*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Engine
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 complete transmission failure at low mileage. Some report the car wonât accelerate from a stop or surges…
Oct 9, 2026Engine
2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN [XXX], ~79,239 mi. On or about [XXX], while entering a parking lot at low speed on an incline, I pressed the accelerator but the car had severe power loss and then stalled. It would not move in reverse. All dashboard lights came on only after the stall. I restarted it; the lights cleared. It was towed to Westlake Hyundai, 3610 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; checked in Sep 29, 2026 8:59 AM. Dealer found engine oil below the low mark, no external leaks, DTCs P0302/P0304 (misfires cyl 2 & 4), and all spark plugs worn/fouled. They replaced the plugs and started an oil consumption test per TSB 23-EM-008H. Critical safety issue: the oil pressure warning…
Sep 25, 2026Engine
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 no coverage on the vehicle due to its mileageand that it was not produced in the same factory as the…
Jul 2, 2026Engine
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 failure mileage was 102,474.
Jul 1, 2026 · 102,474 milesEngine
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 remedy is inspection of the cylinder bore and piston skirt, engine replacement if damage is found, and…
Jul 1, 2026Electrical systemCrash1 injury
2020 HYUNDAI [XXX], VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: On XXX I was pulling into a parking spot and had my foot firmly on the brake pedal. When I attempted to shift the vehicle into Park the engine suddenly revved up excessively. The vehicle then accelerated forward on its own and crashed into a building. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 9, 2026Engine
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted but unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure caused by a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The manufacturer was not…
Aug 27, 2026 · 46,961 milesPower train
Transmission TCM/IVT had a service campaign recall #963 for TCM relearn / IVT replacement for premature transmission failure. Hyundai USA and dealership Big Star Hyundai of Friendswood, TX have made claims of the repair being done. Service records indicate there was no replacement, relearn or anything transmission related done with the vehicle and Hyundai USA has claimed on their end that their records show it was completed, but refuse to show or display records of completion, and have not maintained outreach to the dealership regarding maintenance records for this specific issue. Transmission has popped a P0867 code at 65,000 miles, just outside of it's warranty, and reflects the same…
Mar 20, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.