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: other or unspecified
25 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2026, crash
2020 HYUNDAI [XXX], VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On XXX I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park the engine suddenly revved up excessively. The vehicle then accelerated forward on its own and crashed into a building. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, May 25, 2026
This complaint documents a recurring automatic transmission failure resulting in three complete vehicle shutdowns during active operation — two at highway speed and one in an active turning lane. The most recent failure occurred within 15 minutes of the vehicle being released from an authorized Hyundai dealership in College Park, Maryland, whose general manager admitted in a recorded call that the vehicle was released knowing the transmission was unrepaired and unsafe. The first failure occurred in 2025 on a highway with no prior warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where the transmission was confirmed defective and repaired under warranty. The second failure occurred in January 2026, again on a highway with no warning. The dealership held the vehicle from January through May 2026 — four months — with no updates despite multiple owner inquiries. In April 2026 the dealership confirmed the transmission had failed again and was seeking Hyundai corporate authorization for the warranty repair. On May 21, 2026 I was told the vehicle was ready and the transmission had been fully repaired under warranty. This was false. On [XXX], within 15 minutes of leaving the dealership, the transmission failed a third time, completely shutting the vehicle down in an active turning lane with no warning. The general manager at Hyundai College Park later admitted in a recorded call that the transmission was never repaired and the vehicle was released only to recover the dealership's rental car, with full knowledge it was unsafe. All three failures were confirmed by the authorized dealer. Component is available for inspection. NHTSA investigation and recall consideration requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2026
I took my car to McDonough Hyundai to get a transmission flush. 22 hrs later, the transmission died while my daughter was driving it. We had it towed back to the dealership and were told that they would not repair or replace the transmission they destroyed. I found out that my car is covered under Service Campaign 963 for the IVT transmission and they still won't fix my car and have been holding it hostage for about six months now. I've even lodged complaints with Hyundai Corporate and the BBB AND the GA Attorney General's office and either recieve no answer or they are running me around in circles. I just want them to fix my car and give it back to me!
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2025
Bought with 63000. Miles, have driven 40000 miles. Engine seized. Will not Start. Told by mechanic that engine is dead and happens frequently with this car. What are my options?. ALL UPKEEPS PERFORMED. NO WARNING.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2025
The backup camera no longer works. The screen remains blank or turns blue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2025
My name is [XXX] , and I am the owner of a 2020 Hyundai Elantra SE with approximately 93,000 miles (VIN: [XXX] ). I am writing to express my concern regarding the safety and security of my vehicle, particularly due to the increasing reports of thefts involving similar Hyundai models. As a student, my vehicle is essential for my daily commute and responsibilities. The ongoing theft issues have made me feel very anxious, and I am unsure of the steps I should take to ensure the safety of my car. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or support from Hyundai on how I can improve the security of my vehicle. Please let me know if there are any available updates, recalls, or security measures that I can take advantage of. Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you. [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 6, 2025
Every time I go up a hill the slippery road light comes up. It’s hard to drive straight. I have to drive under the speed limit going up hills. Sometimes it won’t even let me park. I hear rattling when I drive over a certain speed limit. When I brake I feel the brake pad pushing back. And now my wheels are making noise when I turn them.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2024
Backup camera flickering
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2023
On Aug 30, 2023 I went to a Germain Hyundai for the usual maintenance of my Hyundai Elantra 2020 where they checked the condition of the belts and it passed. Fast forward Oct 1, 2023 the timing belt snapped and I had it serviced at Hyundai Great Lakes Dublin. I aired out my concern that it is too early for that belt to break since my mileage is only at approximately 25000, while their manual even says that the usual replacement /maintenance for the timing belt. So I urged them to check what caused it to break. Oct 15, 2023 I was driving off of freeway and we suddenly heard the belt snapped again and the car started to slow down on its own. It was a crazy experience as we were in the middle lane and we could no longer control the speed of the car. The Hyundai service center did not take this matter seriously and only recommended that the belts be replaced again. Essentially, I am in so much concern of my safety now given the situation that even the service center did not take time to figure out what is causing the belt to break and not being able to identify that puts me in a traumatic and unsafe situation of driving this vehicle , knowing it could break anytime.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2023
I’ve had my car for about 5/6 months and it’s been broken into twice and was recently stolen. I haven’t been notified from Hyundai dealership about any recalls. Recently I called Ray Skillman where I purchased the car and a man said that there was a recall on my car a few days after I purchased the vehicle. I haven’t received any letters or notification about this from Hyundai and if they did it could’ve prevented me dealing with my car being broken into,damaged,and now stolen .
