Hyundai · Elantra · 2020
3
Recalls
225
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls and 225 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (68 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.7% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
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 !
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)
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
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.
My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood
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.
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)
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)
Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor.
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.
my engine started to make a horrible noise and the car won’t start anymore. Hyundai engines are known to burn oil and don’t light the low oil dash light until it is too late. Other Elantra trims have a recall for Hyundai to fix this yet mine does not.
Subject: Abnormal Engine Failure – Hyundai Case #[XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai Motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter (Case #[XXX]) but has refused to provide coverage, instead directing me to pay for towing and diagnostic costs. This position is unacceptable given Hyundai’s history of abnormal engine defects and related settlements. Key points: • The failure is abnormal and consistent with systemic defects Hyundai has faced in prior litigation, including the Theta II and Lambda II engine defect class actions, which resulted in recalls and settlements covering millions of vehicles. • Hyundai has previously extended goodwill repairs and recall coverage for similar failures, even outside warranty periods. • Engine failure at this mileage presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of stalling, fire, or loss of power while driving. • Hyundai’s refusal to cover towing and diagnostic costs places an unfair burden on consumers and may violate consumer protection statutes. Requested Action: I request that the agency investigate Hyundai’s handling of abnormal engine failures, ensure compliance with consumer protection and safety laws, and require Hyundai to provide coverage or reimbursement for towing, diagnostic, and repair costs in cases where engine failure is abnormal and unsafe. Supporting Documentation: • Certified demand letter sent to Hyundai Motor America. • Hyundai’s written denial (Case #[XXX], dated December 11, 2025). • Vehicle mileage and details of engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cruise control on 55mph, car has slowed down going straight no uphill or downhill and accelerator did not work nothing blocking the accelerator. Had to pull over to a shoulder to shut engine off and on to drive. Tapping cruise control up to speed up in regulated area such as from 55 to a 65mph zone.. cruise control speed lowered. Attempting to speed up with accelerator still only slowing down. 3 times this year I had to change spark plugs within a 6 month period Error code p0302. Replaced battery alongside. Continues p0302 code. Replaced all coils and spark plugs still p0302. Climbing uphill vehicle sometimes looses power that happened twice in 2025 and twice in 2022. 3 times in 2024. That i must turn on hazards and floor the accelerator to gain speed on up hills in neighborhoods going 25 mph. I have dropped to 10 mph. I get oil change regularly. Always when due. Every few months I make sure to get a full car inspection to make sure everything is in proper working order.
The vehicle is burning the engine oil. I get regular oil changes on time. I was told by the service center I had low oil at an oil change. It was changed and then again it a few months later I burned through the oil again. I checked it and there was very little oil. There is no leak. It is just burning it.
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!
2020 Elantra built in Alabama with 2.0L engine has P0016 code and severe oil sludge at 73K miles - identical to Recall 21V301 symptoms but excluded because manufactured in Alabama not Korea. This appears to be the same defect affecting a different production batch.
Engine blew up on the highway almost causing an accident. The car has had problems with rapid oil consumption since 20000 miles on the car. Always checked oil everyday and added oil when needed and regular oil changes every 3000 miles car was very well taken care of. No oil light or check engine light came on when the engine blew up.
I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. I recently learned that Hyundai issued a recall related to a defect that poses a risk of engine fires in certain vehicles. However, my vehicle, which has exhibited the same dangerous symptoms, was not included in this recall campaign. Specifically, my vehicle has experienced a critical error relating to a defect included in NHTSA Recall #21V-301, which I understand is directly related to the safety defect identified in Hyundai’s recall. Despite this, I have not received a recall notice, and Hyundai has declined to provide repair coverage under the recall. This raises serious concerns for my safety, the safety of my passengers, and the public. A defect that can cause an engine fire should not be limited to specific VIN ranges if the underlying issue is present in additional vehicles like mine. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure Hyundai expands the recall to include affected vehicles such as mine. If Hyundai continues to exclude vehicles with the same defect, I believe this could warrant further legal and consumer protection actions, including potential class action litigation. Please find my vehicle information below: 2020 Hyundai Elantra VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 51,000 Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent safety concern. I look forward to your response and am willing to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, or photographs as needed. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Assist safety feature failed to function as intended. The messages “Forward Collision Avoidance”, and “Lane Assist Camera Disabled” were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Assist Camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty was invalid. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 225 owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra are engine (68 reports), power train (25 reports), exterior lighting (19 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.