Complaint volume
236 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Hyundai Elantra Complaints
236 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by component category.
236 Total complaints
20 Crash reports
6 Fire reports
11 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, exterior lighting. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 20 crash reports, 6 fire reports, 11 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 69 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 30,137 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, exterior lighting?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Hyundai Elantra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Hyundai Elantra complaints?
20 Crash
6 Fire
11 Injury
1 Fatality
20 Towed
9 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra complaint categories?
ENGINE 70
POWER TRAIN 26
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13
STEERING 10
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 9
SERVICE BRAKES 7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
236 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The headlights still cannot be used on high beam as the lights strobe when used. This was complaint was previously submitted with the same Vin#. This is dangerous for driver and others, including oncoming traffic. The local Hyundai dealer said it is would be $200+ for them to diagnostic and if they fixed it, the diagnostic fee would be credited toward the repair. How can this not be coved under a recall when it is clearly a safety issue and many mentions on line with others having the same problem? The vin.# says there are no open recalls. How can I get this covered on my car that is the same model and year as others with the same problem. I see a couple service bulletin's and would like to know if any apply. Please respond with any help or suggestions on this matter as I need help from the NHTSA to get Hyundai to fix it. I am happy to send a video for proof. I look forward to your reply. Thank you very much! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The vehicle suffered a total, simultaneous failure of both low-beam and high-beam headlights due to a known manufacturer defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets. This matches the failure pattern described in Hyundai TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). On January 22, 2026, Robert Woodall Hyundai (Danville, VA) inspected the vehicle and confirmed on Invoice #[XXX] that "BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE INOP". Despite this verification and the presence of technical bulletins for the ADa model line, the dealer refused the repair and refused to submit a Goodwill Authorization request as mandated on Page 2, Note 2 of the TSB. The Service Manager (Alan Pyles) claimed in an email that the TSB had "expired," despite the defect being active and documented in more recent campaigns. Releasing a vehicle with documented inoperative headlights creates an immediate safety risk for nighttime operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Vehicle has ongoing issues with headlights prior to purchasing, they claim to have repaired & satisfied recall, however, they replaced headlights with the same faulty part the replacement lights are the same, with same issues, no high beams they have a steel rod operating a plastic gear that operates a shutter to dim & operates high beam. The problem is with the heat of halogens the rod gets hot and melts the gear connection rendering the shutter inoperable so as it is , we get a year and a half out of them then they are junk. Dealer cost is 900 dollars each just for 1 light. If dealership installs 2000 dollars. The issue is, they didn't reengineer the unit! Just keep selling faulty parts! There is no way we should have to go through this every year and a half. So we're going around with no high beams ( I'm including all owners) many complaints. Foremost, it's an obvious safety concern! I've been to Bergstrom Hyundai 3 times called corporate HQ no results. In addition, the bulbs constantly burn out. I may get 4 months out of them before replacement is needed 40 dollars each suggesting a electric current surge issue idk for sure. In closing, the manufacturer must redesign the units. They should last the lifetime of the vehicle ( not the bulbs obviously). The high beam operation system. They need a push to motivate them to correct safety concern thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | This vehicle’s engine failed on 10/25/21. This was 2 months after it was purchased. When we tried to have a Hyundai dealership diagnose the car, they said it would be an extended amount of time before the could look at it. When they finally did, they said it was not eligible for the warranty or recall relief. I reached out to the Hyundai corporate office and received no assistance. They tried to say it was due to no drain plug. It was recommended that we take it to another dealership who said the same thing. We ended up paying out of pocket to replace the engine. The mechanic who replaced the engine said there was no oil splatter under the car that would indicate an oil leak. Now on 1/15/26, the 2nd engine has now failed for apparently the same recall. For either engine there was never any warning of low oil or any evidence under the car of a leak. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | STRUCTURE | Paint is peeling off vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | Engine is stalling and consuming oil at a higher then normal rate. Knock sensor is having issues at 24k miles both part of recall campaign 974 and recall 203. Took the auto to dealer for service and was told Hyundai would not honor the recall due to a branded title which now puts me in a scenario of possibly engine stall in the middle of highway traffic. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Was driving car after a recent oil change. The oil change was performed early because the car was ticking and found oil to be low. Was going to take into dealer to be looked into but the car made a loud sound and stopped immediately and turned off. Luckily I was not driving too fast but had I been this could have posed a risk to myself, my passengers and other drivers. This complaint is consistent with prior engine failure complains of other Hyundai models. The Elantra has yet to be investigated. The maintenance lights that came on have only been for a high mount break light and low tire pressure. I did not get a low oil or oil change needed alert. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | STEERING | There is a grinding in my steering column, worse at lower speeds. I have spoke to Hyundai about this and several other shops and they said this is a common recall for Elantras and there is a barring that is in the recall. However, my VIN is not in this common recall. If this is a common recall on Elantras in my year range, wouldn't ALL Elantras have the option to have to corrected not just a select few? Per Hyundai dealership, They know exactly what it is and it should be on a recall list my VIN just showing it so they can not correct the problem. This started before I purchased the car from a friend and she was told the same thing when she checked into it before. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with this car and to check for a recall because they have had others that had the same issued recalled. My VIN does not show a recall. This issue can also ONLY be corrected by Hyundai. The places that I have taken it to said there is a special tool they have to use to even get to this component. I noticed this starting a few months ago and still has not corrected. I have not been able to use my high beams since Aug/Sept. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Subject: Abnormal Engine Failure – Hyundai Case #[XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai Motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter (Case #[XXX]) but has refused to provide coverage, instead directing me to pay for towing and diagnostic costs. This position is unacceptable given Hyundai’s history of abnormal engine defects and related settlements. Key points: • The failure is abnormal and consistent with systemic defects Hyundai has faced in prior litigation, including the Theta II and Lambda II engine defect class actions, which resulted in recalls and settlements covering millions of vehicles. • Hyundai has previously extended goodwill repairs and recall coverage for similar failures, even outside warranty periods. • Engine failure at this mileage presents a serious safety hazard, including risk of stalling, fire, or loss of power while driving. • Hyundai’s refusal to cover towing and diagnostic costs places an unfair burden on consumers and may violate consumer protection statutes. Requested Action: I request that the agency investigate Hyundai’s handling of abnormal engine failures, ensure compliance with consumer protection and safety laws, and require Hyundai to provide coverage or reimbursement for towing, diagnostic, and repair costs in cases where engine failure is abnormal and unsafe. Supporting Documentation: • Certified demand letter sent to Hyundai Motor America. • Hyundai’s written denial (Case #[XXX], dated December 11, 2025). • Vehicle mileage and details of engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | my engine started to make a horrible noise and the car won’t start anymore. Hyundai engines are known to burn oil and don’t light the low oil dash light until it is too late. Other Elantra trims have a recall for Hyundai to fix this yet mine does not. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | I got this car right at the beginning of 2020, I didn’t even KNOW HOW to use my high beams until 2-3 years in. I used them all of 4-6 times and they magically stopped working. I don’t need them often so I didn’t notice right away. I’ve known for a while now but didn’t know I could submit a form like this. And no way in hell am I paying that much money for something that broke after a few uses. I’ve heard this is very common for my car make and model; I can hear the doors of the light trying to switch open but they’re stuck or something… I’m definitely not the only one having this issue… | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Cruise control on 55mph, car has slowed down going straight no uphill or downhill and accelerator did not work nothing blocking the accelerator. Had to pull over to a shoulder to shut engine off and on to drive. Tapping cruise control up to speed up in regulated area such as from 55 to a 65mph zone.. cruise control speed lowered. Attempting to speed up with accelerator still only slowing down. 3 times this year I had to change spark plugs within a 6 month period Error code p0302. Replaced battery alongside. Continues p0302 code. Replaced all coils and spark plugs still p0302. Climbing uphill vehicle sometimes looses power that happened twice in 2025 and twice in 2022. 3 times in 2024. That i must turn on hazards and floor the accelerator to gain speed on up hills in neighborhoods going 25 mph. I have dropped to 10 mph. I get oil change regularly. Always when due. Every few months I make sure to get a full car inspection to make sure everything is in proper working order. