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2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls & problems

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 safety recalls and 254 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (109 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints254filed by owners
Crashes · fires21 · 6reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2020 Hyundai Elantra in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EngineApr 28, 2021

Engine

Recall 21V301000158,493 vehicles

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.
WheelsOct 9, 2019

Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 19V72000048 vehicles

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.
SuspensionOct 9, 2019

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 19V721000744 vehicles

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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.7%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2020 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2020 Hyundai Elantra NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Elantra

36mpg combined
City / highway33 / 41 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,850/year to fuel

Elantra SE

35mpg combined
City / highway31 / 41 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,900/year to fuel

Elantra

34mpg combined
City / highway30 / 40 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,950/year to fuel

Elantra

30mpg combined
City / highway26 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Elantra

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine10934332,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Clutch assembly470005,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights2801019,790 mi
Electrical systemStarter assembly2711170,000 mi
Unknown or other266274,500 mi
Steering205124,700 mi
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Adaptive cruise control162001,700 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control131118,000 mi
Service brakes1330226,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system9000—
StructureBody7100—
Wheels5101—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.