2020 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 29owner reports
- 48,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
132 of the 252 complaints on this car are about the engine. 29 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
Misfire on other Elantra years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
All 3 recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine stalling - fuel pump failure. Closed sep 3, 2008, led to recall 08V-429.
Post-crash fuel tank leak. Closed jul 13, 2004, led to recall 04V-208.
Fuel cap replacement campaign 36. Open, led to recall 00V-095.
None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 25,000 and 89,709 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 11 service bulletins or notices for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Hyundai has become aware that your Hyundai Elantra equipped with a 2.0 ATK engine may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software intended only for Korean-built Elantra vehicles and may not meet specifications.
Certain Elantra (ADA) vehicles may have been incorrectly updated with Cylinder Noise Detection System (CNDS) software that can set DTC P132700; this software was intended only for Korean-built Elantra (AD) vehicles.
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update.
7 more on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra page.
What owners wrote
“Said it needed a map sensor. I replaced it and it started acting g crazy. Dying at stop lights making weird noises. I finally threw cod P0011 so I bought the oil control valve before it arrived ny car died. It skipped 5 or 6 teeth. 3,900 left to pay on it. Im a single mom and need my car to provide [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Apr 6, 2026
“2020 Elantra built in Alabama with 2.0L engine has P0016 code and severe oil sludge at 73K miles - identical to Recall 21V301 symptoms but excluded because manufactured in Alabama not Korea. This appears to be the same defect affecting a different production batch.”
Filed Oct 1, 2025 · 73,000 miles
“My check engine light turns on and Iâve taken it to Hyundai to have it fixed and all they do is turn the light off and say itâs a sensor issue but itâs the fourth time the light has turned on Iâm worried their is an issue with the pistons or the big e overheating. Itâs also brutning a lot of oil that every 3-4K miles the oil drops to 75% full.”
Filed Nov 2, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 37 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 35 reports