general problems of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra

21 problems related to exterior lighting have been reported for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra based on all problems reported for the 2020 Elantra.

1 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

The head lights will not go into high beam mode. When the high beams are turned on, they initiate and then flicker back and forth from on and off and will not remain on. This happens simultaneously with both lights. It appears to be a electrically issue with the high beam setting and the current not remaining constant. I have taken it to two different shops and they said it is a common with this car and to check for a recall because they have had others that had the same issued recalled. My VIN does not show a recall. This issue can also only be corrected by Hyundai. The places that I have taken it to said there is a special tool they have to use to even get to this component. I noticed this starting a few months ago and still has not corrected. I have not been able to use my high beams since Aug/sept.

2 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2025

The headlights still cannot be used on high beam as the lights strobe when used. This was complaint was previously submitted with the same VIN#. This is dangerous for driver and others, including oncoming traffic. The local Hyundai dealer said it is would be $200+ for them to diagnostic and if they fixed it, the diagnostic fee would be credited toward the repair. How can this not be coved under a recall when it is clearly a safety issue and many mentions on line with others having the same problem? the VIN. # says there are no open recalls. How can I get this covered on my car that is the same model and year as others with the same problem. I see a couple service bulletin's and would like to know if any apply. Please respond with any help or suggestions on this matter as I need help from the NHTSA to get Hyundai to fix it. I am happy to send a video for proof. I look forward to your reply. Thank you very much!.

3 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2025

Both headlights bulbs needed to be replaced several times. Passenger replacement bulb 3 times. Drivers side twice. I have sent Hyundai several emails and have not heard back from them. Case # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

4 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2025

No incident - high beams inop.

5 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2024

The high beam shutter that switches from high to low is not working. The car has 68,000 and I don't think this is something that should not work at that low mileage considering it is not in use all the time. I just dont see how it stops working all of a sudden when most of the time drivers do not use their high beams everyday. I just got inspected because its required in our state and both mechanics confirmed this problem. We bought a new bulb and that is when we found out the problem.

6 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2024

Driver side brake light went out I did have it repaired right away since I knew it was a safety hazard for anyone behind me. And sometimes I do see the same model on the road with the same issue. I don't think the running light is a safety issue but also have a problem with that going out also.

7 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2024

It makes noise when driving a mph.

8 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/18/2024

The high beams failed and Hyundai will only say that my VIN isn’t part of the recall. Service campaign t5g covers the exact same symptoms that my car is experiencing. Since Hyundai refuses to acknowledge that the safety issue in this campaign affects more than what they’ve previously admitted, myself and other owners are left to repair the defect at our own expense. A google search brings up more than a few posts of owners that were also denied the recall because Hyundai says that their 2020 Elantra VIN isn’t included in the recall. This shows that Hyundai refuses to acknowledge the full scope of the vehicles that have defect. Proper headlight function is absolutely necessary. High beams not working even cause state inspections to fail. Hyundai needs to be forced to fix this major defect in a safety critical lighting system, as it is clear that they have no desire to keep the owners of their 2020 Elantras safe.

9 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2024

A fire started in the passenger headlight assembly. The car had only been running for about 7 minutes directly prior to the fire being noticed. At the time of the fire it was parked & turned off. No injuries. It burned thru/melted part of the bumper & damaged something with the windshield washer fluid. Several people were at risk due to there being a fire! the car was parked at a gas station when the fire broke out. I don't think they have done a thorough investigation yet. It is current at Hyundai of metairie in metairie la. According to the service technician my car is not the only one they have there that had the same thing happen. No warning signs, sounds, or anything else.

10 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph at night, the high beam headlight became inoperable. The contact stated that the high beam on the sign was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed that the high beam headlights had failed due to a shutter in the headlight housing that opened and closed while needed. The contact was informed that the headlamp housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to technical service bulletin: 20-be-004h headlamp replacement (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

11 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 07/18/2024

Vehicle has ongoing issues with headlights prior to purchasing, they claim to have repaired & satisfied recall, however, they replaced headlights with the same faulty part the replacement lights are the same, with same issues, no high beams they have a steel rod operating a plastic gear that operates a shutter to dim & operates high beam. The problem is with the heat of halogens the rod gets hot and melts the gear connection rendering the shutter inoperable so as it is , we get a year and a half out of them then they are junk. Dealer cost is 900 dollars each just for 1 light. If dealership installs 2000 dollars. The issue is, they didn't reengineer the unit! just keep selling faulty parts! there is no way we should have to go through this every year and a half. So we're going around with no high beams ( I'm including all owners) many complaints. Foremost, it's an obvious safety concern! I've been to bergstrom Hyundai 3 times called corporate hq no results. In addition, the bulbs constantly burn out. I may get 4 months out of them before replacement is needed 40 dollars each suggesting a electric current surge issue idk for sure. In closing, the manufacturer must redesign the units. They should last the lifetime of the vehicle ( not the bulbs obviously). The high beam operation system. They need a push to motivate them to correct safety concern thank you!.

12 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2024

The highbeam is not working, also lowbeam is poor. Also I can not use the car in the night. The Hyundai customer services is can not help. I said they have campaign to fix the highbeam. TSB number is 20-01-011h.

13 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2024

High beam headlights do not work. Stays on low beam.

14 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/07/2023

I keep replacing the lights the daytime and the headlights and they’re constantly going out . Many of people have this ongoing problem.

15 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2023

I got this car right at the beginning of 2020, I didn’t even know how to use my high beams until 2-3 years in. I used them all of 4-6 times and they magically stopped working. I don’t need them often so I didn’t notice right away. I’ve known for a while now but didn’t know I could submit a form like this. And no way in hell am I paying that much money for something that broke after a few uses. I’ve heard this is very common for my car make and model; I can hear the doors of the light trying to switch open but they’re stuck or something… I’m definitely not the only one having this issue….

16 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the driver’s side front headlight had failed to illuminate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer system for the headlight had failed causing the headlights to not function as needed. The contact was informed that the headlight unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,581.

17 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 11/21/2023

Daytime running lights faulty from manufacture. Had to replace headlights once already and now out again. Hyundai has made this headlight assembly non repairable and charges over 1k for a replacement.

18 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2023

No difference between high and low beems.

19 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2023

High beams no longer work but low beams still do.

20 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2022

High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting.

21 Exterior Lighting problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2021

The normal beam brightness for the front headlamps is about 50% of what it should be. It is not safe to drive the car at night on the low-beam setting. With the high beam setting, visibility is about as it should be for the normal setting.


Other Exterior Lighting related problems of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra

Exterior Lighting problems
22
Headlights problems
3

Elantra Service Bulletins
Elantra Safety Recalls
Elantra Defect Investigations