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 PER YEAR
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 | 251 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1310 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 764 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 247 |
| 2020 | 247 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 99 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: engine — 102 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20240526
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, 20260809
"I was not notified of Campaign 974 and later experienced engine problems/failure. I am requesting review of whether the campaign was completed and whether the failure is related to the condition the campaign was intended to detect.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260728
19% of complaints: power train — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.
FIREShow 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, 20240821
11% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly.
FIRE8% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20191203
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V720000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V721000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V301000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (102 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V720000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V721000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V301000 (engine) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.