This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Hyundai Elantra lighting problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 21 lighting 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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 describes the procedure to repair a head lamp that has an inoperable high beam function.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin describes the procedure to repair a headlamp that has an inoperable high beam function.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2019-2020MY Santa Fe and 2018-2020MY Elantra equipped with front camera/multi-function camera may exhibit a series of Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Front Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) warnings and function conditions on the instrument cluster. This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the front camera/ multi-function camera.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has a systematic headlight problem that spans multiple failure modes. The most common complaint centers on high beam shutter failure: a steel rod connected to a plastic gear opens and closes a shutter to toggle between high and low beams. The halogen bulb heat melts the plastic gear, leaving the shutter stuck. Owners report audible clicking when trying to engage high beams, followed by complete inoperability. This typically occurs around 1.5 years or 30,000–68,000 miles.
Bulbs fail frequently—owners cite 4-month intervals requiring $40 replacements, suggesting either overheating or electrical surge problems. Some vehicles experience total electrical failure affecting both low and high beams simultaneously, with melted pigtail sockets and wiring damage reported. Others show progressive failure where bulbs burn out alternately, connectors become unresponsive, and headlights disengage unexpectedly while driving.
Low beam inadequacy is also reported: illumination is 50% dimmer than expected with a black line across the beam pattern, limiting visibility to 25–50 yards—unsafe for nighttime operation.
Hyundai acknowledges the defect via TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G, but dealers inconsistently apply coverage, claiming some VINs are not included or that bulletins have expired. Replacement headlight assemblies cost $900 each or $2,000 installed; they are non-repairable. Parts availability delays repairs further.
Same Hyundai Elantra lighting reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
High beam shutter mechanism failure
The shutter assembly that switches between high and low beams stops operating. Narratives describe a steel rod that operates a plastic gear controlling the shutter; the rod gets hot from halogen bulb heat and melts the plastic gear, rendering the shutter inoperable. Owners report hearing clicking or grinding sounds when attempting to engage high beams, followed by complete failure.
When: Typically 1.5 to 3 years or 30,000–68,000 miles; one owner reported failure after only 4–6 uses over 2–3 years
Symptoms owners cite: High beams fail to engage or disengage; Shutter stuck or inoperable; Clicking or grinding noise from headlight housing when high beam switch is operated; High beam indicator light illuminates on dashboard but headlights do not brighten
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement headlight assembly cost $900 per unit ($2,000 installed for both); parts unavailable at some dealers; assembly non-repairable and must be replaced whole
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 20-BE-004H (Headlamp Replacement), Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). Dealers cite expired TSB or claim VIN not covered; some refuse Goodwill Authorization despite TSB requirements
Bulb burn-out and rapid failure
Halogen bulbs fail frequently, lasting only 4 months or fewer in some cases. One owner reports needing replacement every 4 months at $40 per bulb. Owners suspect electrical current surge or overheating but root cause not confirmed by dealers.
When: 4 months to 1 year after installation
Symptoms owners cite: Bulbs burn out repeatedly; Frequent low-beam bulb failures; Possible electrical current surge (owner speculation, not confirmed)
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs replaced at $40 each; no permanent fix offered
Complete headlight electrical failure (both beams)
Total simultaneous or sequential failure of low-beam and high-beam headlights. One narrative cites known defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets; another describes progressive failure where one beam fails, bulb is replaced, then alternating bulbs fail, followed by connector unresponsiveness.
When: Early in ownership (16,581 miles reported); another case at approximately 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Both low-beam and high-beam headlights inoperable simultaneously; One bulb fails, replacement made, then alternating bulbs fail; Connectors become unresponsive; Progressive failure pattern over days or weeks; Headlights disengage unexpectedly while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Headlight unit replacement required; parts availability issues reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 20-BE-004H references internal wiring and melted pigtail socket defect; dealers refuse repair and refuse to submit Goodwill Authorization as mandated
Low beam dimness and poor visibility
Headlights produce inadequate illumination on low-beam setting (50% of expected brightness), with a black line or shadow across the beam pattern and visibility limited to 25–50 yards. High beam setting provides nearly normal visibility, indicating a possible issue with low-beam shutter or lens coating.
When: Not specified; appears to be a design or manufacturing defect present at delivery or early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Black line or shadow across low-beam pattern; Low-beam visibility 25–50 yards (normal is much greater); High-beam setting provides nearly normal visibility; Insufficient light for safe nighttime driving on low beam
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggests bulb replacement; bulb changes do not resolve issue
Daytime running light failure
Daytime running lights (DRL) fail and require replacement. One owner reports having already replaced the headlight assembly once and DRL now out again.
When: Not specified; appears recurring after initial replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Daytime running lights fail to illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; part of non-repairable headlight assembly ($1,000+)
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the driver’s side front headlight had failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer system for the headlight had failed causing the headlights to not function as needed. The contact was informed that the headlight unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been…
I keep replacing the lights the daytime and the headlights and they’re constantly going out . Many of people have this ongoing problem.
Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 24,645 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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.