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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 13, 2023
This vehicle has what is now known as "Phantom Braking" since day of delivery over two years ago and was reported to NHTSA previously by me and Hyundai which has not or will not try to correct this Safety Hazard. Last incident this occurred on 3/11/2023 for at least the 6th time. This has happened with vehicles behind me which have come close to hitting me.
Power train, Feb 23, 2023
Loud knocking noise coming from engine. Car unable to be driven. No recall for my particular make and model per Hyundai dealer. Extra consumption of oil and loss of power during acceleration. No warning lights or other messages. 79, 500 miles. Problem inspected by certified auto mechanic.
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
The vehicle was purchased Nov 2023 with 60,000 mile on it. in december or early january the check engine light comes on. take the vehicle to auto zone to get the codes read where it stated TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE so we took it to the hyundai dealership and they said they were booked up for the next month or so,called around to there shops were booked as well so vehicle wasnt serviced. on feb 3,2023 the car stalled and shut off than wouldnt start back up. i contacted enterprise dealer and informed him the situation, he had me call the warrenty company. they towed the car to the shop and they informed me it was the starter and transmission.had to pay out of pocket for a rental than when i asked could we trade it in because the car add to many issues to be a brand new car,enterprise said they advise we keep the car for a year so basically stuck with a car they already had issuses and a car payment and the car still in the shop.
Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2023
High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting.
Structure, Feb 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the cabin air filter replacement, she was informed that there were rodent feces, leaves, and grains inside the cabin filter. The contact was informed that the debris was also present in the blower motor, which caused the blower motor to make abnormal grinding sounds when engaging the heating system. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was caused by rodents. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a strong feces odor coming from the vents. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring, causing the cabin filter to be replaced approximately once a week. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 1, 2022
The car has issues with starting, and accelerating. Dealerships have zero availability for weeks out to provide any sort of diagnostics, and are unable to assist with this issue. The following email was sent to Hyundai Customer Service: I am currently leasing a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. In July of this year, the car suddenly had trouble accelerating. Being due for an oil change, and wanting to get the engine codes read, I contacted my local Hyundai dealership, and they had no availability for weeks. I used a local service station to have the codes read/get the oil change, and the car continued to have difficulty (I am attaching the BlueLink reports on said codes). I was finally able to bring it in to the local dealer who cleared the codes, and said they were the result of "not having enough oil." The car drove well until 11/27, when the car started to sputter, not allowing it to accelerate properly, and with multiple error messages, including a flashing engine light. After contact my local dealer who I first used in July, they said "it is probably low oil like last time, these cars are known to burn oil quickly." I again brought it to my local service station for the oil change, and for a NYS inspection. As my car is under 15k miles, and up-to-date with oil changes, I would imagine it would pass said inspection. It did not.
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate violently. The contact noticed a burning smell from the vents. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 29,775. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
While Driving A Notification Pop Up Saying The Engine Was Running Hot , When I Tried To Take It To Hyundai The Engine When Out While I Was In The Free Way My Friends Dad Had To Call A Tow Company To Tow It Home Because Hyundai Was Closed By The Time The Tow Truck Came Also The Oil Light Was On As Well ,
Vehicle speed control, Sep 12, 2022
When cruise control is activated the rpm increases 700 to 1000 rpm regardless of the speed
Engine, Aug 30, 2022
Since the onset of leasing this 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the check engine light appeared intermittently. I reported this to the dealer on Route 4 in Paramus, New Jersey. They advised me that they ran scans to determine what the problem was. On one occasion they stated a censor needed replacing, and later told me that was done. Thereafter, on Friday, August 26, 2022, I was positioned to bring the car in again because the check engine light remained on, and additionally, another dash light came on causing a loss of power and the car to stall. The dealership told me they ran another scan and found metal shavings in the engine, and the engine would need to be replaced.
Power train, Engine, Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle and felt the vehicle shaking. The contact then stated that he attempted to start the vehicle again when the engine revved and misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2, engine, and powertrain control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. Additionally, the ECU and TCU needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle because the recalls were originated from Puerto Rico. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall could not be honored and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 31, 2022
Approximetly 8 months after purchase car stalled while sitting at RR tracks and traffic light. Replaced battery after stranded due to dead battery. After putting twenty dollars of gas car engine sputtered very loud as if it was running out of fuel this continues to occur. At departure engine stalls restarts and stalls repeats hyndai unavailable for at least 30 days and would not provide loaner or alternative for car with under 60k miles disabled. Enterprise car sales would not assist in trade or repair. Engine light appears then disappears. Headlights feature stopped working it is manual operation only. Collision warning activated on an empty roadway. Tire light illuminated Replaced 1 of 4 older mismatched tires. Car is unsafe due to early occurances of electrical, mechanical, engine and computer fail without warning. Enterprise car sales will not take car as trade in, Hyndai service appointments booked 30 to 45 day waiting period with no alternative repair or loaner car I have been affected financially and loan is defaulted since I am unable to work. Excessive time spent trying to trade in car, find repair facility, roadside. Car towed due to stalled unable to drive unsure about using car with no warning disabling issues.
