2020 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 35owner reports
- 44,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
160 of the 248 complaints on this car are about the engine. 35 of those describe stalling, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Elantra.
Tick what matches of 35 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
NHTSA summary
Engine stalling - fuel pump failure. Closed sep 3, 2008, led to recall 08V-429.
NHTSA summary
Post-crash fuel tank leak. Closed jul 13, 2004, led to recall 04V-208.
NHTSA summary
Fuel cap replacement campaign 36. Open, led to recall 00V-095.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 8,000 and 101,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“At 105,000 MI. My car stalled out and the engine stopped. It needs a new cam shaft, timing chain set, cam phaser and timing cover. We also had to replace the Variable valve timing solenoids as the metal melted.”
Filed Aug 9, 2026 · 105,000 miles
“burning/ oil/gas in oil/stalling/engine light on...open recall of other models of same car not includin tghis one.seems to be same issue.”
Filed Mar 13, 2026
“My car just lost all power and stopped on the side of the road after making a weird noise under the hood”
Filed Feb 14, 2026
“Engine is stalling and consuming oil at a higher then normal rate. Knock sensor is having issues at 24k miles both part of recall campaign 974 and recall 203. Took the auto to dealer for service and was told Hyundai would not honor the recall due to a branded title which now puts me in a scenario of possibly engine stall in the middle of highway traffic.”
Filed Jan 6, 2026 · 24,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 35 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 33 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 27 reports