CarRecallDB

2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

3 recalls and 254 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.

3
recalls
254
owner complaints
21
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · reported April 28, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America · 158,493 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

NHTSA campaign 19V720000 · reported October 9, 2019 · Hyundai Motor America · 48 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint

NHTSA campaign 19V721000 · reported October 9, 2019 · Hyundai Motor America · 744 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 15, 2026 · 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…

Oct 7, 2026 · Engine

2020 Hyundai Elantra, VIN […], ~79,239 mi. On or about […], 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…

Sep 29, 2026 · Engine

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…

Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · 102,474 miles

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…

Sep 10, 2026 · Engine

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…

Elantra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 4770376
2018 0284127
2019 1252123
2020 3254216
2021 613281
2022 510271
2023 210180

Across all years, the 2013 Elantra has the most complaints (1,314). All Hyundai Elantra years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the most recent reported on April 28, 2021 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners have filed 254 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (109 complaints), followed by power train (47).
How many 2020 Hyundai Elantra complaints mention a crash or fire?
21 of 254 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 16 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 15, 2026.