What NHTSA's records show for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: 255 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (109), Power Train (48), Exterior Lighting (28). 21 complaints mention a crash and 6 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2020 Hyundai Elantra owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice
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What NHTSA's records show for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: 255 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (109), Power Train (48), Exterior Lighting (28). 21 complaints mention a crash and 6 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.
2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls and complaints at a glance
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns and 255 owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The most-reported problem areas are Engine (109), Power Train (48), Exterior Lighting (28). The most recent recall (NHTSA #21V301000, April 2021) covers the Engine. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Hyundai dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).
Recall campaigns
3
Owner complaints
255
Complaints mentioning a crash
21
Complaints mentioning a fire
6
Most-reported problem areas
Component
Complaints
Engine
109
Power Train
48
Exterior Lighting
28
Electrical System
27
Steering
20
Forward Collision Avoidance
14
Recall campaigns
NHTSA #21V301000 — Engine (April 2021): 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.
NHTSA #19V720000 — Wheels (October 2019): 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.
NHTSA #19V721000 — Suspension (October 2019): 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.
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-11-07.
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