NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
leak without windshield
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.
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.
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
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.
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
Transmission failed - car disabled at 85mph
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The contact's mother owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was informed that the vehicle occasionally stalled without warning and would be immediately restarted to continue driving. Additionally, the vehicle would hesitate before slowly accelerating. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle at start-up, with a constant ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There were signs of an oil leak, and the oil needed to be changed more frequently. While changing the oil, the owner noticed smoke coming from inside the oil pan. The traction control warning light and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module and piston rings in the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000.
The forward collision or emergency braking system gets activated by direct sunlight. Almost every day I drive with the sun directly in front of me in the morning and the car can activate this system with no need when going 30 to 75 mph on the 405, an extremely busy highway. There have been many almost rear ends if I wasn't able to accelerate through the braking. This is a weekly if almost daily occurrence. The independent auto shop said it can happen but they have replaced break pads twice and I'm only at 60,000 miles.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PDF FILES
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.
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.
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 ,
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.
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.
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.
High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
My vehicle was stolen, due to known design flaws of Hyundai/Kia.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.