2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra and 254 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (109), power train (47), exterior lighting (28). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–36 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #7 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (351). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Problem: 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.
Risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Problem: 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.
Risk: A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The car went into 'limp mode' after rpm fluxuation. It's in the shop. Blake, a service manager at Temecula Hyundai, tells me it has "piston slap," which AI says is related to a piston ring recall for this car. Blake went on to say it has 2 power train issues (and needs a catalytic converter). NHTSA shows no recall, but whether engine or transmission, my daughter was nearly rea…
2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], ~79,239 mi. On or about [XXX], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, I pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. It would not move in reverse. All dashboard lights came on only after the stall. I restarted it; the lights cleared. It was towed to Westlake Hyundai, 3610 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thous…
Back in early July, I noticed a ticking sound coming from my engine so when I took it in to a Hyundai dealership, they told me the only way I could pursue any help further was by completing a oil consumption test, which I complied and paid for out-of-pocket very soon after within 48 hours my check engine light came on and was flashing. after pulling the code at an AutoZone whic…
Safety ratings
2020 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
Elantra
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Elantra
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Elantra GT
Auto (AM-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Elantra GT
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, most recently for engine (04/28/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on 254 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (109), power train (47), exterior lighting (28).
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra safe?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2020 ranks #7 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (351). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra range from 27 to 36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Hyundai Elantra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ELANTRA, Elantra.