2020 Hyundai Elantra Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 117 of 250 complaints (47%) filed against the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, with a median failure mileage of 20,500 miles. A related recall (21V301000) covers piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine that may not have been properly heat-treated.
- Engine complaints
- 117
- 47% of 250
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 5
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 20,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden uncommanded acceleration, sometimes while braking or slowing down, occasionally resulting in a crash.
- Some drivers describe the engine stalling or losing power at highway speed, with the check engine light illuminating and the vehicle unable to exceed a crawl.
- Several complaints describe engines consuming oil rapidly starting around 20,000 miles, with the engine ultimately failing or blowing up without warning lights.
- Owners note the transmission or drivetrain unexpectedly switching modes or slipping out of gear during normal driving.
- Some report engine fires starting under the hood while driving or shortly after parking, in some cases with smoke filling the cabin.
When 2020 Hyundai Elantra engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 30, 2019, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra
- NHTSA 21V301000Apr 28, 2021Engine158,493 vehicles
Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Engine complaints by Elantra model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
- Engine issues make up 117 of the 250 total complaints filed for the 2020 Elantra, or 47% of all complaints for this model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
- Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Hyundai will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 20,500 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2020 Elantra.
- Have engine problems caused crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records list 5 crashes, 5 fires, and 4 injuries associated with complaints in this problem area for the 2020 Elantra.
- Is the engine problem rate worse for 2020 than other Elantra years?
- The 47% share for 2020 is lower than 2018 (53%) and 2019 (54%) but higher than 2021 (19%) and later years, based on NHTSA complaint data by model year.