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 engine problems
severe 74 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
74
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 74 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 74 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously. In addition, DTC P1327 will be recorded in the ECM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously. In addition, DTC P1327 will be recorded in the ECM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Hyundai Elantra engines describe a consistent failure pattern: piston rings degrade, oil consumption spikes to 1.5–2.5 quarts per month despite timely changes, and the check engine light comes on. Low oil pressure then causes stalling at highway speeds or complete seizure. Some vehicles experience engine fires. The manufacturer issued Recall 21V-301 in 2021, but remedy parts have remained unavailable for years, leaving vehicles unsafe and owners stranded.
Many VINs are excluded from the recall despite having identical year, model, engine, and symptoms. Dealers confirm this exclusion, then refuse warranty or goodwill coverage and quote $10,000–$14,000 for out-of-pocket engine replacement. Hyundai corporate becomes unresponsive once a claim is filed. Dealerships cannot reproduce problems in the shop or provide timely diagnostics (some have waited weeks to months for service appointments). Owners report abnormal knocking or clicking sounds, violent jerking during acceleration, and sudden loss of power—all after receiving no interim safety guidance (such as checking oil frequently) from the manufacturer. One owner's engine failed twice with the same defect; another's engine caught fire, totaling the vehicle while insurance documented the recall.
Warranty denial is common, with Hyundai citing "abuse," mileage, or manufacture origin (South Korea). One owner was asked to provide receipts for every oil change performed by his own mechanic, then told the recall remedy does not yet exist—despite the recall letter stating engine replacement as the fix.
Same Hyundai Elantra engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Piston oil ring failure with excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or leaks oil excessively, sometimes 1.5–2.5 quarts per month, despite timely oil changes. This leads to dangerously low oil levels and eventual oil starvation. Low oil pressure triggers check engine light and loss of engine power. Owners report adding oil between scheduled changes, yet dealerships blame 'abuse' or refuse warranty coverage.
When: As early as purchase; one owner at 54,000 miles, others at 69,993, 120,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Abnormally low oil level despite recent oil change; Engine sluggish or hesitant during acceleration; Loss of motive power while driving; Oil burning smell or visible oil on engine/ground; Continuous need to add oil between services
Codes mentioned: P0011, P1327, P0016
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement; costs cited range $10,000–$14,000. One owner had two engines fail (first and replacement) with same issue. Some owners forced to pay out-of-pocket after warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 21V-301 (Hyundai Recall 203) issued, includes TSB 21-01-054H-1. Remedy was listed as engine replacement. However, many VINs not included despite same symptoms. Parts unavailable for extended periods. Hyundai refused coverage citing warranty expiration, mileage, or 'abuse' (even when oil changes documented). Extended warranty claim denied based on manufacture origin (South Korea). Owners left without recourse.
Engine stalling and loss of power while driving
Engine stalls suddenly at various speeds (30–65 mph), sometimes without warning lights. Vehicle lurches or jerks violently when attempting to accelerate. Restart possible but stalling recurs. Owners report loss of power on highways and in traffic, creating acute safety hazard. Some vehicles stall multiple times after restart attempts.
When: Low mileage (400–16,000 miles) to higher mileage (48,000–70,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving; Vehicle jerks or lurches violently when accelerating; Loss of motive power; Check engine light (may or may not illuminate before stall); Abnormal knocking or clicking sound before stall; Engine restarts after several attempts; Recurring stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically performed full engine diagnostics but did not repair or replace engine. One owner reported dealer 'topped off' oil as temporary fix, but failure recurred. Diagnosis of 'faulty engine requiring replacement' common, but repair denied or delayed indefinitely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V-301 cited in multiple complaints; however, many VINs marked 'not included.' Recall repair parts unavailable for months. Hyundai corporate office unresponsive to owner requests. Some owners told by dealers to seek 'second opinion' at another dealership. No interim guidance provided (e.g., to check oil frequently) until owners researched it themselves.
Engine fire and thermal damage
Engine catches fire while driving, with all lights coming on and smoke/flames emanating from under hood. One vehicle burned so severely that windows cracked from heat; vehicle deemed total loss by insurance. Another owner experienced overheating thermostat that rises rapidly even shortly after engine start, with burning smell from outside car at low mileage.
When: As early as 2,552 miles (burning smell); engine fire at ~51,000–10 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from outside of vehicle or engine vents; All dashboard lights illuminating simultaneously; Smoke and flames under hood; Rapid thermostat rise with minimal engine run time; Electrical system failure during fire event
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire (total loss). Dealership attempted to identify burning smell but could not; offered spray residue theory (unconfirmed). No repairs attempted before fire. One owner with overheating thermostat issue initially refused to drive car and requested repossession rather than risk continued use.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Insurance and police documented recall on vehicle tied to engine fire risk. Hyundai dealership performed undisclosed recall on one vehicle without owner notification. Dealership blamed original selling dealer for potential rust-preventative spray. No acknowledgment of fire risk or interim safety measures offered.
Abnormal engine sounds (knocking, ticking, clicking) and vibration
Engine produces loud knocking, ticking, or clicking sounds, particularly at startup or idle, sometimes accompanied by rough vibration. Sounds may persist for weeks before stalling occurs. One owner reported engine 'tied up' (seized) after ticking sound. Another noted clicking at startup without warning lights initially, but mechanic found low oil.
