2020 Hyundai Elantra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: 3 recalls, 253 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Wheels Vehicle recall #19V720000 · 2019 · 48 vehicles
What's wrong: The right-side rear wheel lug nuts May have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #19V721000 · 2019 · 744 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower control arm ball joint fasteners May have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine Vehicle recall #21V301000 · 2021 · 158,493 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l nu mpi engines. The piston oil rings May not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (108): the most common themes are warning light on (40), stalls / loses power (33), noise or vibration (24).
- Transmission & drivetrain (47): the most common themes are warning light on (20), hard / delayed shifting (15), stalls / loses power (8).
- Exterior lights (28): the most common themes are warning light on (2), electrical failure (2).
- Electrical (27): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (3).
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 253 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 35 Elantra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 249). Complaints peaked in 2021 (48 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 9,830 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (251 complaints, 1 recalls), 2021 (131 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 37 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (108), transmission & drivetrain (47), exterior lights (28).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Hyundai Elantra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.