2020 Hyundai Elantra
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 252
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 252 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 253 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 433 |
| 2012 | 652 |
| 2013 | 1,312 |
| 2014 | 384 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 283 |
| 2019 | 250 |
| 2020 | 252 |
| 2021 | 131 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
42% · 107 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2020 HYUNDAI [XXX], VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On XXX I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park the engine suddenly revved up excessively.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09
Also filed under Electrical system
On [XXX} 2023, [XXX]. I was driving to work which is only 5 miles away. All my my dash lights came on. Next thing I know smoke, and fire started billowing out from under the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-26
At 105,000 MI. My car stalled out and the engine stopped. It needs a new cam shaft, timing chain set, cam phaser and timing cover. We also had to replace the Variable valve timing solenoids as the metal melted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-09
Power train
19% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Exterior lighting
11% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-21
Electrical system
11% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing starter assembly.
Steering
8% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When I pulled out of my drive way at about 5 MPH and began increasing speed (10-15 MPH), I felt like my front tires may have needed air.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-03
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2019-11-15Wheels19V720000 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: 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.
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R
2019-11-20Suspension19V721000 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: 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.
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R
2021-08-24Engine21V301000 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: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 107 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V720000 · Wheels
- Recall 19V721000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V301000 · Engine
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.