/20 I TOOK IT IN BECAUSE LKA KEEP MOVING THE WHEEL RIGHT LEFT OVER N OVER, OVER CORRECTING ITSELF I BELIEVE. VERY SCARY WHEN ON THE FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING DETAIL OF THIS REPAIR OR INCIDENT I WAS ONLY GIVEN THIS PAPER AFTER PURCHASE THEY DIDN'T DISCLOSE IT BEFORE PURCHASE. WHEN I LOOK UP THE VIN IT NEVER COMES UP WITH MY CARS MODEL EITHER
Steering, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 3, 2019, crash
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