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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Ours and other vehicles were broken into with intent to steal in our neighborhood last night. Side passenger window smashed and steering column torn apart. Due to poor design of our vehicle, we are a flag to theft. We are now out an important vehicle for family and home, along with money to repair and stress. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. 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 stated while turning off the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not 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 failure mileage was approximately 400. Parts distribution disconnect. Consumer stated happens randomly while driving as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED AFTER ON 40,000 MILES- STILL UNDER WARRANTY | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle at start-up. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the oil level was low. The mechanic replaced the lifters and rocker arms. The vehicle was returned and soon after the failure persisted. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact received a call from the dealer about the repair and the contact was informed that the original defective parts were placed in the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 13,000 |
| Jul 2021 | TIRES,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the tire pressure and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the tire pressure and the engine oil levels. The contact was informed that the levels were at the correct levels however, the TPMS warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a defective sensor. The dealer performed am electronic control module software update to attempt to fix the failure however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LANE DEPARTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle erroneously switched from smart mode to sport mode causing the vehicle to independently accelerated. Additionally, the lane departure system would erroneously activate. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle pulled to the right. The contact also stated that the exhaust pipe was rusted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 400. Consumer stated vehicle needs to brought in again, passenger seatbelt alarm goes off without anyone being in the vehicle. AC was leaking water and sensors keep changing automatically. In addition tire has been replaced after 3500 miles. Manufacture has been contacted several times and refused to buy the car back. Consumer has filed the complaint with the BBB. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | 400 |
| Jun 2021 | ENGINE | There is a recall on my 2020 Hyundai Elantra that I was notified about on June 28th 2021. I called the dealership where I purchased my car and was told that since there is no remedy for the piston oil ring that there was nothing they could do until a remedy becomes available. My car has been hesitating when accelerating and that is one of the signs of my car affected by the piston oil ring. I was told that if I continue to drive the car I am taking a risk of damaging it further. According to the NHTSA website It says the remedy is to have the whole engine replaced and they are not going to fix the recall until a remedy becomes available on their end. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | ENGINE | Hyundai has failed to remedy the engine manufacturing defect for the past few years. Hyundai has not been able to remedy the engine defect in the 2.0 nu mpi engine in a timely manner. The Hyundai dealership, Tipton Hyundai sold me a dangerous, unsafe car with an engine manufacturing defect. The correct remedy for the engine 2.0 nu mpi defect is a buyback program issued by Hyundai. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | TIRES | No warning lamps. Incident reported to tire manufacturer; no liability acknowledged. While parking at very low speed, sidewall contacted smooth metal curb at a slight angle and blew out. IMO, tire should have withstood the typical parking process and not destroyed the sidewall and burst under the conditions. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | AIR BAGS | On May 2, 2021 I was involved in a hit and run accident. An individual in a pickup ran a red light and t-boned my car on the driver side. No air bags deployed. I was taken to the hospital with a severe concussion. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | POWER TRAIN | Everytime when I driving around 20 minutes The transmission start failed on the first gear...every time when I stop at the traffic light and then go forward car loose the power in the first gear even sport mode or smart mode or normal mode he do that.... that's to dangerous cause if I have to crossing a way that only have a stop sign might can get an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | ENGINE | My car has 27,000 miles on it and is using oil. The oil turns black. This has been going on for a while. It has a ticking sound. It did have a bad loud when I took it to Hyundai. Hyundai is trying to blame me for the engine problem but a NEW car should not use oil and the oil turn black! Not sure of date. Been having problems with car for six mo. I see a recall for this problem. Thank u | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The forward accident avoidance system repeatedly cuts off the gas and prevents the car from moving even when there is nothing that could be considered a hazard in front of the car. It leaves me stranded half way through a turn in an intersection or the entrance to a parking lot. The gas pedal is disabled until the computer decides that it is safe. The service manager at the dealer says there is nothing they can do as the system is extremely sensitive and they get a lot of complaints about it. To be left in the middle of an intersection as the light changes and cross traffic starts or to to be stopped halfway through a turn onto a road with approaching traffic is not safe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2021 | ENGINE | Vehicle engine seizes and will not start. Happens multiple times. Towed vehicle to dealership and they state there is no recall for this problem however; NHTSA has a recall number of: 21V301000. Really getting the runaround. Same problem happened on 2013 Sonata we owned that caught fire, in which Hyundai paid lien and offered discount pricing to buy 2020 Elantra. Is this a trend? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2021 | ENGINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REGIONAL HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 2380 W KENOSHA ST, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V301000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2021 | POWER TRAIN | INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE | Crash: No Fire: No | 5,200 |
| Apr 2021 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ACTIVATED, THE ENGINE RPM AUTOMATICALLY INCREASES BY ABOUT 700 RPM. AT 75 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM IS 2300. WHEN CONTROL IS ACTIVATED, ENGINE RPM INCREASES TO 3000 RPM AND REMAINS THERE. THIS DECREASES GAS MILESGE AND INCREASES WEAR ON ENGINE. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,000 |
| Apr 2021 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL UPON PLACING THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO REVERSE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI OF JEFFERSON CITY (3215 MISSOURI BLVD, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65109) WHERE THE RANGE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SOLD THE VEHICLE THE DAY AFTER THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2021 | ENGINE | DRIVING VEHICLE AT 20 MILES PER HOUR ONE BLOCK FROM RESIDENCE ON A CITY STREET AND MADE A NOTICEABLE KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. DRIVE HOME AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER STATED METAL IN THE OIL PAN AND SAID INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE. WAITING ON FURTHER FROM HYUNDAI. | Crash: No Fire: No | 8,898 |
| Apr 2021 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | THE NORMAL BEAM BRIGHTNESS FOR THE FRONT HEADLAMPS IS ABOUT 50% OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT ON THE LOW-BEAM SETTING. WITH THE HIGH BEAM SETTING, VISIBILITY IS ABOUT AS IT SHOULD BE FOR THE NORMAL SETTING. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2021 | POWER TRAIN | WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLES TACHOMETER STARTED OSCILLATING SLIGHTLY, JUMPING UP AND DOWN. THE NEXT SYMPTOMS WAS THE CAR AT TIMES FELT LIKE IT HAD A BUCKING/JERKING SENSATION. THE TACHOMETER SUDDENLY JUMPED UP TO AROUND 5000 RPM. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, DANGEROUSLY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST HITTING/REAR ENDING ME FROM BEHIND WITH THIS SUDDEN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND I FOUND I COULD NOW NOT DRIVE ANY FASTER THAN ABOUT 20 MILES/HR. AS I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE TACHOMETER JUST INCREASED IN RPM, WITH NO TRANSFER OF POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER 2020 AND IT NOW HAS 3700 MILES ON IT. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE EVENT HAPPENING AS I STARTED VIDEOING WHEN THE CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT. | Crash: No Fire: No | 3,700 |
| Mar 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY RPM STARTED JUMPING WHILE I WAS KEEPING A CONSTANT SPEED. A FEW MOMENTS LATER MY RPM JUMPED AND I WAS ALMOST RED LINING. I SLOWED DOWN TO 35 MPH AND GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WOULDNT GO PASS 30 WITHOUT REVING INCREDIBLY HIGH. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. MY MILEAGE WAS AT 4500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 4,500 |
| Mar 2021 | ENGINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WENT ON FOR A WEEK. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE REGAINED NORMAL DRIVABILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI (3550 WESTON RD, DAVIE, FL 33331, (954)994-2397) WHO STATED THAT THE THERE WAS AN ENGINE FAILURE AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.*DT | Crash: No Fire: No | 5,000 |