2021 Hyundai Elantra problems

hyundai logo

The Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Hyundai Avante (Korean: 현대 아반떼), is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. The Elantra was initially marketed as the Lantra in Australia and some European markets. In Australia, this was due to the similarly named Mitsubishi Magna Elante model; similarly, in other markets, the name Avante is not used due to its similarity with Audi's "Avant" designation, which is used for their line-up of station wagons. The name was standardized as "Elantra" worldwide in 2001 (except in South Korea and Singapore).

First generation (J1; 1990)

The Elantra (codename J1) was launched in October 1990, and received a mid-term facelift in 1993.

It was sold in Europe from the spring of 1991. It replaced the somewhat larger on the outside Stellar, although that model had not been offered in many markets. The Elantra competed with the likes of the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Vectra, but at a considerably lower price.

The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1595 cc) straight-four. This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 PS (83 kW) at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced 129 km/h (80 mph). Top speed was 187 km/h (116 mph). The Elantra got 22 mpg‑US (11 L/100 km) in the city cycle. Starting in 1993 a Mitsubishi-designed 1.8 L (1836 cc) inline-four option was available; this unit produces 135 PS (99 kW) at 6000 rpm and replaced the twin-cam 1.6 in the home market.

2021 Hyundai Elantra

Social links

Common 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has several common problems that owners have reported, primarily concerning warning lights on the dashboard, tail light failures, and power steering issues.

  • Warning Lights on the Dashboard: The most widespread complaint among 2021 Hyundai Elantra owners is the appearance of warning lights on the dashboard. These warning lights can indicate various issues, including engine problems or mechanical failures. To diagnose the source of the warning light, an OBD-II scan tool is required to read any codes that may have been triggered. Once the codes are read, the necessary steps can be taken to address the issue, whether that means resetting the light if it's not a significant problem or replacing damaged parts that may be causing the light to turn on.
  • Tail Light Failures: Some 2021 Hyundai Elantra owners have reported issues with the tail lights failing. This problem is typically caused by a loose wiring harness to the tail lights, which can be resolved by reconnecting the harness. In most cases, dealers will fix this issue for free on such a new car.
  • Power Steering Problems: Power steering issues have also been reported by some 2021 Hyundai Elantra owners. The electronic power steering motor has been known to turn off suddenly, causing problems with the power steering system. This issue is usually caused by either a blown fuse or a damaged electrical motor. If the car is still under warranty, Hyundai will cover the cost of repairs. However, out of warranty, the repair cost can range from $50 to $750, depending on the source of the problem.

In addition to these common problems, there are five recalls on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, which is worse than other compact cars from the same year. Most of the recalls cover seat belt pretensioners, which may explode, and Hyundai will replace the pretensioners in affected models for free. Other recalls cover the seat-back recliners and the windshield bonding, which Hyundai will also fix at no charge.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a lifespan of around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than other compact cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than some other small sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $385 per year.

In conclusion, while the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has several common problems that owners have reported, these issues are similar to those found in other compact cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the car ages. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle.

2021 Hyundai Elantra engine

What are the top problems with Hyundai Elantra?

There have been reports of window regulator failure, weak and foggy headlights, difficulty steering, and even loss of brake power. If these problems are ones that you have, we suggest taking your vehicle into the dealership or to the nearest mechanic.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra fuel efficient?

The all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra gets an EPA-estimated 33 city and 43 highway mpg rating, which is 37 combined mpg, on the SE model. With the SEL or Limited trims, the new Hyundai Elantra gets an EPA-estimated 31 city and 41 highway mpg.

Are there any issues with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

Common problems reported on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra include warning lights on the dash, the tail lights failing, along with some power steering problems. Overall, these problems are similar to some other compact cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Elantra ages.

Are there any recalls on 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. You'll need your car's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to know for sure.

2021 Hyundai Elantra car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Elantra problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Forward collision avoidance problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Hyundai Elantra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The NHTSA has received 119 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2021 Hyundai Elantra vehicles.

