2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 29 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, while slowing down, the vehicle inadvertently lunged forward. The vehicle seemed as though it was attempting to accelerate forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210713
9 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I keep getting intermittent HEV warnings and 12-volt light. The engine then shuts down and I have no power. This has occurred several times while on the highway and this creates a safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231107
8 of 29 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
This is my second time contact and reporting this issue about the vehicle surging unexpectedly and you cannot get it to slow down except by keeping your foot on the brake and pulling off the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231021
On multiple drives the car has "lurched" or accelerated when foot was NOT on the accelerator pedal. These were minor issues, but unnerving when pulling up to park near a structure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220323
5 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes.
3 of 29 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I keep getting intermittent HEV warnings and 12-volt light. The engine then shuts down and I have no power. This has occurred several times while on the highway and this creates a safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231107
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G.
Campaign 21V796000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229.
Campaign 22V354000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
Remedy: Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.
Campaign 23V589000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
Campaign 24V879000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V796000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V354000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V589000 (electrical system, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V879000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.