2020 Hyundai Elantra Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 262 owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The EPA rates it 26 to 36 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
262
Crashes / fires reported
21 / 6
EPA combined
26–36 MPG

2020 Hyundai Elantra recalls

  • EngineApr 28, 2021 · NHTSA 21V301000+

    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.

    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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

    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.

  • WheelsOct 9, 2019 · NHTSA 19V720000+

    Risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and 2020 Elantra vehicles. The right-side rear wheel lug nuts may have been insufficiently tightened, allowing the wheel to detach from the vehicle.

  • SuspensionOct 9, 2019 · NHTSA 19V721000+

    Risk: A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 185.

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Elantra vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint fasteners may have been insufficiently tightened allowing the ball joint to detach from the lower control arm.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Engine115
  • Power Train48
  • Exterior Lighting28
  • Unknown or Other27
  • Electrical System27
  • Steering20
  • Forward Collision Avoidance14
  • Vehicle Speed Control14

2020 Hyundai Elantra gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Elantra1.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM7)334136$1,800
Elantra SE2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)314135$1,850
Elantra2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)304034$1,900
Elantra2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd263730$2,150
Elantra1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM7)263329$2,200
Elantra GT1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S7)253228$2,300
Elantra GT2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)253227$2,400
Elantra GT1.6 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd233026$2,450

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, most recently for the engine (Apr 28, 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Elantra problems?

Owners filed 262 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (115), power train (48), exterior lighting (28).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Hyundai Elantra at 26 to 36 MPG combined (best version: 33 city / 41 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.