Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

3 recalls and 263 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

3recalls
263complaints
21crashes reported
6fires reported
16injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine115 · 44%
  • Power Train49 · 19%
  • Exterior Lighting28 · 11%
  • Unknown Or Other27 · 10%
  • Electrical System27 · 10%
  • Steering19 · 7%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance14 · 5%
  • Vehicle Speed Control14 · 5%
  • Service Brakes13 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System9 · 3%

What owners report

Power Train

I am reporting a serious transmission problem with my 2020 hyundai elantra, which has approximately 66,000 miles i purchased this vehicle from a private seller approximately two months ago. at the time of purchase, the vehicle drove great, and i noticed no mechanical issues or unusual noises. after only two months of ownership, i began hearing a grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the noise has prog

Engine

The car went into 'limp mode' after rpm fluxuation. it's in the shop. blake, a service manager at temecula hyundai, tells me it has "piston slap," which ai says is related to a piston ring recall for this car. blake went on to say it has 2 power train issues (and needs a catalytic converter). nhtsa shows no recall, but whether engine or transmission, my daughter was nearly rear-ended due to this mechanical failure o

Unknown Or Other,Engine

2020 hyundai elantra, vin [xxx], ~79,239 mi. on or about [xxx], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, i pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. it would not move in reverse. all dashboard lights came on only after the stall. i restarted it; the lights cleared. it was towed to westlake hyundai, 3610 thousand oaks blvd, thousand oaks, ca 91362; checked in sep 29, 2

Engine

Back in early july, i noticed a ticking sound coming from my engine so when i took it in to a hyundai dealership, they told me the only way i could pursue any help further was by completing a oil consumption test, which i complied and paid for out-of-pocket very soon after within 48 hours my check engine light came on and was flashing. after pulling the code at an autozone which i have documentation of it was a p 132

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering ELANTRA, ELANTRA GT. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.