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.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 17, 2021
My car does not have forward collision warning or lane departure warning. But sometimes it will randomly pop up and the screen and cause my breaks to abruptly stop and almost crash.This has happened atleast 8 times and the car was bought brand new in 2020
Engine, Nov 8, 2021
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 not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rattling, hesitated to accelerate, and lost motive power. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer diagnosed that there was no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2021, crash
On June 30 2021 I was parking in front of a store in Oceanside Ca as I was pulling into the Parking space the engine started to race and the car would not stop I hit a Planter first and the wall of an hobby Nobby store I contact Hyundai American and reported and I asked them to check out the black box I received a letter back brim Hyundai American I they stated the would not (we have no reason to believe there USA product defect in the vehicle. It is a new vehicle with low mileage and there are no known issues with this model ‘s braking ) You can call me at[XXX] My Name is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Engine, Sep 23, 2021
2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PISTON RING OIL SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR.
Engine, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts however, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds when he depressed the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the dealer did not inform the contact of the result. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect
Engine, Sep 15, 2021
For several months, my leased vehicle will suddenly stall while driving or not start at all. This often leads to me suddenly stopping the vehicle in traffic. I am 5.5 months pregnant and cannot continue to operate this vehicle in this condition, as it is a risk to both my safety and the safety of my child. I have communicated my concerns about this several times to the dealership, with the only resolution offered to me being to pay to lease a new vehicle. The check engine light has continuously been lit, despite service appointments. I have only been advised that there is “no solution yet”.
Engine, Sep 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, she was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). However, the dealer also informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and a case was open. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
This is regarding recall number: 203 nhtsa:21v-301 My vehicle failed this recall inspection and has been with the hyundai dealer(Hyundai South Bay Torrance) for the past 2.5 weeks and I still have not heard anything regarding the remedy. The recall letter says that the engine would be replaced but the hyudai dealer said that the hyundai corporate office has not replied to them and it could take months to fix this. This is irrational as they have kept my vehicle and there is no guideline on when i will get it back.
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
Engine, Sep 8, 2021
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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 30, 2021
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 not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that prior to receiving the recall notification, the contact had heard abnormal banging noises while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was later made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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
Steering, Aug 27, 2021
Purchased used from Carvana. Steering pulls to right and left, unexpectedly and sporadically. Noticeable by both drivers, independently. Also, noticeable from passenger seat and not by driver alone. Suspected LOWER BALL JOINT issue which could result in sudden loss of control, crash, and death. IF this work was done, perhaps defective "repair"? Carvana advised this is a death trap (my words). Have been trying to return vehicle since MONDAY 8/23. Driving to the 'vending machine' to hand back over THEIR vehicle, uninvited yet announced, on 8/27 a.m. in Las Vegas. This issue occurs at low, medium, and highway speeds without any apparent cause, except perhaps dips and uneven road surfaces. Perhaps the mismatched set of front/back tires?
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.
Engine, Aug 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 400. Parts distribution disconnect. Consumer stated happens randomly while driving as well.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2021
TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED AFTER ON 40,000 MILES- STILL UNDER WARRANTY
Engine, Jul 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the oil level was low. The mechanic replaced the lifters and rocker arms. The vehicle was returned and soon after the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact received a call from the dealer about the repair and the contact was informed that the original defective parts were placed in the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tires, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the tire pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the tire pressure and the engine oil levels. The contact was informed that the levels were at the correct levels however, the TPMS warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective sensor. The dealer performed am electronic control module software update to attempt to fix the failure however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Lane departure, Jun 30, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle erroneously switched from smart mode to sport mode causing the vehicle to independently accelerated. Additionally, the lane departure system would erroneously activate. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle pulled to the right. The contact also stated that the exhaust pipe was rusted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 400. Consumer stated vehicle needs to brought in again, passenger seatbelt alarm goes off without anyone being in the vehicle. AC was leaking water and sensors keep changing automatically. In addition tire has been replaced after 3500 miles. Manufacture has been contacted several times and refused to buy the car back. Consumer has filed the complaint with the BBB.
Engine, Jun 29, 2021
There is a recall on my 2020 Hyundai Elantra that I was notified about on June 28th 2021. I called the dealership where I purchased my car and was told that since there is no remedy for the piston oil ring that there was nothing they could do until a remedy becomes available. My car has been hesitating when accelerating and that is one of the signs of my car affected by the piston oil ring. I was told that if I continue to drive the car I am taking a risk of damaging it further. According to the NHTSA website It says the remedy is to have the whole engine replaced and they are not going to fix the recall until a remedy becomes available on their end.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
Hyundai has failed to remedy the engine manufacturing defect for the past few years. Hyundai has not been able to remedy the engine defect in the 2.0 nu mpi engine in a timely manner. The Hyundai dealership, Tipton Hyundai sold me a dangerous, unsafe car with an engine manufacturing defect. The correct remedy for the engine 2.0 nu mpi defect is a buyback program issued by Hyundai.