7.6

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,472 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Hyundai Elantra drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2020 Hyundai Elantra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Apr 122024

Elantra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle recently had a new engine and new transmission installed into it in February of this year. Less than 10K miles on it. The engine light came on on 4/12/2024 and I took it back to the dealer immediately. They called me on 4/15/2024 stating that their engineers and techs had had problems on the transmission recently installed on it due to manufacturing and/or faulty parts, and to replace that transmission with a new one. Still waiting to get the vehicle back at this point in time.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #31

Apr 162024

Elantra

  • miles
I have a code "P0867 Transmission Fluid Pressure" that showed up on my car. Yes. Dealership refused to fix under "Service Campaign [XXX]". Dealership confirmed issue. No. There is a check engine light that appeared. To continue after the questions, Max Hyundai of Manhattan, address: 8020 US-24, Manhattan, KS 66502. Refused to fix my vehicle under "service campaign [XXX]". As the service campaign indicates Code P0867 must be present, which it is. As well as a VIN that starts with [XXX], which my vehicle also has. As well as 20MY Elantra's. Which my car falls into that category as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Fort Riley, KS, USA

problem #30

Dec 222023

Elantra

  • miles
Engine seized while going 55-60mph with warning lights only 15 seconds before my vehicle completely stopped on the highway [XXX] ) The engine was replaced by Hyundai along with the manifold and catalytic converter. Vehicle lost all control and power and started excessively knocking while I tried to get to the shoulder but only made it to the right lane. The safety of others and myself were out at risk due to no control of the vehicle. Repair order attached INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Lawrence Township, NJ, USA

problem #29

Feb 012023

Elantra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission failed - car disabled at 85mph

- Grand Island, NE, USA

problem #28

Jan 302024

Elantra

  • miles
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.

- Reno, NV, USA

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problem #27

Feb 042024

Elantra

  • miles
Started noticing my 2020 Elantra was "jerking", "lurching" while in motion of driving. RPM would shoot up. A handful of times I would be losing power and almost not make to where I was headed. Starting/Turning from a dead stop, I would have no power and then suddenly it would surge and then I could get up to speed. I did not have any indication before hand or while driving. I did not have any lights come up, while driving or when it did the startup check when turned on. I barely made it to a Auto service, he drove it from one end of the parking lot to the other, then whipped into a bay for him to look at. I was told it was the Transmission, specifically CVT slippage and he suggested I do not drive home.

- Inola, OK, USA

problem #26

Jan 192024

Elantra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #25

Dec 162023

Elantra

  • 98,000 miles
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.

- Lancaster, CA, USA

problem #24

Aug 032023

Elantra

  • miles
Transmission studders and looses acceleration while driving

- Millville, NJ, USA

problem #23

Apr 182023

Elantra

  • miles
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.

- Lancaster, SC, USA

problem #22

Jun 032023

Elantra

  • 10,211 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted to park, and then shifted in reverse. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they did not provide service on Saturdays. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,211.

- Far Rockaway, NY, USA

problem #21

Apr 172023

Elantra

  • miles
While driving home from my family-??s house in the next town over. My car decided to have transmission issues I have had the car car for 3 years so far with now issues until two days ago when I heard a loud pop and my car stopped accelerating. Tried to put it manual mode and I watched the gears shift from 1st to 8th gear in seconds then get stuck in fifth the the check engine light came on. And I was stuck on the interstate for almost 8 hours while I tried to get it to move. The car turned over just fine and revved but no movement like it was stuck in neutral

- Tucson , AZ, USA

problem #20

Nov 302022

Elantra

  • miles
I bought the car from the dealer when the car had a total of 12,000 miles on it the transmission would lunge the car forward at speeds around 70 mph. It made driving the car unsafe on the highway as I couldn't tell if it was going to lunge forward and hit the car in front of me, and I got it to the dealer. It was under warranty and the dealership tested it and said it needed to be replaced. When I got to 18,000 miles the new transmission had a similar incident and the dealership tested again and said this new transmission needed to be replaced completely. It is still under warranty and they will replace it in 3 weeks. I am going to be on the third transmission with a car under 20,000 miles. The transmission was only inspected by the dealership, and they told me that they do not know what was wrong they just pulled out the bad one and put in another, they did not take it apart to figure out what the problem was on the first one that needed to be replaced. I still have the car and can be inspected before I drop it off at the dealership May 6th. There were no warning messages on the dashboard or any other problems with the car. Information below is on the first incident, the second incident started around February of 2023.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #19

Dec 232022

Elantra

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact also stated that on various occasions, the gear shifter seized between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sought legal advice from the States Attorney General Office and was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Sunrise, FL, USA

problem #18

Feb 212023

Elantra

  • miles
Loud knocking noise coming from engine. Car unable to be driven. No recall for my particular make and model per Hyundai dealer. Extra consumption of oil and loss of power during acceleration. No warning lights or other messages. 79, 500 miles. Problem inspected by certified auto mechanic.

- Spring Hill , FL, USA

problem #17

Aug 172022

Elantra

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle and felt the vehicle shaking. The contact then stated that he attempted to start the vehicle again when the engine revved and misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2, engine, and powertrain control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. Additionally, the ECU and TCU needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle because the recalls were originated from Puerto Rico. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall could not be honored and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #16

May 312022

Elantra

  • miles
Approximetly 8 months after purchase car stalled while sitting at RR tracks and traffic light. Replaced battery after stranded due to dead battery. After putting twenty dollars of gas car engine sputtered very loud as if it was running out of fuel this continues to occur. At departure engine stalls restarts and stalls repeats hyndai unavailable for at least 30 days and would not provide loaner or alternative for car with under 60k miles disabled. Enterprise car sales would not assist in trade or repair. Engine light appears then disappears. Headlights feature stopped working it is manual operation only. Collision warning activated on an empty roadway. Tire light illuminated Replaced 1 of 4 older mismatched tires. Car is unsafe due to early occurances of electrical, mechanical, engine and computer fail without warning. Enterprise car sales will not take car as trade in, Hyndai service appointments booked 30 to 45 day waiting period with no alternative repair or loaner car I have been affected financially and loan is defaulted since I am unable to work. Excessive time spent trying to trade in car, find repair facility, roadside. Car towed due to stalled unable to drive unsure about using car with no warning disabling issues.

- Santa Clara, CA, USA

problem #15

Jun 202021

Elantra

  • miles
Everytime when I driving around 20 minutes The transmission start failed on the first gear...every time when I stop at the traffic light and then go forward car loose the power in the first gear even sport mode or smart mode or normal mode he do that.... that's to dangerous cause if I have to crossing a way that only have a stop sign might can get an accident.

- New Castle, DE, USA

problem #14

Apr 172021

Elantra

  • 5,200 miles
Internal transmission failure

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #13

Feb 022021

Elantra

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owned a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently stall upon placing the gear shifter into reverse without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to Hyundai of jefferson city (3215 Missouri blvd, jefferson city, mo 65109) where the range sensor was replaced. The contact stated that he sold the vehicle the day after the sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. The VIN was not available.

- Osage Beach, MO, USA

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