2020 Hyundai Elantra Problems
What owners have reported about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and lights.
253 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 12th worst of 17 Elantra years
Top 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems
Engine problems
111 complaints (44%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and pressure / temperature sensor.
Transmission problems
47 complaints (19%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Lighting problems
28 complaints (11%) name the lights, most often the headlights.
Electrical problems
27 complaints (11%) name the electrical system, most often the starter assembly.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (76 of 253). The amber line is the middle value, about 10,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Engine
Fire risk0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. 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.
Recall 21V301000 · Apr 2021Lower ball joint
The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm. 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.
Recall 19V721000 · Oct 2019Lugs / nuts / bolts / studs
The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle. 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.
Recall 19V720000 · Oct 2019Get an email when your 2020 Hyundai Elantra gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Elantra years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2020 Hyundai Elantra problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and lights.
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, lights and electrical system. 111 complaints (44%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and pressure / temperature sensor.
At what mileage do 2020 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 5,000–72,000 miles, with a middle value near 31,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
3. Engine (21V301000); Lower ball joint (19V721000); Lugs / nuts / bolts / studs (19V720000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.