ENGINE
2020 Hyundai Elantra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 251 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and exterior lighting categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 97 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | 2 | 46 |
| Jun 2021 | 8 | 54 |
| Jul 2021 | 4 | 58 |
| Aug 2021 | 7 | 65 |
| Sep 2021 | 8 | 73 |
| Nov 2021 | 5 | 78 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 80 |
| Jan 2022 | 2 | 82 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 83 |
| Mar 2022 | 3 | 86 |
| May 2022 | 3 | 89 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 90 |
| Aug 2022 | 2 | 92 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 94 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 95 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 96 |
| Feb 2023 | 4 | 100 |
| Mar 2023 | 3 | 103 |
| Apr 2023 | 6 | 109 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 110 |
| Jun 2023 | 4 | 114 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 116 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 118 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 120 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 123 |
| Nov 2023 | 4 | 127 |
| Dec 2023 | 4 | 131 |
| Jan 2024 | 4 | 135 |
| Feb 2024 | 3 | 138 |
| Mar 2024 | 3 | 141 |
| Apr 2024 | 4 | 145 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 147 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 149 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 150 |
| Aug 2024 | 4 | 154 |
| Sep 2024 | 4 | 158 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 159 |
| Nov 2024 | 3 | 162 |
| Dec 2024 | 4 | 166 |
| Jan 2025 | 3 | 169 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 172 |
| Mar 2025 | 5 | 177 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 178 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 179 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 182 |
| Jul 2025 | 3 | 185 |
| Aug 2025 | 3 | 188 |
| Sep 2025 | 6 | 194 |
| Oct 2025 | 2 | 196 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | 198 |
| Dec 2025 | 7 | 205 |
| Jan 2026 | 6 | 211 |
| Feb 2026 | 4 | 215 |
| Mar 2026 | 5 | 220 |
| Apr 2026 | 9 | 229 |
| May 2026 | 7 | 236 |
| Jun 2026 | 3 | 239 |
| Jul 2026 | 2 | 241 |
| Aug 2026 | 6 | 247 |
| Sep 2026 | 4 | 251 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine10935.3%
- Powertrain (other)4514.6%
- Exterior lighting289.1%
- Driver assistance289.1%
- Electrical278.7%
- Steering206.5%
- Brakes144.5%
- Fuel system103.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govWHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) as a potential cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently with an abnormal electrical wire burning odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine starter failure. The engine starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 102,474.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766673
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 102,474 mi
The vehicle entered limp mode. The Hyundai dealer diagnosed a camshaft problem, said the repair would be covered, ordered the part, and began the work. After the engine was opened, the dealer noted sludge/varnish and denied coverage, claiming lack of maintenance. This VIN is included in safety recall 21V301 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Hyundai told NHTSA that chipped rings can scuff the cylinder bore, cause accelerated oil consumption, knocking, oil-pressure warning, connecting-rod bearing seizure, stall, and in limited cases fire. The published remedy is inspection of the cylinder bore and piston skirt, engine replacement if damage is found, and PNSS software, at no charge. Hyundai National Consumer Affairs Case #XXX. I sent a written demand that they complete Campaign 203 and not convert an open safety recall into a customer-pay job. On XXX, case manager Mohammad issued a letter denying only “limited warranty” coverage for lack of Owner’s Manual maintenance. That letter does not state whether the Campaign 203 bore/skirt inspection was done, does not state whether PNSS was installed, and does not decide the incomplete recall. Oil and filter were changed on a regular schedule by the owner’s family using the specified oil. A signed affidavit was provided. Hyundai’s warranty does not require dealer-only oil changes. The symptom of the recalled oil-consumption defect (varnish/sludge) is being used to refuse the recall remedy. The vehicle remains unrepaired. I have not authorized customer-pay work or disposal of parts. What I want NHTSA to do Record this as an incomplete recall remedy. Require Hyundai Motor America to complete Campaign 203 on VIN [XXX]: perform the official bore and piston-skirt inspection, replace the engine if abnormalities exist, install PNSS, and cover related camshaft/engine damage found when the engine was opened, at no charge. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11763344
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2026
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. The vehicle then accelerated forward on its own and crashed into a building. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11763045
- Incident
- Sep 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure caused by a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,691.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761736
- Incident
- Aug 27, 2026
- Mileage
- 46,961 mi
Transmission TCM/IVT had a service campaign recall #963 for TCM relearn / IVT replacement for premature transmission failure. Hyundai USA and dealership Big Star Hyundai of Friendswood, TX have made claims of the repair being done. Service records indicate there was no replacement, relearn or anything transmission related done with the vehicle and Hyundai USA has claimed on their end that their records show it was completed, but refuse to show or display records of completion, and have not maintained outreach to the dealership regarding maintenance records for this specific issue. Transmission has popped a P0867 code at 65,000 miles, just outside of it's warranty, and reflects the same codes listed for an issue regarding the TCM/IVT service campaign 963. The safety risk is the transmission giving way on a highway or some other location where it could potentially lead to an accident or stranding, that could lead to serious injury or death. This puts other vehicles on the road and passengers at high risk for an accident or incident. The problem has been reproduced by my husband, and confirmed with ECM readers. Independent service in Atascocita TX confirmed the check engine light indeed coincided with the P0867 code and that it has to do with the very same recall they have claimed to have supported and completed, which is once again not listed under any service completed on the vehicle. We are attempting to have this component looked at by the dealership, but they refuse to acknowledge the service campaign 963 and allow an inspection of no-charge. My husband has already observed with a endoscope, and observed the transmission fluid, and replaced it, and there was no obvious signs of an issue. There were no previous issues to the vehicle, and no previous lights. After the light for the code came onto the dashboard, the transmission has now struggled to maintain steady fluid transitioning between gears, and has maintained a sluggish and resistance feeling.
