VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Elantra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 324 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Elantra year — the 2020 model ranks #14 of 37 Elantra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 103 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

324

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

22

Injuries

2

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Elantra years?

Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted1,858 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 39 complaints1994: 110 complaints1995: 179 complaints1996: 138 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 75 complaints1999: 183 complaints2000: 259 complaints2001: 445 complaints2002: 431 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 209 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 209 complaints2007: 365 complaints2008: 424 complaints2009: 316 complaints2010: 501 complaints2011: 588 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 1,858 complaints2014: 548 complaints2015: 352 complaints2016: 387 complaints2017: 1,070 complaints2018: 397 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 324 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 135 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10332%
Transmission4514%
Lighting278%
Electrical System258%
Other237%
Driver Assistance196%
Steering196%
Brakes144%
Speed Control134%
Fuel System103%
Tires & Wheels72%
Body & Structure72%
Airbags52%
Suspension31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V301000EngineApril 28, 2021 · 158,493 units

Defect

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.

19V720000Tires & WheelsOctober 9, 2019 · 48 units

Defect

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.

19V721000SuspensionOctober 9, 2019 · 744 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 8, 2025 · fire

“Everytime when I driving around 20 minutes The transmission start failed on the first gear...every time when I stop at the traffic light and then go forward car loose the power in the first gear even sport mode or smart mode or normal mode he do that.... that's to dangerous cause if I have to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 20, 2021

“A fire started in the passenger headlight assembly. The car had only been running for about 7 minutes directly prior to the fire being noticed. At the time of the fire it was parked & turned off. No injuries. It burned thru/melted part of the bumper & damaged something with the windshield washer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 8, 2024 · fire

“A fire started in the passenger headlight assembly. The car had only been running for about 7 minutes directly prior to the fire being noticed. At the time of the fire it was parked & turned off. No injuries. It burned thru/melted part of the bumper & damaged something with the windshield washer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 8, 2024 · 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 ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 2, 2021 · crash · fire

2020 Hyundai Elantra — common questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 324 complaints put the 2020 model at #14 of 37 Elantra years. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Elantra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (103 complaints), transmission (45 complaints), lighting (27 complaints).

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.