CarModelProblems.com

2020 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
240Complaints
3Recalls
20Crashes
6Fires
15Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (41.7% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine100 · 41.7%RecalledRecall 21V301000
Power Train43 · 17.9%not available
Exterior Lighting26 · 10.8%not available
Electrical System24 · 10%not available
Steering19 · 7.9%not available
Service Brakes13 · 5.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE100 · 41.7%
POWER TRAIN43 · 17.9%
Unspecified / other23 · 9.6%
STEERING19 · 7.9%
SERVICE BRAKES13 · 5.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10 · 4.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9 · 3.8%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS8 · 3.3%

Percentages are the share of the 240 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 2021 · reported 04/28/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA campaign 19V720000 · 2019 · reported 10/09/2019

A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

NHTSA campaign 19V721000 · 2019 · reported 10/09/2019

A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“The contact's wife owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated…”NHTSA complaint 11540570 — filed 08/24/2023 · ENGINE
“When I start off I give my car gas but it does not want to speed up. The rpm drops to 2 and does not…”NHTSA complaint 11526419 — filed 06/11/2023 · ENGINE
“The engine is ticking as well as vibrating. Looked on the website to see if there were any recalls for this which every year other…”NHTSA complaint 11515192 — filed 04/03/2023 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

72019382020612021222022422023542024512025522026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 100 of 240 NHTSA complaints (41.7%), followed by power train (43), exterior lighting (26), electrical system (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?

240 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 20 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V301000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.