2020 Hyundai Elantra
Common Problems
Ranked from 80 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
20 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
12complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls at idle, especially when transitioning from stop-start mode.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 2
Steering Column Malfunction
9complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering column can be removed easily, leading to potential loss of control and theft vulnerability.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Check Engine Light and Transmission Issues
8complaintsHigh severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates, and the transmission experiences multiple failures, leading to shutdowns during operation.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 4
Engine Oil Consumption and Leaks
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil and leaks, leading to potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 5
Headlight Issues
7complaintsLow severityElectricalHeadlights fail to work properly, including high beams and daytime running lights.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Transmission failure under low mileage
7complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission failed under low mileage conditions, causing loss of power and inability to shift gears properly.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Engine Oil Safety Recall Issues
6complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine has oil safety issues leading to potential engine failure and fire risks.
Related recall: 21V301000
- 8
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing unexpected engine behavior and leaving the driver stranded.
- 9
Brake Pedal Force and Shifting Issues
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesExcessive force is required to depress the brake pedal, and the gear shifter may seize between gears.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Engine Knocking and Misfire
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces a knocking sound and misfires, leading to reduced performance and potential engine failure.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 11
Engine Seizure During Operation
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine seizes during operation, causing the vehicle to lose power and stop unexpectedly.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 12
Lane Departure Warning System Malfunction
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe lane departure warning system malfunctions, causing unexpected lane changes and potential accidents.
- 13
Engine Burning Oil
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine is burning excessive oil, leading to potential engine damage and reduced performance.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V301000
- 14
Steering Column Grinding Noise
2complaintsLow severitySteeringThere is a grinding noise in the steering column, especially at lower speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Steering wheel stiffness and sudden changes in steering effort
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel became stiff at all speeds and experienced abrupt changes in steering effort, leading to loss of control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Transmission shifting into first gear on its own
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission shifted into first gear on its own, creating dangerous situations in heavy traffic.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Transmission Slipping and Stalling
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission slips and stalls, especially during acceleration from a stop.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Unintended acceleration while using cruise control
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle sped up past the set speed when cruise control was engaged, potentially leading to accidents.
- 19
Unreliable Cruise Control Function
2complaintsMedium severityOtherCruise control does not maintain set speed, especially on flat roads, and the car slows down unexpectedly.
- 20
Vehicle speed control issues with increased RPM
2complaintsMedium severityOtherEngaging cruise control caused higher RPMs, increasing engine wear and decreasing fuel efficiency.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.