Home · 2020 Hyundai Elantra Gt · Complaints

What 190 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra Gt

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (190)Crash / fire / injury (21)Engine (78)Transmission & drivetrain (38)Lights (20)Electrical system (17)Steering (16)Speed control (11)Brakes (9)Fuel system (7)Body & structure (5)Driver assistance (5)

Newest first · 190 complaints · page 3 of 8

Feb 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER ON 1/30/2024 TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE ENGINE AS MY REGULAR MECHANIC STATED THE "ENGINE WAS KNOCKING" AT THE MOST RECENT OIL CHANGE, AND GET IT TO THE DEALER AS IT SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY. TURNS OUT IT DID NEED AN ENGINE WHICH THEY REPLACED YESTERDAY FINALLY, HOWEVER WHEN THEY TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE THEY STILL HEARD NOISES. THEY EXAMINED IT FURTHER AND TODAY THEY NOTIFIED ME IT ALSO NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW IN JANUARY OF 2021, HAD LESS THAN 10K MILES ON IT WHEN WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER ON 1/30/2024. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE. THANK GOODNESS I HAD ALL MY RECEIPTS TO PROVE REGULAR PROOF OF MAINTENANCE ESP SINCE I HAVE A REGULAR GUY AND DID NOT HAVE IT DONE AT THE DEALERS.

NHTSA ODI 11573200

Jan 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

I took the vehicle in for it's regular oil change on 1/19/2024. My regular mechanic stated to me that "the engine is knocking, you need to get it to the dealer so they can fix the issue as it should be under warranty." He finished the oil change and we came home and immediately made an appointment with our local Hyundai Dealer - that appointment is on 1/30/2024 at 9 am. This is an extremely concerning issue as it affects the whole vehicle and the ability of it to be driven and last a long time. No warning lamps, or messages occurred for this issue, only the statement by my regular mechanic. I want to make sure this is documented in case Hyundai tries to get out of fixing the issue. This could be a very expensive problem. The appointment was made for the 30,000 mile service, but I will make sure they are aware of the engine issue when I take it in as well.

NHTSA ODI 11566780

Jan 9, 2024Electrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without approximately 15-20 attempts. The vehicle had since failed to start completely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter had failed causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that there were two open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle received the recall repairs however, the starter was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the two unrelated recalls were confirmed with the VIN. Additionally, it was also confirmed that the replacement of the engine was no longer covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11564362

Jan 6, 2024Engine

The engine at 41,000 miles had a catastrophic engine failure on December 22, 2023. It blew up with all maintenance done on time. I bought this car on February 28, 2023 and I heard the same knocking noise a week after the dealer kept my car for 36 days and was unable to re-create the problem. The car has now been in the shop for 15 days and I believe it is a complete lemon. I do not trust the safety of this vehicle and I see others are filing complaints ago Hyundai and Kia for the same thing I want to be reimbursed and my loan canceled.

NHTSA ODI 11563906

Jan 2, 2024Lights

hIGH BEAM HEAdlights do not work. Stays on low beam.

NHTSA ODI 11563002

Dec 27, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked but the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11562044

Dec 21, 2023Lights

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the driver’s side front headlight had failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer system for the headlight had failed causing the headlights to not function as needed. The contact was informed that the headlight unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,581.

NHTSA ODI 11561258

Dec 19, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11560897

Dec 7, 2023Lights

I keep replacing the lights the daytime and the headlights and they’re constantly going out . Many of people have this ongoing problem.

NHTSA ODI 11558960

Nov 21, 2023Lights

Daytime running lights faulty from manufacture. Had to replace headlights once already and now out again. Hyundai has made this headlight assembly non repairable and charges over 1k for a replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11556339

Nov 21, 2023Lights

My high beam lights have been replaced but still arent working

NHTSA ODI 11556364

Nov 16, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sluggish and hesitant while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.

NHTSA ODI 11555531

Nov 2, 2023Engine

My check engine light turns on and I’ve taken it to Hyundai to have it fixed and all they do is turn the light off and say it’s a sensor issue but it’s the fourth time the light has turned on I’m worried their is an issue with the pistons or the big e overheating. It’s also brutning a lot of oil that every 3-4K miles the oil drops to 75% full.

NHTSA ODI 11553213

Oct 30, 2023Steering

There has been a noise coming from my steering column. Its sounds a like rubbing or whirring noise. It only happens at low or stationary speeds. I took the vehicle to a local shop in my area. They diagnosed the problem as the Worm Shaft Assembly ( located inside the steering column). If steering fails while driving, it can a crash and lead to significant injury. While my steering has not failed or led to any accidents, its very possible and a real risk.

NHTSA ODI 11552544

Oct 16, 2023

On Aug 30, 2023 I went to a Germain Hyundai for the usual maintenance of my Hyundai Elantra 2020 where they checked the condition of the belts and it passed. Fast forward Oct 1, 2023 the timing belt snapped and I had it serviced at Hyundai Great Lakes Dublin. I aired out my concern that it is too early for that belt to break since my mileage is only at approximately 25000, while their manual even says that the usual replacement /maintenance for the timing belt. So I urged them to check what caused it to break. Oct 15, 2023 I was driving off of freeway and we suddenly heard the belt snapped again and the car started to slow down on its own. It was a crazy experience as we were in the middle lane and we could no longer control the speed of the car. The Hyundai service center did not take this matter seriously and only recommended that the belts be replaced again. Essentially, I am in so much concern of my safety now given the situation that even the service center did not take time to figure out what is causing the belt to break and not being able to identify that puts me in a traumatic and unsafe situation of driving this vehicle , knowing it could break anytime.

NHTSA ODI 11550180

Oct 15, 2023

I’ve had my car for about 5/6 months and it’s been broken into twice and was recently stolen. I haven’t been notified from Hyundai dealership about any recalls. Recently I called Ray Skillman where I purchased the car and a man said that there was a recall on my car a few days after I purchased the vehicle. I haven’t received any letters or notification about this from Hyundai and if they did it could’ve prevented me dealing with my car being broken into,damaged,and now stolen .

NHTSA ODI 11549998

Sep 28, 2023Lights

No difference between high and low beems

NHTSA ODI 11547101

Sep 4, 2023

Hyundai updated my car with the “anti-thief” software a few months ago. It clearly did nothing because my car was still stolen. They need to install immobilizers for free to really try to fix the problem!

NHTSA ODI 11542515

Aug 24, 2023Engine

The contact's wife owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle made a beeping sound. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. Additionally, the contact was informed that the drain plug had separated from the oil pan. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage 45,569.

NHTSA ODI 11540570

Aug 3, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission studders and looses acceleration while driving

NHTSA ODI 11536195

Jul 12, 2023Brakes

NORMAL DRIVING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN AND STOP AND VERY FORTUNATE TO STOP AT ALL, NOW HAS HAPPENED TWICE. (WHAT TO DO?) SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE!

NHTSA ODI 11531788

Jul 3, 2023Visibility & wipers

leak without windshield

NHTSA ODI 11530184

Jun 23, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to downshift into 2nd gear. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking while shifting gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly was the incorrect size, and the clutch assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,117.

NHTSA ODI 11528577

Jun 12, 2023Body & structure

Driving on a road trip, 2.5 hours in. All doors were locked. Drove over a road change from tunnel to bridge, small bump, and dashboard started beeping and flashing that a door opened. Driver side back door (where my child was sitting) opened, air was rushing in. We had to brake ( on a highway bridge to pull over) and unlock door to get it to close again. The door popped open while still locked. Called Hyundai and they said bring it in, but we probably didn't shut it. It was absolutely shut and locked.

NHTSA ODI 11526619

Jun 11, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

When I start off I give my car gas but it does not want to speed up. The rpm drops to 2 and does not move as I push the gas to go to get out of the way of traffic behind me. It goes about 600 ft before it kicks in. Then it runs normal. It's still under manufacture warrenty (3 more years and 20000 more miles unde warrenty). I've taken it to the dealership and they didn't see anything. Said they would have to keep it a couple of days to check it out. It's my only means of transportation but the never have a loner car for me to use till I get mine back. I've seen others with same complaint so why is there no recall. Afraid I'm gonna get hit in the rear due to lack of power. Doesn't do it everyday but has happened twice in two weeks when I've pulled out onto a major highway with heavy traffic. I bought the car used in Jan.2023 with warrenty still on the car. Thought hey great deal! But now I think I bought a lemon.

NHTSA ODI 11526419

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Working with the data? Download all 190 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Hyundai Elantra Gt verdict →