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | At around the 120K mile odometer reading check engine light came on and upon checking the oil, noticed it was 1/2 qt. down in spite of a recent oil change. There were no other issues apparent to our mechanic. At the next oil change, we asked the techs to be sure to tighten the oil pan and all components as we mentioned the drop in oil after the previous oil change. This time, only 10 days after the oil change (we have been using hybrid blend since purchasing the vehicle new), the check engine light went on again and the oil was down a quart with no signs of leaking. Our mechanic checked it again and told us of many Hyundai oil consumption issues and suggested we check for a recall. My vehicle was not included in the oil consumption recall despite having the same year, model and engine as many of the other "certain" vehicles. We are currently negotiating a solution with Hyundai Motor Corp. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | The vehicle is burning the engine oil. I get regular oil changes on time. I was told by the service center I had low oil at an oil change. It was changed and then again it a few months later I burned through the oil again. I checked it and there was very little oil. There is no leak. It is just burning it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | 2020 Elantra built in Alabama with 2.0L engine has P0016 code and severe oil sludge at 73K miles - identical to Recall 21V301 symptoms but excluded because manufactured in Alabama not Korea. This appears to be the same defect affecting a different production batch. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | Engine blew up on the highway almost causing an accident. The car has had problems with rapid oil consumption since 20000 miles on the car. Always checked oil everyday and added oil when needed and regular oil changes every 3000 miles car was very well taken care of. No oil light or check engine light came on when the engine blew up. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | The contact's mother owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was informed that the vehicle occasionally stalled without warning and would be immediately restarted to continue driving. Additionally, the vehicle would hesitate before slowly accelerating. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle at start-up, with a constant ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There were signs of an oil leak, and the oil needed to be changed more frequently. While changing the oil, the owner noticed smoke coming from inside the oil pan. The traction control warning light and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module and piston rings in the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 101,000 |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the transmission was slipping, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated and that no fault was found with the vehicle; however, metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,781. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 100,781 |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Assist safety feature failed to function as intended. The messages “Forward Collision Avoidance”, and “Lane Assist Camera Disabled” were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Assist Camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty was invalid. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,000 |
| Sep 2025 | STEERING | THE MOST CAR HUNDIA ANTRA 2020 HAS ONLY 75000MILES NEED TO REPLACE SOMTHING IN STEERING WHEEL HAS COMMON ISSUE STERING WHEEL TRUN IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE UNTILL NOW IS NO RECALL DID CALL HUNDIA COORPRAT OFFICE ABOUT THIS ISSUE IS NO ANSWER IS VARY DENGRES ISSUE CAN LED TO BIG ACCDENT | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. I recently learned that Hyundai issued a recall related to a defect that poses a risk of engine fires in certain vehicles. However, my vehicle, which has exhibited the same dangerous symptoms, was not included in this recall campaign. Specifically, my vehicle has experienced a critical error relating to a defect included in NHTSA Recall #21V-301, which I understand is directly related to the safety defect identified in Hyundai’s recall. Despite this, I have not received a recall notice, and Hyundai has declined to provide repair coverage under the recall. This raises serious concerns for my safety, the safety of my passengers, and the public. A defect that can cause an engine fire should not be limited to specific VIN ranges if the underlying issue is present in additional vehicles like mine. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure Hyundai expands the recall to include affected vehicles such as mine. If Hyundai continues to exclude vehicles with the same defect, I believe this could warrant further legal and consumer protection actions, including potential class action litigation. Please find my vehicle information below: 2020 Hyundai Elantra VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 51,000 Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent safety concern. I look forward to your response and am willing to provide additional documentation, repair invoices, or photographs as needed. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Bought with 63000. Miles, have driven 40000 miles. Engine seized. Will not Start. Told by mechanic that engine is dead and happens frequently with this car. What are my options?. ALL UPKEEPS PERFORMED. NO WARNING. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | Spun bearing in engine. All service on vehicle up to date. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |