my car has 60,000 miles and the horns on the car have been replaced 3 times Hyundai issued an extended warranty for the horns on certain 2021-2025 model year ELANTRA, 2022-2025 model year ELANTRA N and 2021-2025 model year ELANTRA Hybrid vehicles' for the 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery I don't know what world this is acceptable in but it's not acceptable too me after have 3 sets of horns replaced
The worst 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance36
- Electrical31
- Seat belts27
- Engine16
- Acceleration10
- Brakes8
- Transmission7
- Visibility6
- Lights5
- Steering5
- Body3
- Airbags2
- Suspension2
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Adaptive cruise 12Backup camera 12Collision warning 9Jerking 6Headlights 5
Recalls 6
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
- What is wrong
- 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 24V879000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 the federal safety agency 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.
Recall number 22V354000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 22V218000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V00M000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 the federal safety agency 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.
Recall number 21V796000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V302000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Defect investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: the federal safety agency Recall No. 21V‑796, 22V‑069, 22V‑123, 22V‑127, 22V‑218, 22V‑354, 22V‑447, 22V‑458, 22V‑816, 23V‑094, and 23V‑210.Hyundai/Kia have stated that the abnormal deployment of the pretensioners is due to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe that can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which can result in injury to vehicle occupants.The various makes/models covered by the above recalls include approximately 405,900 certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra HEV, 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2023 Genesis G80 EV, 2023 Genesis G90, 2023 Genesis GV60 EV, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, 2021-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2022 Kia Sorento HEV, and 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV.In response to ODI's investigation, in December 2022, Hyundai notified ODI that they would be conducting testing to validate subject vehicle seat belt pretensioners. This evaluation included sled testing and software testing which was performed by Hyundai and its suppliers. The tests were intended to evaluate pretensioner deployment characteristics based on the unique deployment signature of the subject and peer vehicles. ODI met with representatives from Hyundai on several occasions during the investigation to discuss testing progress and data. As a result of the testing, Hyundai was able to simulate the pretensioner failures. It was determined by Hyundai during testing, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in the event of a crash which can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment.Hyundai thus notified ODI of their decision to proceed with a safety recall, to expand the scope of the previous safety actions.In view of the recall actions taken by Hyundai and Kia, ODI concerns have been addressed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
RQ22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 83
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- Inoperable horn
- This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in...
- Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger...
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Difficulty starting in cold weather
2021 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl Hybrid | FWD | 53 | 56 | 54 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 31-33 | 41-43 | 35-37 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 25-28 | 34-36 | 28-31 |
What 2021 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The passenger side headlight has significant condensation inside the housing. The car is slightly over five years old, with 40,000 miles It was rarely driven the first year due to the pandemic. I have seen there is a TSB regarding the headlights, but clearly this is a far more significant issue than Hyundai is letting on. I was getting a warning on the dash but that has stopped yet the headlight is still covered in heavy condensation.
Windshield wipers intermittently malfunction in the intermittent setting. The wipers stop at random locations in the middle of the windshield, pause, move a short distance, stop again, and behave erratically. This can obstruct the driver’s forward visibility. The problem occurs without snow, ice, or an obstruction on the windshield. A previous the federal safety agency complaint concerning a 2021 Hyundai Elantra describes essentially the same failure: wipers stopping midway and obstructing the driver’s view (the federal safety agency complaint 11685493/complaint record). A separate 2026 complaint involving a 2021 Elantra reported intermittent wiper operation along with other multifunction-switch functions, and the dealer diagnosed a failed multifunction switch (the federal safety agency 11726986). I believe this represents a safety-related defect in the windshield-wiper/control system and request that the federal safety agency investigate whether additional vehicles should be included in a safety recall or other corrective action. The problem persist to this day.
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. Vehicle is shifted to reverse, backup camera does not function; 2. Vehicle is in park backup camera button is pressed, backup camera does not function.
See attached document for complaint.
Door Lock Actuator, the door latch is stuck on unlock and it won’t close or lock when the lock button is pressed on key fob.
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 Information: the federal safety agency Recall #24V879000 Recall #271 – Backup Camera Inspection/Replacement This recall involves a failure of the backup camera system, which directly impacts visibility while reversing and poses a safety risk. The manufacturer has indicated that a remedy is available; however, the dealership I contacted is refusing to perform recall repairs on weekends and is only offering an appointment more than a month out (scheduled for May 4th). Given that this is a safety-related recall affecting rear visibility, this delay is unreasonable and places me at continued risk while operating the vehicle. I rely on my vehicle daily and should not be required to wait an extended period for a safety recall repair that is already available. Additionally, limiting recall repairs to weekday-only appointments creates an unnecessary barrier for consumers who work standard business hours. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed, and that appropriate action be taken to ensure dealerships are providing timely access to safety recall repairs, especially when the defect impacts vehicle safety. Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was still not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 raises serious safety concerns, as sudden engine failure can result in loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. In addition: •Hyundai Motor America has not adequately addressed the issue •My case (#xxxx) remains unresolved despite escalation •I have experienced delays, lack of transparency, and no meaningful resolution Given Hyundai’s known history of engine-related issues, I believe this may represent a broader safety concern affecting other drivers. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: 1.Review this incident as a potential safety defect 2.Investigate whether this issue is part of a larger pattern 3.Take appropriate action to ensure consumer safety I am available to provide documentation and further details if needed. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 because the check engine light was on and I was informed it was related to the EVAP system, specifically the purge valve. I spent approximately five hours at the dealership and was told the issue had been repaired. However, shortly after leaving the dealership, the check engine light returned with the same issue. Since then, I have attempted multiple times to resolve this problem. I even purchased a new purge valve and had it installed by an independent mechanic. Despite replacing the purge valve, the check engine light remains on and continues to report EVAP system issues. I also had a mechanic perform a smoke test on the system, which did not reveal any leaks in the EVAP system. The mechanic stated they could not determine why the system continues to show a purge valve or EVAP-related code and suggested that only Hyundai may have the tools necessary to properly diagnose the issue. I contacted Hyundai corporate customer service for assistance, but they informed me that each dealership is privately owned and they could not intervene or assist further. This issue has now been ongoing for approximately two years. I continue to experience the check engine light and now the vehicle is beginning to have drivability problems including vibration and jerking during acceleration. This unresolved issue also affects my ability to pass vehicle inspections if the check engine light remains on. I am requesting assistance in resolving this ongoing issue and receiving proper diagnosis and repair support from Hyundai so that the vehicle can be repaired correctly.
Compare the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Owners have filed 132 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, fewer than a typical Elantra model year.
What is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra year score?
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Elantra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
Driver assistance and stability, with 36 complaints. Next is electrical (31).
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
6 recalls, covering back over prevention, seat belts and visibility.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra driver assistance?
Yes, 1 recall: 24V879000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Elantra have the most driver assistance problems?
The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2013 (60 complaints), 2012 (47 complaints) and 2011 (38 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra range from 28 to 54 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 53 city and 56 highway.
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Check its historyHyundai Elantra in the news
- Hyundai recalls 2026 Elantra and 2026 Tucson Hybrid over macpherson strut problem (24 vehicles)
- Hyundai recalls 2026 Elantra, 2026 Venue and 2026 Elantra Hybrid and other models over wheels lugs/nuts/bolts/studs problem (17 vehicles)
- Hyundai extends warranty coverage on 2015-2019 Sonata, 2015-2018 Elantra and 2017-2021 Tucson and other models (unknown or other)