2020 Hyundai Elantra problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 254.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Engine
Power train
Exterior lighting
Safety recalls (3)
Recalls that cover the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Engine
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Suspension › front › control arm › lower ball joint
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Wheels › lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
109 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 5,000 and 73,000 miles.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
47 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 3,450 and 34,058 miles.
Do all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work? Any headlight replacements or moisture inside the lenses?
28 owner complaints mention the exterior lights.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
27 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 11,000 and 87,000 miles.
Any steering noises, pulling, stiffness, or loss of power assist? Turn lock to lock while parked and listen.
20 owner complaints mention the steering, half of the reports with mileage are between 2,050 and 9,600 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year.
Other Hyundai Elantra years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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