Complaint volume
126 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Hyundai Elantra Complaints
126 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, grouped by component category.
126 Total complaints
8 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
3 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are seat belts, forward collision avoidance, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 8 crash reports, 1 fire report, 3 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 12 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 32,057 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to seat belts, forward collision avoidance, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Hyundai Elantra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Hyundai Elantra complaints?
8 Crash
1 Fire
3 Injury
1 Fatality
11 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Elantra complaint categories?
SEAT BELTS 20
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 11
ENGINE 6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2
126 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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: NHTSA 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | 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 NHTSA: 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | 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 Multifunction switch was bad and covered under warranty, now not covered after getting it in 3.5 months later. Due to the this being a known safety concern for Hyundai Genesis with extended warranty put in place, would love a review on Elantra as well because there are several spots in threads stating the same issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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 without these symptoms. When the issue occurred, the vehicle would sometimes hesitate or fail to move forward smoothly when pressing the accelerator. This created unsafe driving situations, particularly when pulling into traffic or accelerating from a stop. On multiple occasions this behavior nearly resulted in rear-end collisions because the vehicle did not respond reliably to throttle input. The issue appeared to be temperature related, as the problem consistently occurred during warmer weather while the vehicle operated normally in colder conditions. Because the vehicle could fail to accelerate predictably, this created a safety hazard for myself and other drivers. I believe this may indicate a potential defect in the transmission system. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS | 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 brake light warning continuously goes off, a dinging, stating that there is an issue. Hyundai and McGrath repeatedly misdiagnosed and refused to fix these issues when they were first brought to their attention when under 60,000 miles. NOW that the car is over 60,000 miles, conveniently they’re stating that it’s out of warranty and will cost $2k. The technicians and service advisor Christine Tonelli at McGrath, knowingly and willfully misdiagnosed my car, attempting to cover up the issues stating that there was no issue. They said the seat belt was fine and the wiring wasn’t the issue for the high mount d brake light and kept changing the bulb. They knew it should have known there was a seat belt issue with it not retracting and the same with the high mount d brake light. Suddenly after 60,000 miles, they now state I was right the whole time by telling me it will be $2000 to fix it. I have all service records and emails. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS | 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 before. They’re saying over 60,000 miles makes it no longer under warranty. I reported it before and they said that it was okay. It was not okay and still isn’t okay and they think I’m going to pay $1500 to get it fixed now as well as re wiring the back of the vehicle for $600, which I have been reporting issues with for years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | 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 is not currently listed, the engine itself is identical to the recalled engines and is available for inspection. Since early ownership, the vehicle has repeatedly hesitated, surged, and jumped when accelerating from a stop, especially at stoplights and intersections. This unpredictable behavior creates a clear safety risk because the vehicle does not respond consistently in traffic and increases the risk of a collision. These issues are ongoing and reproducible under normal driving conditions. The symptoms have occurred many times and were not isolated events. The vehicle has been presented for service and the issues described. No misuse or maintenance-related cause has been identified. Prior to and during these events, the vehicle has shown reduced power, inconsistent throttle response, and hesitation. At times, warning lights and engine behavior consistent with internal engine distress have appeared. These symptoms match those described by Hyundai, Consumer Reports, and NHTSA in recalls involving this same engine. Hyundai has already acknowledged that this engine defect can lead to stalling, seizure, oil leaks, and fire, and that warning systems may not fully detect the problem until damage has already begun. Because my vehicle uses the same recalled engine and exhibits the same failure characteristics, I believe it should be reviewed as part of a recall expansion or defect investigation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 connected with a Blue Link operator and repeatedly told her that I did not know where I was and that I was scared and needed assistance. While I was actively requesting help, the SOS call was disconnected. After the disconnection, I attempted to reconnect using the SOS system but was unable to do so, despite the vehicle having power and an active, paid telematics subscription. The system did not reconnect or provide further assistance. I was forced to call 911 from my personal cell phone to obtain emergency help. This resulted in a delayed response and a $1,300 towing expense that I would not have incurred if the SOS system had functioned as marketed. This incident raises serious safety concerns. The vehicle’s emergency SOS system failed during an active emergency, disconnected while the driver was disoriented and requesting help, and provided no ability to reconnect. This defeats the purpose of an integrated emergency safety feature and could place drivers at risk of serious injury or death. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA can evaluate the reliability and safety of Hyundai’s Blue Link SOS emergency system during real-world emergencies. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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 codes show this has happened to the previous owner as well. I bought it in 7/2025 and it happened driving it home from buying it, in 11/25, and 12/10/25 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 was discovered that the mileage was 50,310. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,192 |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | 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 the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the 2.0L engine was known for similar issues. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The vehicle was not diagnosed due to a lack of diagnostic trouble codes being displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 127,000 |
| Sep 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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 a safety concerns while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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 it was a dead car or key battery but the same problems kept happening shortly after. I became aware of the issue with the horn not working, when I recently purchased the vehicle. I tried to contact the ALM dealership salesman to report the issue and they told me he had recently quit. They mentioned bringing it back to the shop but it wasn’t guaranteed that the issue would be fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 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 this a very dangerous situation because cars behind me don’t know that my engine suddenly shots off. Thanks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Front sensor problem. Sensor Check Forward Safety System. ABS, Auto Hold light came up out of no where. No damage to sensor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 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 will no longer accelerate and could get hit when crossing an intersection or turning onto any road at all. ESC warning light came on today and vehicle will no longer start but goes into auxiliary mode. This is not the first time, second, third, nor even 5th time a report on this vehicle has been made and with each report more issues are arising with seemingly NO fix in sight. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The horn does not work. I've been out of a horn for the last 4 1/2 months. The horn fuse blows every time I replace it and if I use the horn it blows. Now I replace the fuse and the horn still doesn't work on this vehicle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My back up camera fails to work consistently. This issue appears to only worsen with every use. Sometimes to screen will appear half on and half off. I have yet to receive any notice of a recall and would like to get this fixed if at all possible. Thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | Heating core on car has gone out 3 times the first time costing $2,042.03 to repair, the two follow up ones were done under the warenty | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE | The camera started to fail for a few days and then it was fine, then the blind spot started to fail and then the camera was useless. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Constant sound of flowing water throughout the front of the vehicle. Several service appointments later and there is still no solution to the issue that has been going on for over a year. Thia can be heard like a stream of water flowing. