NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 239 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra presents a safety profile that is reasonable but not outstanding. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 positions it in the Average band. While the vehicle demonstrates solid crash-test performance and a complete suite of avoidance technology, its defect record significantly tempers the overall safety index.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received a 4-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra ranks 91 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 4 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 239 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 91 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2020 model year represents a meaningful step forward for this generation of Elantra on the safety index: the score climbed 6 points to 77/100 from the 2019 model year's 71/100, while both remain in the Average band. That gain was not driven by crash-test improvement alone. The avoidance-tech sub-score reached a perfect 10/10, reflecting standard equipment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup for this year. Crash protection contributed 56 of a possible 70 points, consistent with the uniform 4-star NHTSA results. The limiting factor is the defect record sub-score of 11/20, weighed down by three recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns were issued in October 2019, shortly after the model year launched, covering wheel lug nuts and front lower ball joint fasteners on 2020 Elantras specifically. A third, engine-related recall arrived in 2021 and swept in the 2020 Elantra alongside 2019 and other Hyundai models. The 239 consumer complaints, with reported allegations including 20 crashes, 6 fires, 15 injuries, and 2 deaths, are unverified but warrant attention, particularly the 100 engine-related reports that align thematically with the engine recall campaign.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This rating reflects consistent performance across all evaluated categories, with the Elantra earning 4 out of 5 stars for frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and rollover resistance. While no single category achieved a 5-star rating, none fell below 4 stars. Its rollover risk is assessed at 11 percent, and dynamic tip testing concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14108
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes, three recalls cover this model year. The first targets the 2.0L Nu MPI engine shared with certain 2019-2020 Elantras. The second addresses right-side rear wheel lug nuts that may have been improperly formed. The third involves lower front control arm ball joint fasteners that may have been insufficiently tightened at the factory. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
ENGINE21V301000
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Reported 2021-04-28
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS19V720000
Risk: A wheel detaching from the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, tighten the lug nuts, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-251-0871. Hyundai's number for this recall is 184.
Reported 2019-10-09
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT19V721000
Risk: A detached ball joint can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the ball joint fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 185.
Reported 2019-10-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Owners have filed 239 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 100 reports, followed by Power Train (45) and Exterior Lighting (27). Electrical System and Steering round out the top components. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
239 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Any shopper considering a used 2020 Elantra should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. All three recall campaigns, covering the engine, rear wheel lug nuts, and front ball joint fasteners, must be confirmed as remedied. An unresolved recall on a 6-year-old vehicle is a concrete safety gap, not a minor paperwork issue.
- The Safety Index rose 6 points year-over-year from the 2019 Elantra's 71/100 to 77/100 for 2020, driven partly by a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control on this model year.
- Two of the three recalls were issued in October 2019, targeting 2020 Elantra vehicles specifically: one for right-side rear wheel lug nuts that may have been improperly formed, and one for front lower control arm ball joint fasteners that may have been insufficiently tightened.
- A third recall, issued in 2021, covers certain 2019-2020 Elantras equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, meaning this powertrain concern was identified after the vehicle was already in service.
- Owner-reported complaints total 239 with the Engine component alone accounting for 100 of those unverified allegations, a concentration that aligns with the active engine recall and should be a specific checkpoint when evaluating any individual used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Hyundai Elantra places
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Hyundai Elantra safety questions
Was the 2020 Hyundai Elantra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Hyundai Elantra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Hyundai Elantra earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 239 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Elantra years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14108), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 91 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.