2020 Hyundai Elantra: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · CA

The car went into 'limp mode' after rpm fluxuation. It's in the shop. Blake, a service manager at Temecula Hyundai, tells me it has "piston slap," which AI says is related to a piston ring recall for this car. Blake went on to say it has 2 power train issues (and needs a catalytic converter). the federal safety agency shows no recall, but whether engine or transmission, my daughter was nearly rear-ended due to this mechanical failure occurring on a two-lane highway at 55 mph. RE: Transmission (copied from Facebook): "Summarized by Meta AI " "Several 2020 Elantra owners describe shuddering, hesitation, and complete transmission failure at low mileage. Some report the car won’t accelerate from a stop or surges in RPM while cruising. Hyundai issued a recall for shifting issues that a software update can fix, but not all owners have been notified." It seems to me that the incident could have been transmission and the the engine 'piston slap' is conincidentally simultaneously discovered by Temecula Hyundai. Naturally, I conferred with AI as to the possibilities and found both transmission software recalls and a piston ring recall both a matter of record, but somehow not fully reported or complied with by Hyundai. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · 106,000 miles · GA

The Contact owns a 2020 HYUNDAI Elantra. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that his RPM were going back and forth while on cruise control, after removing cruise control the vehicle stayed the same. The vehicle was pulled over and restarted but the vehicle was hesitating to accelerate and noticed a issue with the gears not. The vehicle was towed to a independent mechanic but was not fully diagnosed due to the transmission driving forward when in neutral. The dealer was notified of the failure and a appointment was set for a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 101,000 miles · OK

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Engine · 68,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and lost automotive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that an appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed May 6, 2022 · Engine · CA

2020 hyundai elantra. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle stalling while driving. The consumer stated, at low speeds, the vehicle would hesitate then lurch forward. The current mileage was 11,089. The dealer and manufacturer were notified. The consumer was informed braking with the left foot was the cause of failure. The consumer disagreed this was the cause, since the consumer has always driven this way in other vehicles.

Filed Nov 8, 2021 · Engine · 3,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rattling, hesitated to accelerate, and lost motive power. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil consumption test and informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the dealer diagnosed that there was no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Engine · GA

There is a recall on my 2020 Hyundai Elantra that I was notified about on June 28th 2021. I called the dealership where I purchased my car and was told that since there is no remedy for the piston oil ring that there was nothing they could do until a remedy becomes available. My car has been hesitating when accelerating and that is one of the signs of my car affected by the piston oil ring. I was told that if I continue to drive the car I am taking a risk of damaging it further. According to the federal safety agency website It says the remedy is to have the whole engine replaced and they are not going to fix the recall until a remedy becomes available on their end.