Verdict
2020 Hyundai Elantra: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 247 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 95% of 2020 sedans. Engine leads the reports (30%). 3 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
247
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
3
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
32
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 95% of 2020 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (30% of 247 reports), followed by power train (19%).
+ 14 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 247 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11440913, ODI 11688718, ODI 11590815, ODI 11740154, ODI 11733944.
Recalls(3)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
WheelsSep 2019 · 19V720000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
SuspensionSep 2019 · 19V721000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine · 21V301000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 33 | 41 | 36 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 40 | 34 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 26 | 37 | 30 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 | 33 | 29 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Hyundai Elantra: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners filed 247 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra — more complaints than 95% of comparable 2020 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (30% of complaints) and power train (19%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, covering components such as wheels. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Hyundai Elantra between 29 and 36 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.