2024-10-24

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
  • VIN: KMHLN4AJ4MU
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: At around 93k miles my HECU unit apparently malfunctioned at the same time as the left front tire speed indicator. All of my safety features ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, lane keeping etc do not work because of this.
2024-10-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
  • VIN: KMHLL4AG1MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: Back up Camera. When reversing cannot see out back window do to incline of glass making hard to reverse. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There was not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear.
2024-10-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
  • VIN: 5NPLL4AG9MH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my vehicle’s backup camera system. The backup camera consistently malfunctions, displaying glitchy images with distorted lines across the screen. This issue renders the camera essentially unusable, as it fails to provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, posing a serious safety hazard. This malfunction directly impacts my ability to safely reverse, especially in crowded areas where visibility is crucial. The camera’s unreliability puts pedestrians and other drivers at risk, as I am unable to fully ensure that my path is clear when reversing. I strongly believe this defect poses a significant safety concern that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and take appropriate action to ensure that this problem is resolved for myself and the many other affected vehicle owners. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
2024-09-16

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
  • VIN: 5NPLS4AGXMH
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Several times, including yesterday, my forward collision avoidance engaged by braking suddenly and strongly and INAPPROPRIATELY, almost causing me to be rear-ended. I was nowhere near the car in front of me, and fortunately due to traffic was traveling below the speed limit. This seems to happen whenever there is an overpass above the road. I have reported this to Hyundai, and they don't seem very concerned. Very dangerous. I would think there could be a software or sensor update that can correct this situation.
2024-09-02

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
  • VIN: 5NPLS4AG9MH
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: The windshield is damaged very easily when a small rock hits it on the road. It's been hit before the recall and the new windshield is damaged. It's a hazard especially if it can be easily cracked. I've had other vehicles that can handle small rocks on road ways. These are damages from tiny rocks. This windshield is very weak, the Crack continues to spread all over day to day.
2024-07-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
  • VIN: KMHLM4AG0MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Rear backup camera suddenly stopped working and when in reverse the sensors kick in and breaks the vehicle when there's no object or vehicle behind. Also the code for the backup sensor came up but dealer didn't do anything.
2024-07-20

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-11
  • VIN: 5NPLP4AG3MH
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: One day I was on the highway driving and the front collusion safety warning appeared. I thought the warning went off because the sensor was dirty due to dead bugs. However, I pulled over and the sensor did not appear dirty. After awhile the sensor went off on its own. Then a few weeks late the front collusion safety warning appeared again while I was driving on the highway. The warning has not fixed itself. I cannot use my cruise control. I took it to the Hyundai dealership and they told the me senor is off alignment and it will cost $500 to repair because they have to remove the entire bumper. I have seen on Hyundai forums this is a common problem.
2024-07-04

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
  • VIN: 5NPLM4AG0MH
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Over the past 4 months, this car's safety sensors have randomly activated on 4 different occasions. The car will suddenly brake when this occurs, which puts me and the other drivers around me at risk of crashing. Each time, I've taken it to a Hyundai dealership for repairs. They always claim they can't recreate the issue and don't fix anything. I've provided the dealer with pictures and videos of the warning lights on my dashboard. It doesn't seem to help them diagnose the problem.
2024-06-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-11
  • VIN: KMHLS4AG6MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: My car has two warning lights on my dashboard. First one is Check Foward Safety system. Second one is Check Smart Cruise Control System. Both of them turned on when I was driving in the middle of a highway. These warning lights activated out of the blue, without any unusual circumstances.I cannot use my smart cruise control system and the car is not able to alert me about forward collision. This issue has already been addressed through a recall for my vehicle's model and year in Korea. My vehicle was produced in Korea and was imported to the United States; however, Hyundai has not issued a recall regarding the same problem in the United States. This is a safety concern, and Hyundai should repair it free of charge, and the company should compensate customers who have already undergone repairs for the repair costs.
2024-06-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-06
  • VIN: 5NPLS4AG5MH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Since last year around 55k miles, my backup camera has stoped working. The first incident happened as I was about to back out of my garage. I opened the garage door and put my car into reverse. As I looked down at the screen and began to back up, I realized the screen showed me an image of a closed garage door ever though the door was open. Almost as if it had taken a screenshot or froze. The second occurrence was similar except it was when I was parking in a job site parking lot. When I put my car in reverse to park, what came on my screen was the image of the highway about 15 minutes prior. I’ve had several experiences like this where the backup camera freezes, has static-like lines all over the screen, discoloration, or delayed effects. This is dangerous because if someone is looking down at the screen and doesn’t realize the backup camera is giving an incorrect output, this can result in an accident (whether it be a single car or multiple car accident). This is because you can end up hitting something/someone if you get delayed feedback on the camera and don’t realize.
2024-06-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-24
  • VIN: KMHLL4AG7MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Back up camera doesn’t work. When put in reverse the screen is static and when you press the back up camera button it won’t turn on
2024-06-02

