Hyundai Elantra 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2020 and 253 complaints filed by owners. It has 12% more complaints than the average Hyundai Elantra from 2016–2025 (225 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Hyundai Elantra 2020? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2020
Engine
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 2021-04-28
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Wheels
NHTSA campaign 19V720000 · 2019-10-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 19V721000 · 2019-10-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
253 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
21 with a crash · 6 with a fire · 16 injuries · 2 deaths
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Elantra 2020
- Engine: 108 (43% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 47 (19% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 28 (11% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 27 (11% of complaints)
- Steering: 19 (8% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Hyundai Elantra 2020
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Hyundai Elantra recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 293 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 767 complaints
- 2018 : 0 recalls · 283 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 251 complaints
- 2020 : 3 recalls · 253 complaints
- 2021 : 6 recalls · 131 complaints
- 2022 : 5 recalls · 102 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 98 complaints
- 2024 : 1 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 22 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Hyundai Elantra 2020 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Elantra 2020. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Elantra 2020?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (108 of 253 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).