2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 safety recalls and 255 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
255
Crashes / fires
21 / 6
Injuries / deaths
16 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 21V-301: Engine

Reported Apr 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 19V-721: Suspension

Reported Oct 9, 2019 · 744 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 19V-720: Wheels

Reported Oct 9, 2019 · 48 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

2020 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine109
Power Train48
Exterior Lighting28
Electrical System27
Unknown or Other26
Steering20
Forward Collision Avoidance16
Vehicle Speed Control13
Service Brakes13
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Structure7
Wheels5

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 9
  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,211 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Hyundai Elantra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 30, 2026
I am reporting a serious transmission problem with my 2020 Hyundai Elantra, which has approximately 66,000 miles I purchased this vehicle from a private seller approximately two months ago. At the time of purchase, the vehicle drove great, and I noticed no mechanical issues or unusual noises. After only two months of ownership, I began hearing a grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The noise has progressively gotten worse and is now extremely loud. I took the vehicle to a professional mechanic, who inspected it and determined that the problem is the transmission. Although the…
Engine · reported Oct 15, 2026
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 rear-ended due to this mechanical failure occurring on a two-lane highway at 55 mph. RE: Transmission (copied from Facebook): "Summarized by Meta AI " "Several 2020 Elantra owners describe shuddering, hesitation, and…
Engine · reported Sep 29, 2026
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 which I have documentation of it was a P 1327 which signals that the car had entered limp mode. I very quickly reached out to Hyundai themselves and after going back-and-forth on paperwork, they assured me that since I had…
Engine · at 102,474 miles · reported Sep 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) as a potential cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently with an abnormal electrical wire burning odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine starter failure. The engine starter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The…
Engine · reported Sep 10, 2026
The vehicle entered limp mode. The Hyundai dealer diagnosed a camshaft problem, said the repair would be covered, ordered the part, and began the work. After the engine was opened, the dealer noted sludge/varnish and denied coverage, claiming lack of maintenance. This VIN is included in safety recall 21V301 for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Hyundai told NHTSA that chipped rings can scuff the cylinder bore, cause accelerated oil consumption, knocking, oil-pressure warning, connecting-rod bearing seizure, stall, and in limited cases fire. The published…

Other Hyundai Elantra years

Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: 21V-301 (engine), 19V-721 (suspension), 19V-720 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners report engine problems most often (109 reports), followed by power train (48). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,211 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.