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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 251

Of the 2020 reports, 21 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernEngine106 reports · 42% of complaints
Owner complaints251Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship3 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine106
  2. Power train47
  3. Exterior lighting28
  4. Electrical system27
  5. Other or unspecified25
  6. Steering20
  7. Forward collision avoidance14
  8. Service brakes14

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

251 reports, newest first.

  1. Forward collision avoidance, Sep 25, 2019, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FAILED TO WARN OF AN ICE BUCKET IN THE ROADWAY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID THE ICE BUCKET, THE CONTACT STRUCK THE ICE BUCKET WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE BODY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ATLANTIC HYUNDAI (193 SUNRISE HWY NORTH SERVICE RD, WEST ISLIP, NY 11795, (631) 587-0700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FUNCTIONED AS INTENDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR*JB *DT *DL