When: Low mileage (starting at 400 miles) through 89,709+ miles; can appear intermittently over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking sound at startup or while driving; Clicking or ticking from engine; Engine vibration while idling or accelerating; Loud banging noise before stall; Rough engine operation
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced lifters and rocker arms for clicking; failure persisted. Another found low oil and topped it off, but knocking recurred. Most dealers could not reproduce issue in shop, leaving diagnosis and repair incomplete.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V-301 referenced. Parts not available. Recall repair delayed indefinitely. Dealers informed owners that defective parts had been re-installed after failed repair attempts. No manufacturer communication regarding root cause or interim guidance.
Recall parts unavailability and delayed remedy
NHTSA Recall 21V-301 issued but remedy parts (engine or sensor) unavailable for extended periods—sometimes months. Owners notified of recall but left stranded with unsafe vehicles. Manufacturers stated 'no remedy available yet' despite listing engine replacement as required fix. Dealers held vehicles for weeks to months awaiting parts, with no timeline provided. Owner communications from Hyundai became unresponsive or ceased entirely.
When: Throughout 2021–2025 period; delays reported of 2.5+ weeks to months
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts not available for installation; Vehicle unsafe to drive pending repair; No interim guidance provided (e.g., frequent oil checks)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle held at dealership; no loaner or rental offered initially (one owner waited 3 weeks and demanded loaner after spotting owner; another waited 1.5+ months). No repair completed. Storage fees threatened in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued Recall 203 (21V-301) with TSB 21-01-054H-1 specifying engine replacement. However, no timeline for parts delivery established. Owner case managers became unresponsive. Multiple owners reported corporate office refusing to acknowledge recall applicability to their VINs despite same symptoms and year/model. Goodwill repairs or extended warranty denied.
VIN exclusion from recall despite matching symptoms
Vehicle has identical year, model, engine, and symptoms as recalled vehicles, but VIN not included in Recall 21V-301 range. Dealer confirms VIN 'not in recall' despite owner providing evidence of same piston ring defect (P1327 code, metal shavings in oil, excessive consumption). Hyundai refuses coverage, cites warranty expiration or mileage, and directs owner to pay full repair cost.
When: Throughout complaint period; exclusions noted at 32,500 to 141,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Excessive oil consumption; Loss of power; Stalling; P1327 code (same as recalled vehicles); Metal shavings in oil (diagnostic finding)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid $10,000+ for engine replacement out-of-pocket. Another was quoted $10,000 and still owed $14,000 on vehicle. Dealers and independent mechanics all identified same piston ring failure as recalled vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai refused to expand recall despite multiple owners and mechanics noting identical defect. Claimed VINs were 'not included' in recall scope. Refused to provide coverage, towing, diagnostic costs, or reimbursement. No explanation provided for why nearly identical vehicles were excluded.
Oil drain plug separation
Oil drain plug separates from oil pan, causing rapid oil loss without visible leak when parked. Engine seizes due to oil starvation. One owner reported finding oil all around engine and on ground after diagnosis.
When: 45,569 miles (one reported case)
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light; Beeping sound from vehicle; Engine seizure; Oil visible on engine and ground after inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed separated drain plug and oil pan failure. Engine replacement required. Towed to dealer; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance. No recall or goodwill repair offered.
Unresponsive manufacturer and dealer support
Hyundai corporate case managers become unresponsive or unreachable. Owners make multiple follow-up attempts (3+ in one case) and escalated requests to supervisors with no response. Dealerships lack technician availability for weeks, provide runaround (directing owner to different managers), or withhold diagnostic results from owners.
When: Throughout complaint period; delays of weeks to months reported
Symptoms owners cite: Case manager unresponsive to owner contact attempts; Supervisor escalation requests ignored; Dealership booked out for weeks or months; No interim communication from manufacturer; Dealer withholds diagnostic findings from owner
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed. Vehicle remains at dealership or in owner's hands, unsafe and undrivable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Motor America acknowledged receipt of certified demand letters and case numbers but refused to engage further. Case managers and supervisors did not respond to owner escalations. Some owners told to take vehicle to another dealership for 'second opinion.' One owner stated 'waiting for a response but am not hopeful that anyone will respond.'
Synthesized from 74 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Reporting motor has a cold start ticking sound coming from the motor.
Checked VIN for open recall and that number doesn't come up. My engine had to be replaced under factory warranty. The issue was the exact same as a current recall. I am concerned that Hyundai is not expanding the recall in an effort to downplay the issue. 2020 Elantra, 2.0 liter engine, stalling while driving. The tech found the piston rings were bad. I hope this will help others and Hyundai will…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked but the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the VIN…
Engine stalled out, oil light and engine repair light both on, call will not turn over
Tl* the contact drove a 2020 Hyundai elantra loaner vehicle. While the contact's son was driving, the vehicle revved to approximately 80 MPH and then suddenly stalled. The driver stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact's son coasted the vehicle off the road and started the vehicle, but it did not respond. After approximately two more attempts, the vehicle regained power.…
Subject: Abnormal Engine Failure – Hyundai Case #[XXX] I am filing this complaint regarding my Hyundai vehicle, which suffered catastrophic engine failure at approximately 150,000 miles. While the vehicle is outside the standard warranty, this type of failure is not consistent with normal use or expected durability. Hyundai Motor America has acknowledged receipt of my certified demand letter…
my engine started to make a horrible noise and the car won’t start anymore. Hyundai engines are known to burn oil and don’t light the low oil dash light until it is too late. Other Elantra trims have a recall for Hyundai to fix this yet mine does not.
11/10/2020 as I was driving I noticed a burning smell coming from the outside of the car I had my windows down I pulled over in a grocery store parking lot because I thought the smell was coming from someone else car only to find out it was mine I only had the car for a little over 6 months the car had 2552 miles on it I reported to Hyundai customer service only to be disappointed and given the…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a meaningful issue. 74 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 8,200 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 32,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,200; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.