2021 Hyundai Elantra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 252 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1312 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 766 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 249 |
| 2020 | 250 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and adaptive cruise control.
CRASH23% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and speedometer/odometer.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended. Approximately thirteen hours later, he was notified by the fire department that the vehicle had caught fire. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240206
Vehicle was serviced to remediate Recall 271- backup camera replacement in January, 2025. In June 2026, vehicle is exhibiting the same issue. Rear camera is non functional in the following ways: 1.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260812
21% of complaints: seat belts — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact's mother-in-law owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220901
10% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-888-371-9460.
Campaign 21V302000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 31, 2022. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available.
Campaign 22V218000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Campaign 21V00M000 — check if this car was fixed
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
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
Loss of Motive Power
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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V302000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V796000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V218000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00M000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V354000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V879000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.