2020 Hyundai Elantra lighting problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

28 owners have reported lighting problems with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, 11% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 19,790 mi.

Lighting complaints
28
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
19,790 mi

Specific components reported

Lighting covers: Headlights, tail lights, turn signals and interior lighting.

ComponentComplaints
Exterior lighting27
Exterior lighting:headlights1

Lighting complaints across Hyundai Elantra years

22005112007352011422201342201561520171363201928520211220233
Lighting complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k210k–30k130k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 27, 2026CALighting
    Unknown and about 4 months ago my headlights stopped working one would go out I’d replace the bulb then the other goes out then a different bulb in my headlight would go out I’d replace it and it would go out again then the connectors were unresponsive then my height beams won’t engage leaving me with little to no light in order to operate my vehicle at night and oddly enough they would disengage while driving leaving me visually impaired while driving
    NHTSA complaint #11734191 · source
  2. Filed Feb 2, 2026VALighting
    The manufacturer's Executive Case Management has ceased communication after verifying a total headlight failure. Despite providing evidence that the vehicle is grounded 150+ miles from home during a snowstorm, Hyundai is refusing to authorize the remedy outlined in TSB 20-BE-004H. This non-responsiveness to a verified safety hazard (Invoice #XXX) is actively endangering the driver and the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
    NHTSA complaint #11715080 · source
  3. Filed Jan 25, 2026FLElectrical SystemLighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11713238 · source
  4. Filed Jan 24, 2026VALighting
    The vehicle suffered a total, simultaneous failure of both low-beam and high-beam headlights due to a known manufacturer defect involving internal wiring and melted pigtail sockets. This matches the failure pattern described in Hyundai TSB 20-BE-004H and Service Campaign T5G (TSB 21-01-004H). ​On January 22, 2026, Robert Woodall Hyundai (Danville, VA) inspected the vehicle and confirmed on Invoice #[XXX] that "BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE INOP". Despite this verification and the…
    NHTSA complaint #11713154 · source
  5. Filed Jan 21, 2026WILighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11712310 · source
  6. Filed Dec 12, 2025FLElectrical SystemLighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11704779 · source
  7. Filed Dec 6, 2025AZLighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11703391 · source
  8. Filed Jul 30, 2025NYElectrical SystemLighting
    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)
    NHTSA complaint #11677141 · source
  9. Filed Mar 11, 2025AZElectrical SystemLighting
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11647678 · source
  10. Filed Feb 7, 2025PRLighting
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11641249 · source
  11. Filed Jan 13, 202557,000 miPRLighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11635606 · source
  12. Filed Dec 5, 2024PALighting
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11629052 · source

Other 2020 Hyundai Elantra problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology