Owners have reported 19 crashes, 6 fires, 15 injuries and 2 deaths to NHTSA for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints68
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and engine failure. Symptoms commonly described include rapid oil burning without visible leaks, engine noise, and warning lights such as the check engine light. These problems are often noted at mileage as low as 20,000 miles, with some reports extending beyond 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve engine fires and one involves a crash, highlighting risks of engine failure while driving. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding oil consumption and engine reliability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints40
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report transmission failures, with symptoms including slipping, jerking, and loss of power during acceleration. Many complaints describe issues such as the vehicle failing to shift gears properly or becoming stuck in a gear, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights or error codes. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 10,000 to over 100,000 miles. Several reports highlight safety concerns, including the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or control on highways, posing a risk of accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues when considering this model.
Owner complaints20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra's exterior lighting, particularly involving the high beam headlights. Common symptoms include inoperative high beams and poor low beam performance, often due to failures in the headlight shutter mechanism or wiring defects. Several complaints mention that headlight failures occur around 16,000 to 68,000 miles, with some noting repeated bulb burnouts. Safety implications are significant, as inadequate lighting can hinder nighttime visibility, posing risks to both drivers and pedestrians. Buyers should be aware of potential repair costs and challenges in obtaining effective long-term fixes.
Owner complaints18
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the steering system, with common symptoms including grinding or rubbing noises, particularly at low speeds, and unexpected changes in steering stiffness. Complaints often involve problems with components such as the worm gear shaft and steering column, with some reports indicating these issues arise as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as several complaints involve crashes, including one with a fire and two injuries, often linked to sudden loss of steering control or abrupt changes in steering behavior. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues, as they could lead to significant safety risks if unresolved.
Severity signals: 5 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the high beam headlights, which flicker and fail to remain on. Several complaints also highlight problems with headlights burning out repeatedly and a significant concern regarding a fire originating from the passenger headlight assembly. Additional electrical issues include non-starts linked to loose power cables and backup camera malfunctions. These problems are noted across varying mileages, with some reports indicating occurrences as early as a few months after purchase. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a fire and others describing compromised visibility due to headlight failures.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues related to engine performance, theft vulnerability, and transmission failures. Several complaints describe engines seizing or stalling unexpectedly, sometimes leading to crashes, with some reports noting these problems at mileages as low as 4,500 and up to 93,000 miles. Theft-related concerns are common, with owners mentioning inadequate security features even after software updates, resulting in multiple thefts and break-ins. Transmission failures are also noted, with symptoms such as sudden revving and inability to maintain speed, occurring at mileages around 4,500 and 40,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some incidents involve crashes, fires, and injuries, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints9
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the vehicle's service brakes, including instances of "phantom braking" where the car brakes unexpectedly without an obstruction, and difficulty in depressing the brake pedal. Complaints also describe grinding noises during braking and instances where the brakes do not respond effectively, leading to crashes. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some reports mentioning occurrences as early as 26,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes, including one incident with two injuries. Buyers should be aware of these brake-related symptoms and consider having the braking system thoroughly inspected before purchasing.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra frequently report issues with the cruise control system, where engaging it leads to an unexpected increase in engine RPMs by 500 to 1000 RPM, even on flat terrain. This behavior is noted to decrease fuel economy and potentially increase engine wear. One owner mentions persistent issues with power loss when using the accelerator, requiring the vehicle to be restarted to regain normal function. Another complaint describes a vehicle stalling and decelerating at low speeds, with repeated occurrences despite repairs, around the 29,000-mile mark. Safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are not reported, but the issues could concern potential buyers interested in consistent cruise control performance and engine reliability.
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra report issues with the forward collision avoidance system activating unexpectedly, often in clear conditions without any apparent hazards. Complaints frequently mention the system being triggered by direct sunlight, particularly during morning commutes, leading to sudden braking or disabling of the gas pedal, which can leave drivers stranded in intersections or on busy roads. The problems are noted at various mileage points, from as low as 500 miles to around 60,000 miles. One reported incident involved a crash where the system failed to detect an obstacle, resulting in minor vehicle damage. These issues present potential safety risks, particularly in high-traffic situations or when making turns.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra report several airbag deployment failures during crashes, which result in injuries. Complaints frequently mention that both driver and passenger airbags do not deploy upon impact, as seen in incidents involving collisions with other vehicles and stationary objects like trees. Symptoms described include airbags failing to inflate or partially inflating with smoke emanating from the steering column. These issues are reported to occur at various times, with specific incidents noted in early 2020 and 2021. The safety implications are significant, with all reported cases involving crashes and injuries, highlighting a potential risk for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