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-09
  • VIN: KMHLL4AGXMU
  • Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Significant water leak which I believe is due to a failure in the door seals. My personal safety is at risk due to a mold issue. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the Hyundai dealership’s service department (multiple visits). This problem is well documented by many individuals in the Hyundai Forums site. The results were the dealership pushes the vehicle back at the consumer without it being corrected. Problem has been occurring since purchased. I recognized the issue in early 2023
2024-04-30

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
  • VIN: KMHLM4AJ1MU
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: When gas is pressed (even to floor) in drive, vehicle stalls, does not accelerate. Then vehicle jerks into propulsion after revving. Other instances, at deceleration the car will jerk and shake to a stop. I have mentioned the problem at every scheduled maintenance
2024-04-18

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-05
  • VIN: 5NPLS4AG4MH
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Forward collision sensor suddenly failed to function properly. This issue was NOT caused by any damage or a collision; it happened while driving on the highway. Hyundai does not fix this under any warranty, even though the issue was not caused by damage. It appears to be a bad quality/faulty sensor.
2024-03-08

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-08
  • VIN: KMHLS4AG2MU
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Pop up display "Check Forward Safety System and Check Smart Cruise Control System" during driving on the free way with no reason. 3 month ago same thing happened. fixed that problem with re-calibration to the front sensor. But. same problem happen today. This problem is recalled in south korea on last year.
2024-02-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-07
  • VIN: KMHLN4AJ7MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the following DTC: C162078. It started on [XXX]. My collision detection system does not appear to be working at all and my cruise control no longer works. I'm very concerned about it malfunctioning based on other entries on the nhtsa.gov website. I took the car to Hyundai Service Center and they are trying to convince me this is due to a collision and warranty will not be covering it. They tried to charge me for diagnostic even though I already had the error code on the Hyundai BlueLink App. They confirmed that my computer has zero reports of any collisions. The service tech said, and I'm quoting, "The system is very sensitive and a swift kick could cause it to malfunction." That sounds like a manufacturing defect to me. I have never been in an accident with this car, there is zero visible damage to the front bumper, and my computer has no report of an accident. The dealership urged me to contact insurance. My Major Insurance Company told me this was absurd, would never be approved, and is clearly mechanical. They also mentioned anecdotally that this problem has been coming up a lot for them with modern Hyundai models. Then I called Hyundai Corporate and they have escalated the issue, agree it sounds mechanical, and will be contacting me in 3-5 business days. They apologized profusely so I am still holding out hope for warranty coverage. I believe the dealership is trying to blame me for this mechanical failure to avoid expense on their end. I have had many software-related issues with this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-02-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KMHLP4AG0MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was parked where the fire occurred. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later the contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss, the cause was assumed to be electrical. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
2024-02-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
  • VIN: 5NPLN4AG5MH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I have had to get the horn replaced on my ELANTRA six times the horn goes out and this can be a very big safety hazard as it has caused people to almost hit me because they didn’t see me and my horn wasn’t working to alert them this needs to be addressed as soon as possible as this could cause someone to lose their life in the wrong instance
2023-12-29

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-25
  • VIN: 5NPLN4AG5MH
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: vehicle only has 14k miles and is showing an error message for "check forward safety system" and "check smart cruise control system" after some research found this is a very common issue with multiple Elantra's where the front radar goes bad causing safety systems such as automatic braking/acceleration, and cruise control to not work. this is a big safety issue that has been reported by many drivers. the error happened going a steady 40mph with no other cars around on an open road. nothing was hit the radar just suddenly failed
2023-12-13

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-27
  • VIN: KMHLS4AG2MU
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: While my son was driving on the highway, the smart cruise control suddenly stopped working with "Check forward safety system" and "Check smart cruise control system".
2023-12-08

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-03
  • VIN: 5NPLM4AG1MH
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The horn is a known issue to stop working on the Hyundai Elantra. I have had my car for 10 months, and the horn does not work. This is a very big safety concern and I have been told by mechanics and other Hyundai Elantra owners this is a constant issue.
2023-12-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-05
  • VIN: KMHLP4AG8MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: When driving at 55MPH with cruise control on, the car suddenly accelerated to 75MPH, this happened on the open road and was able to keep under control. Auto has less than 10,000 miles. I will be contacting Hyundai customer service for a case number on this incident. First indication of a problem was cruise control, auto braking failed iin June of 2023. This follows a replacement of defective front radar unit by Hyundai which was replaced at 8295 miles on July 26, 2023. This problem first occurred in late June/early July of 2023. There was no warning.
2023-12-02

