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
251 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly turned off while driving 25 MPH on a local road. The engine symbol was displayed. Additionally, the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the battery was replaced three times. Additionally, the computer was replaced, and the contact was informed that the powertrain system had failed. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no extended warranty on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the financial institution and the dealer who sold the vehicle about the warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Apr 16, 2026
The check engine light came on at 101000 miles. I took it to the shop and the mechanic said there was no oil on the dipstick and he put in oil and said we need a new engine because it is knocking. We have noticed the vehicle has a rough idle now.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2026
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
Engine, Apr 6, 2026
Said it needed a map sensor. I replaced it and it started acting g crazy. Dying at stop lights making weird noises. I finally threw cod P0011 so I bought the oil control valve before it arrived ny car died. It skipped 5 or 6 teeth. 3,900 left to pay on it. Im a single mom and need my car to provide [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 2, 2026, crash
I no longer have this vehicle, as I traded it in once I was able to lower some of my negative equity. During owning the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, a deer it the side of my vehicle and knocked me into the center of the road while I was driving. No airbags had come out, nor was any sensor activated. About 6-8 months later, I was driving down the same road and a deer had run across the road. The forward collision sensor did not alert me (I was paying attention to the road, but would have absolutely heard it), and my airbags did not deploy. My car suffered over $9,000 in damage and I had a concussion.
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)
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a low rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. Upon checking the oil, the contact found the oil level was low and added approximately two quarts of oil. The contact stated that 2-quarts of oil were added monthly because the oil level and consistently low. However, there were no signs of an oil leak while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, during a routine oil change, the contact was informed that an oil gasket might need to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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
Electrical system, Mar 15, 2026
Headlight high beam do not work after 2 years. Regular lights work but when turning on the high beam the sign comes on but the high beam does not come on
Engine, Mar 13, 2026
burning/ oil/gas in oil/stalling/engine light on...open recall of other models of same car not includin tghis one.seems to be same issue.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 7, 2026
The headlights failed their soldered incorrectly. It looks like a child did it. The back camera has yet to work since shows black screen, and then the lane Assistant shuts off in the middle of the road and there’s nothing blocking it. lights went out and kept going out no matter how many times I replaced the bulb when I was on the highway. I took it into Firestone and they stated that the company fucked up the wiring system.
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!
Engine, Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston oil rings failure, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had refused to honor the recall repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 14, 2026
My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood
Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2026
The manufacturer's Executive Case Management has ceased communication after verifying a total headlight failure. Despite providing evidence that the vehicle is grounded 150+ miles from home during a snowstorm, Hyundai is refusing to authorize the remedy outlined in TSB 20-BE-004H. This non-responsiveness to a verified safety hazard (Invoice #XXX) is actively endangering the driver and the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2026
The headlights still cannot be used on high beam as the lights strobe when used. This was complaint was previously submitted with the same Vin#. This is dangerous for driver and others, including oncoming traffic. The local Hyundai dealer said it is would be $200+ for them to diagnostic and if they fixed it, the diagnostic fee would be credited toward the repair. How can this not be coved under a recall when it is clearly a safety issue and many mentions on line with others having the same problem? The vin.# says there are no open recalls. How can I get this covered on my car that is the same model and year as others with the same problem. I see a couple service bulletin's and would like to know if any apply. Please respond with any help or suggestions on this matter as I need help from the NHTSA to get Hyundai to fix it. I am happy to send a video for proof. I look forward to your reply. Thank you very much!
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2026
The vehicle suffered a total, simultaneous failure of both low-beam and high-beam headlights due to a known manufacturer defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets. This matches the failure pattern described in Hyundai TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). On January 22, 2026, Robert Woodall Hyundai (Danville, VA) inspected the vehicle and confirmed on Invoice #[XXX] that "BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE INOP". Despite this verification and the presence of technical bulletins for the ADa model line, the dealer refused the repair and refused to submit a Goodwill Authorization request as mandated on Page 2, Note 2 of the TSB. The Service Manager (Alan Pyles) claimed in an email that the TSB had "expired," despite the defect being active and documented in more recent campaigns. Releasing a vehicle with documented inoperative headlights creates an immediate safety risk for nighttime operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Jan 21, 2026
Vehicle has ongoing issues with headlights prior to purchasing, they claim to have repaired & satisfied recall, however, they replaced headlights with the same faulty part the replacement lights are the same, with same issues, no high beams they have a steel rod operating a plastic gear that operates a shutter to dim & operates high beam. The problem is with the heat of halogens the rod gets hot and melts the gear connection rendering the shutter inoperable so as it is , we get a year and a half out of them then they are junk. Dealer cost is 900 dollars each just for 1 light. If dealership installs 2000 dollars. The issue is, they didn't reengineer the unit! Just keep selling faulty parts! There is no way we should have to go through this every year and a half. So we're going around with no high beams ( I'm including all owners) many complaints. Foremost, it's an obvious safety concern! I've been to Bergstrom Hyundai 3 times called corporate HQ no results. In addition, the bulbs constantly burn out. I may get 4 months out of them before replacement is needed 40 dollars each suggesting a electric current surge issue idk for sure. In closing, the manufacturer must redesign the units. They should last the lifetime of the vehicle ( not the bulbs obviously). The high beam operation system. They need a push to motivate them to correct safety concern thank you!
Engine, Jan 20, 2026
This vehicle’s engine failed on 10/25/21. This was 2 months after it was purchased. When we tried to have a Hyundai dealership diagnose the car, they said it would be an extended amount of time before the could look at it. When they finally did, they said it was not eligible for the warranty or recall relief. I reached out to the Hyundai corporate office and received no assistance. They tried to say it was due to no drain plug. It was recommended that we take it to another dealership who said the same thing. We ended up paying out of pocket to replace the engine. The mechanic who replaced the engine said there was no oil splatter under the car that would indicate an oil leak. Now on 1/15/26, the 2nd engine has now failed for apparently the same recall. For either engine there was never any warning of low oil or any evidence under the car of a leak.
Structure, Jan 11, 2026
Paint is peeling off vehicle.
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
Engine is stalling and consuming oil at a higher then normal rate. Knock sensor is having issues at 24k miles both part of recall campaign 974 and recall 203. Took the auto to dealer for service and was told Hyundai would not honor the recall due to a branded title which now puts me in a scenario of possibly engine stall in the middle of highway traffic.
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.
Engine, Dec 30, 2025
Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor.
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2025
The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with this car and to check for a recall because they have had others that had the same issued recalled. My VIN does not show a recall. This issue can also ONLY be corrected by Hyundai. The places that I have taken it to said there is a special tool they have to use to even get to this component. I noticed this starting a few months ago and still has not corrected. I have not been able to use my high beams since Aug/Sept.