NHTSA has received 254 owner complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, or 38.1 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.91, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #56 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Hyundai models its rate is 31% lower; against other Compact cars it is 66% higher.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2019-09-25 and 2026-08-29. Median delay from incident to filing: 16 days.
254Complaints
38.1Complaints per year on the road
0.91Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
9.1%Share involving a crash or fire
59Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2019) drew 32.7 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2021) drew 27.9 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2020 model collected 82 complaints, 44% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (43.3% of complaints), followed by Transmission / powertrain (13.0%) and Electrical (7.9%). Engine complaints are 1.9 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “oil”, “stalled”, “knocking” and “recall”. 23 reports (9.1%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 15 injuries and 2 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 41 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (31% of incidents). In the last 12 months 59 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 45% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.91
vs. other Hyundai models0.69
vs. other 2020 models1.01
vs. other Compact cars1.66
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (82)1.44
I no longer have this vehicle, as I traded it in once I was able to lower some of my negative equity. During owning the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, a deer it the side of my vehicle and knocked me into the center of the road while I was driving.
Engine blew up on the highway almost causing an accident. The car has had problems with rapid oil consumption since 20000 miles on the car.
Engine · 2025-09-21 · ODI 11688718 · Fire
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.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-08-29 · ODI 11760645
The high beam lights don’t work. Doesn’t make changes to high. Relay, bulbs and breakers appear to be ok.
Electrical · 2026-08-24 · ODI 11759215
Steering wheel has been making whining noises when turning. Previously replaced worm shaft on steering while under warranty due to malfunction when first purchased. Issue has resurfaced but no longer covered under warranty.
Steering · 2026-08-19 · ODI 11758002
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
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.
Summary: 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.
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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
254 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, or about 38.1 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 43.3% of complaints.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 59 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 254 owner complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, or 38.1 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.91, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #56 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Hyundai models its rate is 31% lower; against other Compact cars it is 66% higher.