VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 103 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 32% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

103

Engine complaints

32%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Elantra engine complaints by model year289 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 8 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 25 complaints1996: 23 complaints1997: 28 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 28 complaints2000: 54 complaints2001: 24 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 22 complaints2004: 16 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 18 complaints2008: 41 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 20 complaints2011: 97 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 236 complaints2014: 163 complaints2015: 92 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 289 complaints2018: 139 complaints2019: 126 complaints2020: 103 complaints2021: 16 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 17 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 2 complaints
Elantra engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?

NHTSA has 103 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra engine — 32% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 21V301000.

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.