27 of the
333 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra are about the
lighting — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
19,790 miles.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11715080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Haven, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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!
NHTSA complaint #11713238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 presence of technical bulletins for the ADa model line, the dealer refused the repair and refused to submit a Goodwill Authorization request as mandated on Page 2, Note 2 of the TSB. The Service Manager (Alan Pyles) claimed in an email that the TSB had "expired," despite the defect being active and documented in more recent campaigns. Releasing a vehicle with documented inoperative headlights creates an immediate safety risk for nighttime operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11713154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maribel, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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!
NHTSA complaint #11712310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Haven, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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…
NHTSA complaint #11703391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NO INCIDENT - HIGH BEAMS INOP.
NHTSA complaint #11676006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yauco, PR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesYauco, PR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11635606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RED Lion, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11629052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Red Lion, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11611988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seffner, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
It makes noise when driving a mph
NHTSA complaint #11610920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, LAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11610088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Locust Grove, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
hIGH BEAM HEAdlights do not work. Stays on low beam.
NHTSA complaint #11563002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,581 milesBrooklyn, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11561258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I keep replacing the lights the daytime and the headlights and they’re constantly going out . Many of people have this ongoing problem.
NHTSA complaint #11558960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Richey, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11556339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Vernon, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
My high beam lights have been replaced but still arent working
NHTSA complaint #11556364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
No difference between high and low beems
NHTSA complaint #11547101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heislerville, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
NHTSA complaint #11519642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waseca, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
High beams no longer work but low beams still do
NHTSA complaint #11513622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley View, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
High beams are not functioning,lighting same on high or low beam setting.
NHTSA complaint #11507085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesValley Park, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11406211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesStonyford, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM HAVE A BLACK LINE ACROSS AND ONLY ABOUT 25 YARD VISIBILITY, ON HIGH BEAM THEY ARE A VERY DULL YELLOW AND THE VISIBILITY OUT IS ABOUT 50 TO 75 YARDS. THE LEVEL OF LIGHT IS SO LOW THAT YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING IN THE ROADWAY. THESE LIGHTS ARE VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP PARTS AND SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD TRY CHANGING THE FACTORY BULB.
NHTSA complaint #11359809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.