Seat belts, May 27, 2022
Since I have bought my Elantra, I have had problems with the seatbelt alarm going off, when nobody or, maybe just a purse or wallet in the seat on occasions. Either way I shouldn't have to utilize passenger seatbelt to keep from beeping; when there is no passenger riding at the time of warning beeps.
Engine, May 6, 2022
2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED, AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE THEN LURCH FORWARD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,089. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BRAKING WITH THE LEFT FOOT WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONSUMER DISAGREED THIS WAS THE CAUSE, SINCE THE CONSUMER HAS ALWAYS DRIVEN THIS WAY IN OTHER VEHICLES.
Service brakes, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes. The failure had been experienced on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.
Power train, Mar 25, 2022
2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED AT 2,200 MILES. THE CONSUMER ALO STATED, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE RPMS RISE ABOUT 500 RPMS WHILE MAINTAINING A STEADY SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine malfunctioned, then failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I decelerated from 65 mph to exit a freeway. At the end of an offramp, I slowed to a stop sign where the vehicle malfunctioned. It jerked, violently, forward as I attempted to accelerate endangering pedestrians crossing the intersection at the stop sign, other drivers on the offramp, and myself. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? To date, 3/8/2022, the Hyundai dealership has not performed any diagnostic testing or repairs on the vehicle since receipt of the vehicle on 2/18/2022. Hyundai Motor America has also refused to acknowledge that NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000 (4/28/2021) is associated to the vehicle. To date, I have made three (3), separate, follow-up attempts to communicate with an assigned case manager. The assigned case manager was unresponsive. After that, I made three (3), separate, case manager escalated supervisor requests. The case manager supervisor was unresponsive. My most recent request has been an initial Hyundai management team request (3/7/2022) …I am waiting for a response but am not hopeful that anyone will respond. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle remains at a Hyundai dealership. I received a text message that read, “the technician has had the vehicle, it has been starting and driving normally.” In my opinion, the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I cannot, in good conscience, operate the vehicle until it is safe to drive. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A check engine light presented just before engine failure. The engine did not start after it failed. Remedy for the mechanical concerns is not yet available." The dealership remains silent on the cause of the Malfunction Indicator Light and Hyundai Motor America is now suggesting consumer take the car to another dealership for a second opinion.
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.
Suspension, Jan 31, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 – 25 MPH uphill and going around a corner, the contact heard a snap and the traction control immediately activated. The contact then lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unsure if the she had encountered a patch of ice on the roadway. The contact stated that she turned the steering wheel to the left to avoid hitting a sign pole with the driver’s side of the vehicle; however, the passenger’s side front bumper and wheel well area crashed into a telephone pole. She then heard a snap in her left arm right before she lost consciousness. The contact stated that the air bags had not deploy and she was thankful that they had not deployed. The contact stated that she was not immediately aware that she had fractured the bone in her left arm. The contact regained consciousness and drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact received no medical assistance at the crash scene but sought medical attention from the hospital the following day. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was then taken to an auto body shop to be inspected. The contact was informed that the lower control arm ball joint was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2022
The power train system:P001 intake camshaft position timing - over advanced bank 1. My car was in good working condition no lights were on in my car up until January 16, 2022, I went to get gas on a regular morning routine before going to work when I turned my car back on after getting gas and I began to pull into traffic and my car stalled and the engine oil pressure light and battery charge warning light came on. My safety could have turned out bad but grace of God my car allowed me to turn it back on and go to the closest location to me and that was auto zone. I got the car towed from there to a hyundai dealer (Preston Hyundai in hurlock, md) is where the car is currently being looked at.
Engine, Dec 28, 2021
Checked VIN for open recall and that number doesn't come up. My engine had to be replaced under factory warranty. The issue was the exact same as a current recall. I am concerned that Hyundai is not expanding the recall in an effort to downplay the issue. 2020 Elantra, 2.0 liter engine, stalling while driving. The tech found the piston rings were bad. I hope this will help others and Hyundai will be held accountable.
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).
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 29, 2021
My vehicle was stolen, due to known design flaws of Hyundai/Kia.
Engine, Nov 18, 2021, crash
At least 5 or 6 times, I have experienced sudden uncommanded acceleration with my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. One time my car hit a tree. These have been terrifying incidents. It usually happens when I am slowing down or braking.