Problems · by component
2020 Hyundai Elantra GT engine problems
79 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT cite engine, 41% of all 192 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
79
41% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to turn at approximately 5 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption, catalytic converter failure, and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted however, the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,709.”
“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and lost automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that an appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
“Engine timing chains are failing in a direct result from recall campaign ID 21V301000 Piston ring noise sensing system which contaminated my oil accelerating wear on my engine chain and sprockets. A failed or ineffective piston ring noise sensing system can let piston/ring damage go unchecked, leading to oil contamination, which in turn wears out or destroys the timing chain system.”
“I experienced engine failure with this make and model out of no where. Seen online recalls in the past for same make, year, and model. Dealership and and corporate are not helping me one bit, threatening to charge me for storage, lied about my corporate case being denied, when I have email evidence it was still open, and now zero contact back from Hyundai corporation. I'm trying to seek legal advice and would love any help moving forward struggling gravelly from all of this. Thank you so much”
“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact assisted in jumpstarting another vehicle with battery failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start the next day after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light had been illuminated prior to the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to two separate independent mechanics who informed the contact that the engine had failed. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
“Burning oil at any unacceptable rate. I have made sure to have preventative maintenance and oil changes done every 3K miles. Hyundai needs to address this problem that appears to be plaguing many drivers.”
Showing 6 of 79 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.