This page covers 3 recalls, 232 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
29–36 mpg combined
6.5–8.1 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2017 to 2020 Hyundai Elantra received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The sedan earned four stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. It achieved a five-star rating in the side pole crash test. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2017 to 2020 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and powertrain complaints dominate the 2020 Elantra's complaint set. Owners frequently report erratic RPM behavior, revs climbing and falling on their own without any throttle input, along with hesitation during acceleration and rough or interrupted shifting. Some describe the vehicle lunging or surging unexpectedly, both while moving and from a stop, often with the check engine light coming on. Transmission-related reports echo the engine complaints, with owners noting gear engagement problems and inconsistent power delivery, particularly on cruise control. The third most-reported area is exterior lighting, where owners describe repeated headlight bulb failures in short succession, followed by unresponsive connectors and high beams that stop engaging, leaving minimal usable light at night.
232
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 3 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious being an engine defect where the piston oil rings can degrade, causing the engine to stall or leak oil onto hot exhaust components and start a fire.
The other two recalls both involve fasteners that may not have been tightened sufficiently at the factory. On the suspension side, the lower front control arm ball joint can work loose and detach entirely, which removes the connection between the wheel assembly and the suspension and causes an abrupt loss of steering control. Separately, the right rear wheel lug nuts on certain vehicles may also be under-torqued, allowing the rear wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. Both of these conditions create crash risk with little warning to the driver.
At a glance
What can fail
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could cause engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed at no cost. Hyundai will also install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may not have been tightened enough at the factory, which could allow the wheel to come off the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right-side rear wheel lug nuts and tighten them if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fasteners connecting the ball joint to the lower control arm may not be tight enough, which could cause the ball joint to separate from the control arm.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ball joint fasteners and tighten them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
