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2020 Hyundai Elantra Brakes Problems

9 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

9
Complaints
3
Crashes
Jan 2025Nov 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (9)

mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact's mother owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact was informed that the vehicle occasionally stalled without warning and would be immediately restarted to continue driving. Additionally, the vehicle would hesitate before slowly accelerating. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle at start-up, with a constant ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There were signs of an oil leak, and the oil needed to be changed more frequently. While changing the oil, the owner noticed smoke coming from inside the oil pan. The traction control warning light and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module and piston rings in the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA #: 11688132
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2025

I have taken my car in twice due to my car braking when there is not a vehicle and or object in front of me but there are vehicles right behind me that have to brake but Crain denies that there are any issues. My engine light came on a couple of weeks ago and I took it to Auto Zone to have a diagnostic test done. The report states that it has something wrong with the transmission/transmission line and or fluid. When I looked it up online it stated that there are recalls on engine pistons that could cause the diagnostic test to read that it's the transmission. My car is a 2020 Hyundai Elantra value edition but according to your website, there are no recalls!?

NHTSA #: 11678338
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2025

PLEASE SEE UPLOADED (PDF) FILES

NHTSA #: 11638352
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and turning right during rainy weather conditions, the brake pedal was lightly depressed however the wheels locked. The vehicle drove over a pothole and the contact lost control causing the vehicle to skid 50 feet. The contact crashed into the curb on the driver's side front tire. No warning light illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was undriveable and towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver's side control arm, the front tire suspension, the tire and rim, the front bumper, and the grill needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that he had also experienced the same failure recently during a rain storm where the vehicle braked independently and he again lost control and crashed. The contact stated that he observed that the ABS warning was illuminated. The contact stated that he had not been injured during the incident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,520.

NHTSA #: 11604453
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2023

NORMAL DRIVING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL VERY HARD TO PUSH DOWN AND STOP AND VERY FORTUNATE TO STOP AT ALL, NOW HAS HAPPENED TWICE. (WHAT TO DO?) SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE!

NHTSA #: 11531788
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2023

This vehicle has what is now known as "Phantom Braking" since day of delivery over two years ago and was reported to NHTSA previously by me and Hyundai which has not or will not try to correct this Safety Hazard. Last incident this occurred on 3/11/2023 for at least the 6th time. This has happened with vehicles behind me which have come close to hitting me.

NHTSA #: 11511636
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a grinding sound coming from the brakes. The failure had been experienced on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA #: 11458660
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Nov 2021

On June 30 2021 I was parking in front of a store in Oceanside Ca as I was pulling into the Parking space the engine started to race and the car would not stop I hit a Planter first and the wall of an hobby Nobby store I contact Hyundai American and reported and I asked them to check out the black box I received a letter back brim Hyundai American I they stated the would not (we have no reason to believe there USA product defect in the vehicle. It is a new vehicle with low mileage and there are no known issues with this model ‘s braking ) You can call me at[XXX] My Name is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA #: 11439041
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Aug 2020

ON THURSDAY AUGUST 20 I HAD ACCIDENT AND THE FAC FAILED TO WORK AND NOW I HAVE INJURIES, THIS ACCIDENT WASNT MY FAULT. THE MAN WAS IN THE LEFT LANE THEN HE DECIDED TO CHANGE HIS MIND AND CAME ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT SIDE AND HE WAS IN FRONT AND SENSORS ON MY CAR SHOULD HAVE ALERTED ME AND DIDNT. THANKS

NHTSA #: 11351834

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