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
  • VIN: 5NPLL4AG9MH
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: I bought my 2021 hyuandai elantra on September 7 2023 almost 2 months ago and the emergency braking system comes on pretty often while driving my vehicle on the road and freeway so the brakes will lock on me whenever the car is in drive which could cause a serious crash and probably cause damage over time to brake pads and other things this problem has occurred over 5 times within 2 months
2023-11-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-22
  • VIN: KMHLM4AJ7MU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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. I have been fortunate enough that this happened while I was close to the shoulder, otherwise, it could have been critical. - The failed component(s) are the 12 volt battery and engine shutdown - With the vehicle being without power while on the highway puts other drivers and myself at risk of an accident - I have taken the vehicle to two different Hyundai dealers and they have not resolved the problem - The issue was escalated to the manufacturer Hyundai Motors and they have not resolved this issue. - The 12v battery light and an HEV warning light comes on and then the engine shuts off - This issue has been happening intermittently for the past year and I first notice it on October of 2022
2023-10-25

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-26
  • VIN: 5NPLM4AG9MH
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: Headlight lens are holding condensation , I've noticed this problem a few times now , and at night time it is a problem to see unless the brights of the lighting is engaged ,, RE: it's not my eyes , I've just got new bifocal glasses ,,, or maybe they just need adjusted up a bit , I will take it in for inspection, the Hyundai Elantra 2021 , I just purchased on 07/12/2023 , along with the seatbelt recall , I now know why they seem to not always want to latch together several times , thank you for the help researching my new car

2021 Hyundai Elantra recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.

2022-05-19
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
  • 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. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
2022-04-01
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
  • 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
2021-12-28
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
  • 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.
2021-10-13
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
  • Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
  • Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
  • 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. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall numbers 22V-354 for Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles, 22V-458 for Venue vehicles, and 23V-094 for Genesis vehicles. Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedies completed.
2021-04-28
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
  • Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
  • Consequence: An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
  • 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 204.

Negative 2021 Hyundai Elantra car reviews

  1. Bertha Heidenreich 2024-11-26

    Overall, the car has a reliable and sporty appearance. However, the road noise is quite noticeable, the lane departure system can be erratic, and the alloy wheels are peeling.

  2. Dillon Daniel 2024-11-03

    Hi there! I wanted to let you know that I've been having some trouble with my car lately. Specifically, the forward sensor stopped working and it turns out that the mechanic forgot to tighten up the power cable to the battery. I'm a bit frustrated because my battery died after only 2 years, but I'm hoping that the dealer and Hyundai can help me out. Thanks for listening!

  3. Darrick Hamill 2024-10-15

    I had a few lockouts with my vehicle and had to enter it through the app. During these times, the Collision light would turn on, but the dealership couldn't find any issues with it. After about 8 hours, the light would turn off and everything would be fine. This happened about four times. However, the main issue occurred when I was driving down the 95 Expressway at night and the Collision light turned on, causing the car to stop. The dealership is aware of the problem, but they can't do anything about it since they don't see any codes. Despite this, I must say that the Elantra is not all that bad. We purchased two, and the one we purchased the day before this model is giving us no problems. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if this car is going to kill me, and the dealership won't swap me out since I purchased another Elantra before this model. Although I was reassured that nothing from the old loan would be added to the new loan, I was lied to. However, I should have read everything before trusting the finance manager. While Hyundai Corporation is willing to do a buyback, it would leave me with no vehicle and a $14,000 balance over my head, which is not feasible. Overall, I'm just hoping that the dealership can find a solution to this problem soon.

  4. Camron Hintz 2024-08-13

    I purchased a brand new Hyundai Elantra SEL trim with Convenience package in red, which was exactly what I wanted. However, after only a year and about 6,000 miles, I decided to get rid of it due to several issues. The radio screen would randomly blackscreen, the GPS would constantly shut off, and the electronic brake system malfunctioned while driving with my newborn and child. Despite contacting Hyundai, they were unable to provide a solution or a replacement car. As a result, my husband and I decided to sell the Elantra and stick to Japanese cars. Although I appreciated the interior, heated seats, and outstanding MPG (I averaged 40), the lack of dependability was disappointing.

  5. Dell Runolfsdottir 2024-08-03

    I purchased a 2021 Elantra in the spring and have been driving it for about 7 months. It's a great looking car with all the latest technology at an affordable price. However, I have experienced some issues with the sensors and electronics from the beginning. The headlights would switch on and off randomly, the blind spot warning would go off for no reason, and the frontal collision warning would go off for things on the side of the road. The emergency braking system would also go off because of the lanes swaying some on a highway, and the lane departure assist didn't like construction barriers either. I ended up turning off as many of these features as possible within the first month. Additionally, there were a few times when it failed to start, but it started on the second try. The final straw was when every single emergency light went off, all the electronics were out, power steering was out, and even the outside temperature reader was out. It still drove, but obviously not as intended. The good news is that it's not hard to drive without power steering. A Hyundai representative actually told me that due to Covid, some of their quality control measures were lacking. Then they told me that when one sensor goes, they all go, which is a design choice made by Hyundai for the 2021 models. I gave it two stars simply because it is a nice car, and I enjoy being able to start it remotely with climate control settings. Unfortunately, I do regret buying this car as it has already needed repairs and been a major inconvenience.

