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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes. The failure had been experienced on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 26,000 |
| Mar 2022 | POWER TRAIN | 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED AT 2,200 MILES. THE CONSUMER ALO STATED, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE RPMS RISE ABOUT 500 RPMS WHILE MAINTAINING A STEADY SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | ENGINE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine malfunctioned, then failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I decelerated from 65 mph to exit a freeway. At the end of an offramp, I slowed to a stop sign where the vehicle malfunctioned. It jerked, violently, forward as I attempted to accelerate endangering pedestrians crossing the intersection at the stop sign, other drivers on the offramp, and myself. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? To date, 3/8/2022, the Hyundai dealership has not performed any diagnostic testing or repairs on the vehicle since receipt of the vehicle on 2/18/2022. Hyundai Motor America has also refused to acknowledge that NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000 (4/28/2021) is associated to the vehicle. To date, I have made three (3), separate, follow-up attempts to communicate with an assigned case manager. The assigned case manager was unresponsive. After that, I made three (3), separate, case manager escalated supervisor requests. The case manager supervisor was unresponsive. My most recent request has been an initial Hyundai management team request (3/7/2022) …I am waiting for a response but am not hopeful that anyone will respond. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle remains at a Hyundai dealership. I received a text message that read, “the technician has had the vehicle, it has been starting and driving normally.” In my opinion, the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I cannot, in good conscience, operate the vehicle until it is safe to drive. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A check engine light presented just before engine failure. The engine did not start after it failed. Remedy for the mechanical concerns is not yet available." The dealership remains silent on the cause of the Malfunction Indicator Light and Hyundai Motor America is now suggesting consumer take the car to another dealership for a second opinion. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2022 | STEERING | Noise coming from steering wheel column when turning wheel, especially at low speeds. After research, seems it is an issue that is common for these cars. If the electric steering fails during driving it can seriously injure the driver & passengers, it will cause wrecks to happen. My steering is starting to make the same noise people explain it creates before it goes out. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2022 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 – 25 MPH uphill and going around a corner, the contact heard a snap and the traction control immediately activated. The contact then lost control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unsure if the she had encountered a patch of ice on the roadway. The contact stated that she turned the steering wheel to the left to avoid hitting a sign pole with the driver’s side of the vehicle; however, the passenger’s side front bumper and wheel well area crashed into a telephone pole. She then heard a snap in her left arm right before she lost consciousness. The contact stated that the air bags had not deploy and she was thankful that they had not deployed. The contact stated that she was not immediately aware that she had fractured the bone in her left arm. The contact regained consciousness and drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact received no medical assistance at the crash scene but sought medical attention from the hospital the following day. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was then taken to an auto body shop to be inspected. The contact was informed that the lower control arm ball joint was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | 45,000 |
| Jan 2022 | ENGINE | The power train system:P001 intake camshaft position timing - over advanced bank 1. My car was in good working condition no lights were on in my car up until January 16, 2022, I went to get gas on a regular morning routine before going to work when I turned my car back on after getting gas and I began to pull into traffic and my car stalled and the engine oil pressure light and battery charge warning light came on. My safety could have turned out bad but grace of God my car allowed me to turn it back on and go to the closest location to me and that was auto zone. I got the car towed from there to a hyundai dealer (Preston Hyundai in hurlock, md) is where the car is currently being looked at. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | ENGINE | Checked VIN for open recall and that number doesn't come up. My engine had to be replaced under factory warranty. The issue was the exact same as a current recall. I am concerned that Hyundai is not expanding the recall in an effort to downplay the issue. 2020 Elantra, 2.0 liter engine, stalling while driving. The tech found the piston rings were bad. I hope this will help others and Hyundai will be held accountable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | Hello, I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra [XXX] Vin. The car has a major problem with the steering and suspension at speeds over 45 mph. I am talking with [XXX] at this time after dialing [XXX] at Hyundai cust care (case #[XXX]). She told me she is on the West Side location. I asked where is that and she stated she is unable to let me know where. The car does not hold the road and the suspension and steering is not working well at speeds of 45mph or faster. This is a very dangerous situation and this year and model of Hyundai should be examined before someone loses control because of a defect made at Hyundai. [XXX] stated she does not have a recall for this problem and I am at a complete loss for what to do. She stated an appointment is not easily made until Dec 31st because of staffing issues. I looked online and also found other comments with this same exact issue so I know it is a major problem that needs to be addressed. Please let me know what I should do before a tragic accident happens with this and other 2020 Elantra vehicles. Thank you in advance. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | My vehicle was stolen, due to known design flaws of Hyundai/Kia. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | ENGINE | At least 5 or 6 times, I have experienced sudden uncommanded acceleration with my 2020 Hyundai Elantra. One time my car hit a tree. These have been terrifying incidents. It usually happens when I am slowing down or braking. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My car does not have forward collision warning or lane departure warning. But sometimes it will randomly pop up and the screen and cause my breaks to abruptly stop and almost crash.This has happened atleast 8 times and the car was bought brand new in 2020 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | 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 not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rattling, hesitated to accelerate, and lost motive power. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer diagnosed that there was no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 3,000 |
| Nov 2021 | SERVICE BRAKES | On June 30 2021 I was parking in front of a store in Oceanside Ca as I was pulling into the Parking space the engine started to race and the car would not stop I hit a Planter first and the wall of an hobby Nobby store I contact Hyundai American and reported and I asked them to check out the black box I received a letter back brim Hyundai American I they stated the would not (we have no reason to believe there USA product defect in the vehicle. It is a new vehicle with low mileage and there are no known issues with this model ‘s braking ) You can call me at[XXX] My Name is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was in the inside left turn lane turning left and as I was turning my steering wheel my car was not turning, it was continuing to go straight. I hit my brakes so I wouldn’t crash into the car turning next to me and then my wheels finally turned as I was braking so it caused me to burn the tires and swerve. I’m not sure if any lights came on as I was trying not to crash into the vehicle next to me. I have an appointment for the dealership to look at it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE | 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PISTON RING OIL SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts however, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds when he depressed the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the dealer did not inform the contact of the result. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect | Crash: No Fire: No | 48,000 |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE | For several months, my leased vehicle will suddenly stall while driving or not start at all. This often leads to me suddenly stopping the vehicle in traffic. I am 5.5 months pregnant and cannot continue to operate this vehicle in this condition, as it is a risk to both my safety and the safety of my child. I have communicated my concerns about this several times to the dealership, with the only resolution offered to me being to pay to lease a new vehicle. The check engine light has continuously been lit, despite service appointments. I have only been advised that there is “no solution yet”. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change, she was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). However, the dealer also informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and a case was open. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE | This is regarding recall number: 203 nhtsa:21v-301 My vehicle failed this recall inspection and has been with the hyundai dealer(Hyundai South Bay Torrance) for the past 2.5 weeks and I still have not heard anything regarding the remedy. The recall letter says that the engine would be replaced but the hyudai dealer said that the hyundai corporate office has not replied to them and it could take months to fix this. This is irrational as they have kept my vehicle and there is no guideline on when i will get it back. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Car stalled while driving on highway… causing the car to crash. The air bags deployed and me out! The car burst into flames and I was rescued by another motorist | Crash: Yes Fire: Yes Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2021 | 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 not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that prior to receiving the recall notification, the contact had heard abnormal banging noises while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was later made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 5,000 |
| Aug 2021 | SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Car emitted carbon monoxide into car cabin, causing driver to lose consciousness and crash on highway and burst into flames | Crash: Yes Fire: Yes Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Aug 2021 | STEERING | Purchased used from Carvana. Steering pulls to right and left, unexpectedly and sporadically. Noticeable by both drivers, independently. Also, noticeable from passenger seat and not by driver alone. Suspected LOWER BALL JOINT issue which could result in sudden loss of control, crash, and death. IF this work was done, perhaps defective "repair"? Carvana advised this is a death trap (my words). Have been trying to return vehicle since MONDAY 8/23. Driving to the 'vending machine' to hand back over THEIR vehicle, uninvited yet announced, on 8/27 a.m. in Las Vegas. This issue occurs at low, medium, and highway speeds without any apparent cause, except perhaps dips and uneven road surfaces. Perhaps the mismatched set of front/back tires? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I rented a 2020 Hyundai Elantra from Pittsburgh PA to Rockville MD. It was raining. Because the steering wheel was sensitive compared to other cars I had driven, I turned on the car's Lane Keeping Assistance, which tightened the steering wheel a bit and made an alarm sound and steered back by itself when the car got close to a lane line. I drove under the speed limit and exercised all caution necessary on a raining day. On highway 70 East close to Hagerstown MD, I noticed the car deviate towards the left on a curve. Lane Keeping Assist did not alarm. To prevent it from hitting the left divider, I tried to steer back to the right but the steering wheel was locked up. I pressed the brake pedal, but the car did not slow down. The car suddenly slid to the far right, left the highway pavement, rolled over on the lawn. All of the front and side airbags on the driver’s seat and co-driver’s seat popped out. Smoke was everywhere. I got bruises on my knees and legs, and cuts in left hand and arm. The mileage was 43316 according to the rental company after the incident. I purchased the damage waiver so the rental company did not charge me or provide a report. Consumer stated she would like to withdrawal the complaint. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |