2021 Hyundai Elantra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 126 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Hyundai Elantra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 126 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Elantra
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 126
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 37
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 33 / 43
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Inspection Focus
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like seat belts and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and transmission.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like seat belts and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on brakes and transmission.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra are concentrated in the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system, with 32 reports. Other notable areas include uncategorized issues, electrical faults, and seat belt problems. Crash-related complaints number 8 out of 126 total. The confidence level is low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for the highest number of complaints (32).
- Uncategorized issues and electrical faults each have 28 complaints.
- Seat belt issues are reported in 27 complaints.
- Engine problems (15) and unintended acceleration (10) are also present.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system may have performance issues.
- Seat belt systems may have defects or malfunctions.
- Electrical system faults could affect vehicle operation.
All 2021 Hyundai Elantra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 126 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 126 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.