Positive 2021 Hyundai Elantra car reviews

  1. Jovany Tillman 2024-10-29

    It's great that you're considering buying this car! Just make sure to double-check what accessories it comes with before making your purchase.

  2. Bill Funk 2024-10-03

    I've been a loyal Buick buyer for as long as I can remember. My last car was a 2013 Verano, but since I wasn't interested in an SUV or truck, I had to start looking elsewhere for a sedan. After doing my due diligence and seeing the ads, I decided to give the Elantra a try. I was thoroughly impressed during the test drive. I opted for the SEL with the Convenience package and got everything I wanted and more. I've had the car for just over two weeks now and I look forward to driving it every day. It has a smooth ride and is incredibly easy to park. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

  3. Brain Rice 2024-09-12

    I was pleasantly surprised by the number of features this car has, especially considering that I usually drive larger cars. In just 15 days, I've already driven 1100 miles and am thrilled to report that I'm getting an impressive 34 mpg in town and 41.6 on the road.

  4. Daron Kunze 2024-09-04

    This car has a pleasing design and good fit and finish. The ride is much improved over previous years and the cabin is quieter. While the SE trim does not provide XM radio or heated outside mirrors, it is still a pleasant car to drive with excellent mpg ratings and comfortable interior seating. However, the halogen projector driving lamps are deficient and do not provide a safe level of illumination for night driving under any conditions. Despite submitting a complaint to NHTSA and Hyundai, the situation has not been acknowledged or corrected. On a positive note, the limited model uses LED lighting which is a safer alternative. Additionally, the company offers free oil changes at 7,500 mile intervals, although some may prefer to change the oil at a lesser mileage. Overall, this car is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and efficient ride.

  5. Joaquin Dooley 2024-08-27

    I see that you've purchased the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL with premium convenience package. This car is packed with so many safety features that make it a great choice. The ride is comfortable and the seats are very cozy. You'll also be happy to know that it gets great gas mileage at 41 mpg on the highway. Plus, you get a 3-year maintenance and 10-year Hyundai Powertrain warranty. It's definitely a great car for the money!

Leave your review of 2021 Hyundai Elantra

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems:

Really want a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, but after reading so many ...
Really want a 2021 Hyundai Elantra, but after reading so many ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/x3qdfu/really_want_a_2021_hyundai_elantra_but_after/

Sep 2, 2022 ... Actually, Hyundai dealers are notoriously known for doing everything they can to NOT replace the engines, act like the problem is the owners ...

2021 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
2021 Hyundai Elantra Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/hyundai/elantra/2021

Apr 26, 2023 ... Common problems reported on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra include warning lights on the dash, the tail lights failing, along with some power steering ...

2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/elantra/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

2021 Hyundai Elantra Issues : r/Hyundai
2021 Hyundai Elantra Issues : r/Hyundai
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hyundai/comments/wvbmkd/2021_hyundai_elantra_issues/

Aug 23, 2022 ... 2021 Hyundai Elantra Issues. My 2021 Hyundai Elantra is just a year old. About 2 months ago, the camera stopped working. It's also under recall ...

2021 Elantra Error's Causing Problems | Hyundai Forums
2021 Elantra Error's Causing Problems | Hyundai Forums
https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2021-elantra-errors-causing-problems.682611/

Oct 11, 2021 ... 2021 Elantra Error's Causing Problems · Various malfunction lights on · RPM, backup camera, sensors, hazard flashers don't work · gear indicator ...

Other years of Hyundai Elantra

hyundai elantra 2022 photo
Elantra 2022
Hyundai

87

4

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai elantra 2023 photo
Elantra 2023
Hyundai

88

2

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai elantra 1992 photo
Elantra 1992
Hyundai

38

0

2

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai elantra 1993 photo
Elantra 1993
Hyundai

40

0

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai elantra 1994 photo
Elantra 1994
Hyundai

97

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai elantra 1995 photo
Elantra 1995
Hyundai

151

1

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

Add car complaint
2021 Hyundai Elantra photo