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2023
Hyundai updated my car with the “anti-thief” software a few months ago. It clearly did nothing because my car was still stolen. They need to install immobilizers for free to really try to fix the problem!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PDF FILES
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2023
This vehicle has been having engine problems since January 2 023 the engine light is on the car stops running completely while driving. A great danger to me. I have taken it 5 times to the service center at Dealer in Rick Case in Plantation they have kept it for several weeks the last was returned to me on March 23. 2023 I was told it was fixed on April 22 2023 the engine light went back on the same problem the car keeps stopping I took it in, they did not even look at it. I was told that until June 14 they will not see or diagnose it. I have contacted consumer affairs with no resolution. I wish to file a lemon law on this dealer since obviously it is defective beyond repair. please advise as how to take this action. I need a new reliable car. Thank You.
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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021, crash, fire
Car stalled while driving on highway… causing the car to crash. The air bags deployed and me out! The car burst into flames and I was rescued by another motorist
Seats, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 27, 2021, crash, fire
Car emitted carbon monoxide into car cabin, causing driver to lose consciousness and crash on highway and burst into flames
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2021, crash
I rented a 2020 Hyundai Elantra from Pittsburgh PA to Rockville MD. It was raining. Because the steering wheel was sensitive compared to other cars I had driven, I turned on the car's Lane Keeping Assistance, which tightened the steering wheel a bit and made an alarm sound and steered back by itself when the car got close to a lane line. I drove under the speed limit and exercised all caution necessary on a raining day. On highway 70 East close to Hagerstown MD, I noticed the car deviate towards the left on a curve. Lane Keeping Assist did not alarm. To prevent it from hitting the left divider, I tried to steer back to the right but the steering wheel was locked up. I pressed the brake pedal, but the car did not slow down. The car suddenly slid to the far right, left the highway pavement, rolled over on the lawn. All of the front and side airbags on the driver’s seat and co-driver’s seat popped out. Smoke was everywhere. I got bruises on my knees and legs, and cuts in left hand and arm. The mileage was 43316 according to the rental company after the incident. I purchased the damage waiver so the rental company did not charge me or provide a report. Consumer stated she would like to withdrawal the complaint.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2021
Ours and other vehicles were broken into with intent to steal in our neighborhood last night. Side passenger window smashed and steering column torn apart. Due to poor design of our vehicle, we are a flag to theft. We are now out an important vehicle for family and home, along with money to repair and stress.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2021
TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED AFTER ON 40,000 MILES- STILL UNDER WARRANTY
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY RPM STARTED JUMPING WHILE I WAS KEEPING A CONSTANT SPEED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER MY RPM JUMPED AND I WAS ALMOST RED LINING. I SLOWED DOWN TO 35 MPH AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WOULDNT GO PASS 30 WITHOUT REVING INCREDIBLY HIGH. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. MY MILEAGE WAS AT 4500.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2020, crash
AT APPROXIMATELY 16,000 ' 17,000 MILES THE CAR STARTED HAVING TECHNICAL AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THERE SEEMED TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE REGULAR HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM SETTING. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR, THE GLOVE BOX LIGHT, THE OVERHEAD READING LIGHT, AND THE CHARGING PORT FOR CAR ADAPTERS ALL STOPPED WORKING. SHORTLY AFTER THOSE THINGS WENT OUT IN THE VEHICLE, WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT. WE WERE DRIVING FROM MISSOURI TO CALIFORNIA AND WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY THROUGH KANSAS, THE CAR UNEXPLAINABLY JOLTED TO THE LEFT INTO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION LANE OF TRAVEL. I WAS GOING AROUND 65 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT SEEMED THE CAR THEN ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITH THE RPMS GOING TO THE RED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AFTER THE CAR HAD JERKED OVER. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS COMING RIGHT AT US. I WAS TRYING TO GET THE CAR TO GO ANY DIRECTION BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. SO WE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE 2 OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR DID NOT MAKE IT, I WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR. THESE CARS HAVE ELECTRIC STEERING. THE CAR WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE TYPE OF STEERING IT HAD. I AM WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD ANY OF THE SAME EXPERIENCES/PROBLEMS?*DT*DT*JB*DT*JB*JB*JB
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, 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