What are the most common Hyundai Elantra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,134+ owner reports, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder and Failure, Theft Vulnerability — Missing Engine Immobilizer ('Kia Boyz' / TikTok Challenge), P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) from Clogged OCV or Stretched Timing Chain. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 9 known issues documented across 1,134+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder and Failure and Theft Vulnerability — Missing Engine Immobilizer ('Kia Boyz' / TikTok Challenge) and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) from Clogged OCV or Stretched Timing Chain. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Elantra problems?
Repair costs for known Hyundai Elantra issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder and Failure, typically costs $2,500-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2016-2020 Hyundai Elantra Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder and Failure?
The 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) in Elantra Sport and Elantra GT models suffers from consistent problems including shuddering, hesitation during acceleration, and sudden loss of power. The clutch pack is not replaceable, requiring full transmission replacement. A class… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2021 Hyundai Elantra Theft Vulnerability — Missing Engine Immobilizer ('Kia Boyz' / TikTok Challenge)?
Turn-key (non push-button) Elantras built in this range were sold without a standard engine immobilizer. Thieves can pry off the steering-column shroud, pull the ignition cylinder, and start the car using nothing but a USB connector tip and a screwdriver. The method spread virall… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) from Clogged OCV or Stretched Timing Chain?
P0016 means the intake camshaft position no longer correlates with the crankshaft position within the allowed window. On the Elantra's CVVT engines the two dominant causes are (1) a clogged/stuck Oil Control Valve (OCV/CVVT solenoid) — its internal screen loads up with sludge fro… Repairs typically run $150-$1,300. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Hyundai Elantra IVT/CVT Transmission Failure and Power Loss?
The Smart Stream IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) in newer Elantras has experienced early failures, sometimes before reaching 20,000 miles. Issues include sudden power loss, check engine lights, and RPM fluctuations. Hyundai issued TSB 20-01-047H addressing transmission co… Repairs typically run $0-$5,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0011 — Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) from Stuck CVVT Oil Control Valve?
P0011 sets when the intake camshaft is more advanced than the PCM commanded (or the CVVT system won't respond correctly). On the Elantra this is most often a stuck/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT solenoid): the valve's fine internal screen plugs with oil varnish/sludge, so… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0171 — System Too Lean (Bank 1) from Vacuum Leak / Dirty MAF?
On the Elantra's inline-4 (Beta II 2.0L in 2007-2010, Nu 2.0L in 2011+), P0171 means fuel trims have gone too positive because unmetered air is entering the engine. The classic Elantra trigger is a vacuum leak — most often a hardened/cracked PCV hose or a leaking intake-manifold… Repairs typically run $50-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra P0420 — Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), Often Downstream of Nu 2.0L Oil Consumption?
P0420 on the Elantra means the downstream (post-cat) oxygen sensor sees the catalytic converter no longer scrubbing efficiently. On the 2017-2020 Nu 2.0L engine this frequently is not just an aged cat — it is a symptom of the well-documented Nu 2.0L piston-ring/oil-consumption de… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra White / Pearl Paint Peeling and Clear-Coat Delamination ('Scratch Recovery Clear')?
Elantras finished in white and pearl-white (and some other light colors) suffer premature clear-coat failure where the paint bubbles, flakes, and peels away in sheets — most often on the hood, roof, and fenders. Owners and a class action allege Hyundai's marketed 'Scratch Recover… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Elantra P0128 — Coolant Below Thermostat Regulating Temp from Stuck-Open Thermostat?
P0128 sets when the Elantra's engine fails to reach its expected operating temperature within the calibrated time, which the PCM interprets as a thermostat that is stuck partially open (letting coolant circulate too early). This is a known enough pattern on 2017 Elantras that Hyu… Repairs typically run $150-$411. Severity: low.