- NHTSA ID
- 11760645
- Incident
- Mar 20, 2026
The high beam lights don’t work. Doesn’t make changes to high. Relay, bulbs and breakers appear to be ok.
- NHTSA ID
- 11759215
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2024
My 2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL experienced a total transmission/IVT failure at 81,185 miles. I paid $4,804.14 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at a certified Hyundai dealership, Dick Smith Hyundai Genesis of Greenville, now known as Hyundai of Greenville. The transmission was replaced with a new replacement unit. The replacement transmission has now suffered a second total failure at 117,922 miles, meaning the vehicle has experienced two total transmission failures before reaching 120,000 miles. The repeated failure of the IVT system is extremely concerning, particularly because the first replacement was performed by an authorized Hyundai dealership and the replacement unit failed after approximately 36,700 miles. I am requesting that this repeated transmission failure be documented and investigated. I also believe Hyundai should review the vehicle’s transmission history and consider the possibility of a systemic defect or premature failure involving the IVT system. I have already contacted Hyundai Customer Care regarding a Prior Repair Goodwill Reimbursement request for the $4,804.14 I previously paid out of pocket. Hyundai Customer Care case #43147944 was denied based on the vehicle being outside the factory warranty, although Hyundai directed me to the dealership for possible goodwill consideration. I am requesting full retroactive reimbursement of the $4,804.14 I paid for the first transmission replacement. I can provide the original repair invoice, service records, diagnosis, and documentation of the subsequent transmission failure upon request.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758271
- Incident
- Jan 26, 2024
Steering wheel has been making whining noises when turning. Previously replaced worm shaft on steering while under warranty due to malfunction when first purchased. Issue has resurfaced but no longer covered under warranty. Dealer quoted nearly $800.00 to replace worm shaft.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758002
- Incident
- Mar 14, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
Hyundai has become aware that your Hyundai Elantra equipped with a 2.0 ATK engine may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software intended only for Korean-built Elantra vehicles and may not meet specifications.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
Certain Elantra (ADA) vehicles may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software that can set DTC P132700; this software was intended only for Korean-built Elantra (AD) vehicles. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to revert to the original ROM ID, apply the emissions label under the hood, and provide the vehicle owner with Proof of Correction.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
Certain Elantra (ADA) vehicles may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software that can set DTC P132700; this software was intended only for Korean-built Elantra (AD) vehicles. In addition, the California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
AIR BAGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.
AIR BAGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2024 | 54 | 1 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2023 | 98 | 2 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2022 | 101 | 5 | 1 | 60.5 |
| 2021 | 131 | 6 | 2 | 62.3 |
| 2020Viewing | 251 | 3 | 0 | 60.3 |
| 2019 | 251 | 1 | 0 | 49.4 |
| 2018 | 282 | 0 | 0 | 45.0 |
| 2017 | 767 | 4 | 1 | 58.3 |
| 2016 | 292 | 2 | 1 | 61.7 |
| 2015 | 262 | 3 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 2014 | 382 | 2 | 2 | 60.8 |
| 2013 | 1,314 | 4 | 4 | 62.8 |
| 2012 | 652 | 4 | 4 | 62.5 |
| 2011 | 432 | 5 | 3 | 57.9 |
| 2010 | 379 | 3 | 1 | 61.5 |
| 2009 | 253 | 4 | 1 | 65.6 |
| 2008 | 314 | 7 | 2 | 64.4 |
| 2007 | 267 | 6 | 3 | 63.7 |
| 2006 | 155 | 1 | 0 | 46.1 |
| 2005 | 137 | 4 | 0 | 58.6 |
| 2004 | 182 | 5 | 1 | 60.6 |
| 2003 | 234 | 5 | 2 | 62.5 |
| 2002 | 342 | 6 | 3 | 64.6 |
| 2001 | 315 | 6 | 3 | 67.3 |
| 2000 | 197 | 1 | 0 | 47.4 |
| 1999 | 128 | 2 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 1998 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 40.9 |
| 1997 | 115 | 3 | 1 | 58.8 |
| 1996 | 100 | 3 | 2 | 59.3 |
| 1995 | 112 | 1 | 2 | 56.6 |
| 1994 | 76 | 2 | 2 | 64.1 |
| 1993 | 24 | 0 | 2 | 44.0 |
| 1992 | 29 | 0 | 2 | 46.4 |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1990 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.