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.
Exterior lighting, Nov 21, 2023
Daytime running lights faulty from manufacture. Had to replace headlights once already and now out again. Hyundai has made this headlight assembly non repairable and charges over 1k for a replacement.
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sluggish and hesitant while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.
Engine, Nov 2, 2023
My check engine light turns on and I’ve taken it to Hyundai to have it fixed and all they do is turn the light off and say it’s a sensor issue but it’s the fourth time the light has turned on I’m worried their is an issue with the pistons or the big e overheating. It’s also brutning a lot of oil that every 3-4K miles the oil drops to 75% full.
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.
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 .
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2023
No difference between high and low beems
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!
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle made a beeping sound. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. Additionally, the contact was informed that the drain plug had separated from the oil pan. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage 45,569.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
Transmission studders and looses acceleration while driving
Service brakes, Jul 12, 2023
NORMAL DRIVING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN AND STOP AND VERY FORTUNATE TO STOP AT ALL, NOW HAS HAPPENED TWICE. (WHAT TO DO?) SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE!
Visibility/wiper, Jul 3, 2023
leak without windshield
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.
Structure, Jun 12, 2023
Driving on a road trip, 2.5 hours in. All doors were locked. Drove over a road change from tunnel to bridge, small bump, and dashboard started beeping and flashing that a door opened. Driver side back door (where my child was sitting) opened, air was rushing in. We had to brake ( on a highway bridge to pull over) and unlock door to get it to close again. The door popped open while still locked. Called Hyundai and they said bring it in, but we probably didn't shut it. It was absolutely shut and locked.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PDF FILES
Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2023
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
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.
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
While driving home from my family’s house in the next town over. My car decided to have transmission issues I have had the car car for 3 years so far with now issues until two days ago when I heard a loud pop and my car stopped accelerating. Tried to put it manual mode and I watched the gears shift from 1st to 8th gear in seconds then get stuck in fifth the the check engine light came on. And I was stuck on the interstate for almost 8 hours while I tried to get it to move. The car turned over just fine and revved but no movement like it was stuck in neutral
Power train, Apr 17, 2023
I bought the car from the dealer when the car had a total of 12,000 miles on it the transmission would lunge the car forward at speeds around 70 mph. It made driving the car unsafe on the highway as I couldn't tell if it was going to lunge forward and hit the car in front of me, and I got it to the dealer. It was under warranty and the dealership tested it and said it needed to be replaced. When I got to 18,000 miles the new transmission had a similar incident and the dealership tested again and said this new transmission needed to be replaced completely. It is still under warranty and they will replace it in 3 weeks. I am going to be on the third transmission with a car under 20,000 miles. The transmission was only inspected by the dealership, and they told me that they do not know what was wrong they just pulled out the bad one and put in another, they did not take it apart to figure out what the problem was on the first one that needed to be replaced. I still have the car and can be inspected before I drop it off at the dealership May 6th. There were no warning messages on the dashboard or any other problems with the car. Information below is on the first incident, the second incident started around February of 2023.
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact also stated that on various occasions, the gear shifter seized between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sought legal advice from the States Attorney General Office and was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
The engine is ticking as well as vibrating. Looked on the website to see if there were any recalls for this which every year other than the 2020 was having this issue - spoke with a diagnostic shop and they said have had newer models with the same situation and was able to turn over to Hyundai - which they replaced with no charge to the owner. It happens when it idles as well as when I am on the interstate.
Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2023
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
Engine, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure, but an appointment was unavailable. The contact stated that the Lease on the vehicle ended on January 31, 2023, and the vehicle was returned to the local dealer. The dealer called and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.