Complaint volume
240 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
240 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by component category.
240 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 74 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 29,060 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
22 Towed
9 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra complaint categories?
ENGINE 70
POWER TRAIN 27
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
240 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | leak without windshield | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact's girlfriend owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to downshift into 2nd gear. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while shifting gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly was the incorrect size, and the clutch assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,117. | Crash: No Fire: No | 43,117 |
| Jun 2023 | STRUCTURE | Driving on a road trip, 2.5 hours in. All doors were locked. Drove over a road change from tunnel to bridge, small bump, and dashboard started beeping and flashing that a door opened. Driver side back door (where my child was sitting) opened, air was rushing in. We had to brake ( on a highway bridge to pull over) and unlock door to get it to close again. The door popped open while still locked. Called Hyundai and they said bring it in, but we probably didn't shut it. It was absolutely shut and locked. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,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 move as I push the gas to go to get out of the way of traffic behind me. It goes about 600 ft before it kicks in. Then it runs normal. It's still under manufacture warrenty (3 more years and 20000 more miles unde warrenty). I've taken it to the dealership and they didn't see anything. Said they would have to keep it a couple of days to check it out. It's my only means of transportation but the never have a loner car for me to use till I get mine back. I've seen others with same complaint so why is there no recall. Afraid I'm gonna get hit in the rear due to lack of power. Doesn't do it everyday but has happened twice in two weeks when I've pulled out onto a major highway with heavy traffic. I bought the car used in Jan.2023 with warrenty still on the car. Thought hey great deal! But now I think I bought a lemon. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted to park, and then shifted in reverse. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they did not provide service on Saturdays. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,211. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,211 |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PDF FILES | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | High beams no longer work but low beams still do | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | This vehicle has been having engine problems since January 2 023 the engine light is on the car stops running completely while driving. A great danger to me. I have taken it 5 times to the service center at Dealer in Rick Case in Plantation they have kept it for several weeks the last was returned to me on March 23. 2023 I was told it was fixed on April 22 2023 the engine light went back on the same problem the car keeps stopping I took it in, they did not even look at it. I was told that until June 14 they will not see or diagnose it. I have contacted consumer affairs with no resolution. I wish to file a lemon law on this dealer since obviously it is defective beyond repair. please advise as how to take this action. I need a new reliable car. Thank You. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN | While driving home from my family’s house in the next town over. My car decided to have transmission issues I have had the car car for 3 years so far with now issues until two days ago when I heard a loud pop and my car stopped accelerating. Tried to put it manual mode and I watched the gears shift from 1st to 8th gear in seconds then get stuck in fifth the the check engine light came on. And I was stuck on the interstate for almost 8 hours while I tried to get it to move. The car turned over just fine and revved but no movement like it was stuck in neutral | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN | I bought the car from the dealer when the car had a total of 12,000 miles on it the transmission would lunge the car forward at speeds around 70 mph. It made driving the car unsafe on the highway as I couldn't tell if it was going to lunge forward and hit the car in front of me, and I got it to the dealer. It was under warranty and the dealership tested it and said it needed to be replaced. When I got to 18,000 miles the new transmission had a similar incident and the dealership tested again and said this new transmission needed to be replaced completely. It is still under warranty and they will replace it in 3 weeks. I am going to be on the third transmission with a car under 20,000 miles. The transmission was only inspected by the dealership, and they told me that they do not know what was wrong they just pulled out the bad one and put in another, they did not take it apart to figure out what the problem was on the first one that needed to be replaced. I still have the car and can be inspected before I drop it off at the dealership May 6th. There were no warning messages on the dashboard or any other problems with the car. Information below is on the first incident, the second incident started around February of 2023. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact also stated that on various occasions, the gear shifter seized between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sought legal advice from the States Attorney General Office and was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Apr 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 than the 2020 was having this issue - spoke with a diagnostic shop and they said have had newer models with the same situation and was able to turn over to Hyundai - which they replaced with no charge to the owner. It happens when it idles as well as when I am on the interstate. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | High beams no longer work but low beams still do | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to his destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure, but an appointment was unavailable. The contact stated that the Lease on the vehicle ended on January 31, 2023, and the vehicle was returned to the local dealer. The dealer called and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 16,000 |
