2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. This model year has 126 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 32 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 28 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 27 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 126 most recent complaints
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall repair for my vehicle that is not being handled in a timely or reasonable manner by an authorized dealership Delray Hyundai 655 NE Sixth Ave, Delray Beach. Vehicle Information: 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE VIN: [XXX] Recall Inform…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was n…
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Engine Failure – Hyundai To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a serious engine failure involving my Hyundai vehicle. The engine experienced a failure significant enough to require replacement. This rai…
I am filing a complaint regarding an unresolved and ongoing issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line. The vehicle currently has approximately 80,100 miles. This issue began when the vehicle had under 60,000 miles. At that time, I brought the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership beca…
Daytime and night time running lights turn off and on randomly with brights engaging random as well. Turn signals not operating but intermittently and wipers not turning on intermittently. This Started in Nov 2025. First time dealership could get it in was Jan 2026, stated Multif…
I owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line that experienced a recurring transmission issue. In warm weather conditions the transmission would intermittently slip and stutter, causing a jerky engagement when attempting to accelerate. In cold weather the vehicle operated normally withou…
I bought my car at McGrath Hyundai in chicago in May 2021. It’s been in their shop 30 plus times for various and repeated issues. As of late, over the last 6 months, I have reported to them and to Hyundai, my drivers side seat belt won’t retract properly and the high mounted br…
My vehicle has been in the shop here at McGrath Hyundai in Chicago, IL 30+ times since I bought it 5/21. Electrical, (rear), 6 horns, 6 blower motors, multiple warranty and recalls and now my front driver seat belt. They’re refusing to fix it even though I have reported it be…
How are you? The problem with our Hyundai involves the engine and engine control system. My vehicle is equipped with the same 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine that Hyundai recalled in other 2021 and 2022 vehicles for engine stalling, internal engine damage, and fire risk. Although my VIN…
Description of the Safety Problem: In the early morning hours of January 8, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I ran off the road into a ditch. I was extremely disoriented and activated the vehicle’s built-in Blue Link SOS emergency assistance system for help. I successfully con…
The Forward collision warning light comes on randomly at times and disables the system. It’s done this on 3 occasions. No one has inspected the vehicle. I was told everything was normal. No injuries involved. The problem has occurred 3 times now with code c1620078. The history co…
The horn is not working when I press the horn or on the key fob. I had it checked and the fuses were fine. The seat belt chime also does not work out of nowhere, same time the horn stopped working.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 51,192 and at the time of receiving the vehicle from the dealer it…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated and the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop, and while shifted to park(P). The contact restarted th…
Forward sensors in vehicle have been failing while driving rain or snow since 2021; would go way on its own. Most recent failure has occurred with no debris or obstruction to sensor on a clear and sunny day. The sensor failure has been stagnant and will not go away, increasing …
Windshield wipers will stop midway moving and stay in place at random times while switched on. Not related to rain droplet mode. Happens at random. Obstructs view of road.
The Horn never worked since I bought it in August 2023, i’ve been in a countless near accident situations where I was rendered helpless. I’ve had several instances where I get locked out of my car because the vehicle would not read the key. I tried fix the issue because I assumed…
Engine shots off while on the automatic stop and go idle . It is being doing it for a while but it is happening more often even with the auto idle off and it even happened at the freeway. It gives me a message to put it in park or neutral and turn the engine on manually. Making t…
Front sensor problem. Sensor Check Forward Safety System. ABS, Auto Hold light came up out of no where. No damage to sensor.
Unintended acceleration is happening. After about 15-30 minutes of driving, accelerating from a stopped position becomes very difficult in the sense that the vehicle does NOT accelerate when gas pedal is pressed. This can be extremely dangerous as you do not know when the vehicle…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
Recalls for 2021 Hyundai Elantra
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 126 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (32 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (32 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (28 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 126 total NHTSA complaints. 3 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The largest issue: SEAT BELTS:FRONT. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.