Hyundai · Elantra · 2020
2020 Hyundai Elantra
3
Recalls
226
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls and 226 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (68 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 68 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Hyundai Elantra currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 226 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (68), power train (25), exterior lighting (19).
- Vehicle
- 2020 Hyundai Elantra
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 226
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.7% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V301000April 28, 2021
ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
NHTSA ID: 19V720000October 09, 2019
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy Status
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.
NHTSA ID: 19V721000October 09, 2019
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
Remedy Status
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the ball joint fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 185.
Owner Complaints
226 totalENGINE
Apr 15, 2026
The check engine light came on at 101000 miles. I took it to the shop and the mechanic said there was no oil on the dipstick and he put in oil and said we need a new engine because it is knocking. We have noticed the vehicle has a rough idle now.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 5, 2026
Within a matter of a few days my car has been stopping by itself. The car was smoking and stopping in the middle of the highway, my dealership is proving me with a new engine but is trying to have me come out of pocket for an fuel injector, please help !
ENGINE
Mar 27, 2026
Said it needed a map sensor. I replaced it and it started acting g crazy. Dying at stop lights making weird noises. I finally threw cod P0011 so I bought the oil control valve before it arrived ny car died. It skipped 5 or 6 teeth. 3,900 left to pay on it. Im a single mom and nee...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 7, 2026
I see there was a P0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning l...
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ENGINE
Feb 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was tow...
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ENGINE
Feb 10, 2026
My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood
ENGINE
Feb 5, 2026
burning/ oil/gas in oil/stalling/engine light on...open recall of other models of same car not includin tghis one.seems to be same issue.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 2, 2026
The manufacturer's Executive Case Management has ceased communication after verifying a total headlight failure. Despite providing evidence that the vehicle is grounded 150+ miles from home during a snowstorm, Hyundai is refusing to authorize the remedy outlined in TSB 20-BE-004H...
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 22, 2026
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...
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ENGINE
Dec 30, 2025
Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 226 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2020 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Elantra Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has received 226 owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra are engine (68 reports), power train (25 reports), exterior lighting (19 reports).
Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.