| Mar 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | This vehicle has what is now known as "Phantom Braking" since day of delivery over two years ago and was reported to NHTSA previously by me and Hyundai which has not or will not try to correct this Safety Hazard. Last incident this occurred on 3/11/2023 for at least the 6th time. This has happened with vehicles behind me which have come close to hitting me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | POWER TRAIN | Loud knocking noise coming from engine. Car unable to be driven. No recall for my particular make and model per Hyundai dealer. Extra consumption of oil and loss of power during acceleration. No warning lights or other messages. 79, 500 miles. Problem inspected by certified auto mechanic. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | The vehicle was purchased Nov 2023 with 60,000 mile on it. in december or early january the check engine light comes on. take the vehicle to auto zone to get the codes read where it stated TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE so we took it to the hyundai dealership and they said they were booked up for the next month or so,called around to there shops were booked as well so vehicle wasnt serviced. on feb 3,2023 the car stalled and shut off than wouldnt start back up. i contacted enterprise dealer and informed him the situation, he had me call the warrenty company. they towed the car to the shop and they informed me it was the starter and transmission.had to pay out of pocket for a rental than when i asked could we trade it in because the car add to many issues to be a brand new car,enterprise said they advise we keep the car for a year so basically stuck with a car they already had issuses and a car payment and the car still in the shop. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | The contact leased a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the cabin air filter replacement, she was informed that there were rodent feces, leaves, and grains inside the cabin filter. The contact was informed that the debris was also present in the blower motor, which caused the blower motor to make abnormal grinding sounds when engaging the heating system. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was caused by rodents. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a strong feces odor coming from the vents. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring, causing the cabin filter to be replaced approximately once a week. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 3,000 |
| Dec 2022 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The car has issues with starting, and accelerating. Dealerships have zero availability for weeks out to provide any sort of diagnostics, and are unable to assist with this issue. The following email was sent to Hyundai Customer Service: I am currently leasing a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. In July of this year, the car suddenly had trouble accelerating. Being due for an oil change, and wanting to get the engine codes read, I contacted my local Hyundai dealership, and they had no availability for weeks. I used a local service station to have the codes read/get the oil change, and the car continued to have difficulty (I am attaching the BlueLink reports on said codes). I was finally able to bring it in to the local dealer who cleared the codes, and said they were the result of "not having enough oil." The car drove well until 11/27, when the car started to sputter, not allowing it to accelerate properly, and with multiple error messages, including a flashing engine light. After contact my local dealer who I first used in July, they said "it is probably low oil like last time, these cars are known to burn oil quickly." I again brought it to my local service station for the oil change, and for a NYS inspection. As my car is under 15k miles, and up-to-date with oil changes, I would imagine it would pass said inspection. It did not. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate violently. The contact noticed a burning smell from the vents. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 29,775. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 29,775 |
| Sep 2022 | ENGINE | While Driving A Notification Pop Up Saying The Engine Was Running Hot , When I Tried To Take It To Hyundai The Engine When Out While I Was In The Free Way My Friends Dad Had To Call A Tow Company To Tow It Home Because Hyundai Was Closed By The Time The Tow Truck Came Also The Oil Light Was On As Well , | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | When cruise control is activated the rpm increases 700 to 1000 rpm regardless of the speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | Since the onset of leasing this 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the check engine light appeared intermittently. I reported this to the dealer on Route 4 in Paramus, New Jersey. They advised me that they ran scans to determine what the problem was. On one occasion they stated a censor needed replacing, and later told me that was done. Thereafter, on Friday, August 26, 2022, I was positioned to bring the car in again because the check engine light remained on, and additionally, another dash light came on causing a loss of power and the car to stall. The dealership told me they ran another scan and found metal shavings in the engine, and the engine would need to be replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle and felt the vehicle shaking. The contact then stated that he attempted to start the vehicle again when the engine revved and misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2, engine, and powertrain control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. Additionally, the ECU and TCU needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle because the recalls were originated from Puerto Rico. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall could not be honored and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |