2020 Hyundai Elantra Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Part of Generation 6 — 2017–2020.

20192021
Complaints
303
per 10K Sold
28.7
US Sales
105,475
Crashes
30
Fires
11
Injuries
22
Fatalities
2
Recalls
3

Worst 2020 Hyundai Elantra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#194 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:36,939 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:4
#238 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:18,894 mi
#325 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Avg mileage:24,645 mi
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.

Engine Problems
94
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Avg Miles
36,939
Transmission / Drivetrain
38
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
18,894
Headlight/Taillight Failures
25
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
24,645
Electrical Faults
22
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
41,000
Steering Defects
19
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Avg Miles
4,200
Brakes
11
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
36,840
Fuel System
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
2,880
Unintended Acceleration
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
5,238
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
1,700
Airbags
5
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
3,500
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
3,400
Body Structure
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pressure/Temperature Sensor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2020 Hyundai Elantra

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~159,285 vehicles.

21V301000Engine
~158,493 affected

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.

19V720000Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
~48 affected

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.

19V721000Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
~744 affected

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.

Other Hyundai Elantra Years

2020 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 303 NHTSA complaints, 30 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 94 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (94 complaints, avg 36,939 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (38 complaints, avg 18,894 mi); Headlight/Taillight Failures (25 complaints, avg 24,645 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 25,872 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra include 30 crash-related reports, 11 fire reports, 22 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 159,285 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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