Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Hyundai Elantra electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Elantra | 19 |
| 2017 Elantra | 92 |
| 2018 Elantra | 38 |
| 2019 Elantra | 33 |
| 2020 Elantra (this page) | 21 |
| 2021 Elantra | 25 |
| 2022 Elantra | 13 |
| 2023 Elantra | 16 |
| 2024 Elantra | 11 |
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedure in this TSB to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon's communication network. If you are experiencing issues with remote commands, or other Bluelink services, please see the instructions below to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedure in this TSB to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
High-beam headlights that strobe or flicker instead of staying on is the most frequent complaint—mechanics say it's common to this model year and requires a Hyundai-specific diagnostic tool, so independent shops can't fix it. Owners also report repeated headlight bulb failures, incorrectly soldered headlight assemblies, and one case of fire in the passenger headlight assembly while the car was parked with no warning signs beforehand.
Engine stalling while driving appears in multiple complaints: one vehicle stalled at 25 MPH with battery drain and engine code P1327; another smoked and stalled on the highway; a third random-stalls with RPM spikes. At least one required engine replacement, with dealer disputes over warranty coverage past 70,000 miles.
Starter problems surface as repeated no-start conditions (15–20 attempts to start, then total failure) or a loose power cable barely connected to the starter—one owner notes online that this cable issue appears frequent with Hyundai. Recall repairs were applied in one case but did not include starter replacement.
Camera and safety system failures include backup camera displaying only blue or blank screen, and Lane Assist plus Forward Collision Avoidance cameras becoming disabled at 110,000 miles. One brake light repeatedly failed, as did running lights. Owners encountered warranty coverage denials and dealer resistance to repairs.
Same Hyundai Elantra electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
High-beam headlight strobing/flickering
High beams initiate but flicker on and off rapidly, affecting both headlights simultaneously. Remains non-functional. Owners report this is a known electrical issue with this model year and involves a specialized Hyundai tool to access.
When: Starting a few months before complaint; one report at 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High beams strobe or flicker when activated; Both headlights affected at the same time; High beams will not stay on; Regular low beams function normally
Repairs/costs cited: Requires specialized Hyundai diagnostic tool and repair capability; independent shops cannot fix. Dealer diagnostic quoted at $200+ with diagnostic fee applied to repair if completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by VIN in complainant records. Service bulletins may apply; owners reference multiple mentions online and mechanics confirming this is common to the model year.
Headlight assembly fire
Fire started in passenger headlight assembly while vehicle was parked and off, only 7 minutes after running. Fire melted bumper and damaged windshield washer fluid reservoir. Service technician reported multiple vehicles at dealership with same failure.
When: Vehicle parked at gas station; no pre-warning mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in passenger headlight assembly; Melted bumper material; Damage to windshield washer fluid area; No warning signs, sounds, or illuminated lights prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Investigation ongoing at dealership; specific repair not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service technician at Hyundai dealership confirmed multiple cases of same failure at their facility.
Starter failure/no-start condition
Vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts (15-20 tries), then complete failure. Independent mechanic diagnosis: starter failed, engine seized. Dealer confirmed two open recalls on vehicle but did not replace starter as part of recall repairs. Engine replacement required but no longer covered under warranty.
When: 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle requires 15-20 start attempts before starting; Complete failure to start; No warning lights illuminated; Engine seizure diagnosed
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement needed but not performed during recall service. Engine replacement required; approximately 87,000 miles. Warranty no longer covered replacement engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two unrelated recalls confirmed and applied; starter replacement not included.
Loose power cable at starter
Power cable to starter found barely connected, creating potential fire or short hazard. Found only after several non-start attempts and dealer's inability to replicate issue.
When: Multiple non-starts over couple-year period before diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple non-start conditions; Intermittent starting issue; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Loose cable to starter secured; owner notes online reports suggest this is non-infrequent issue with Hyundai vehicles.
Engine stall while driving
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion. One report at 25 MPH with battery drain and engine symbol illuminated. Another report of car smoking and stalling on highway. Third report describes random stalling on highway with RPM fluctuation and reluctance to accelerate.
When: 70,000 miles (one confirmed); timing not specified for other reports
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected engine shutdown while driving; Engine symbol/check engine light illuminated; Battery drain; Smoking from vehicle; Random RPM spikes and stalling; Vehicle slows down despite throttle input; Smoking reported
Codes mentioned: P1327
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle: battery replaced three times, computer replaced, powertrain system diagnosed as failed. Another vehicle receiving engine replacement from dealer; customer dispute over fuel injector repair cost. One vehicle under 70,000 miles but warranty status unclear at time of failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted Hyundai has/had recall for engine replacement (VIN starting KMH); unclear if applied. One vehicle: warranty confirmed expired at failure mileage.
Headlight bulb burnout
Headlight bulbs fail repeatedly requiring multiple replacements. One passenger side replaced 3 times, driver side replaced twice, within short timeframe. Another report of lights going out repeatedly on highway despite bulb replacement.
When: Within first couple years of ownership; highway driving noted
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs burn out frequently; Lights extinguish during highway driving; Bulb replacement does not resolve recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple bulb replacements required. One owner reported independent shop (Firestone) diagnosed wiring system defect as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner attempted multiple emails to Hyundai with no response reported.
Headlight wiring defect
Wiring system defect in headlight circuit causing multiple failures. One report specifically notes soldering appeared incorrectly done ('looks like a child did it') and independent shop identified wiring system failure.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Incorrect soldering in headlight assembly; Wiring system failure; Repeated bulb burnout; Lights going out repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop (Firestone) identified wiring system defect; specific repair not documented.
Brake light burnout
Driver-side brake light failed. Owner also reports running light failures. Repaired immediately due to safety concern but notes seeing other same-model vehicles with identical issue.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side brake light extinguished; Running light also going out
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb/light repaired promptly by owner.
Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Assist Camera failure
Lane Assist safety feature failed to function with messages displayed: 'Forward Collision Avoidance' and 'Lane Assist Camera Disabled.' Dealer diagnosed both Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Assist Camera as requiring replacement.
When: 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Lane Assist safety feature non-functional; Forward Collision Avoidance system message displayed; Lane Assist Camera Disabled message displayed; Camera failure
Repairs/costs cited: Both Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Assist Camera required replacement per dealer diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure. Warranty invalid at 110,000 miles, repair not performed.
Backup camera failure
Backup camera stopped working with blank or blue screen display. No other details provided.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera non-functional; Screen remains blank or displays blue only
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 89,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Hyundai/Elantra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.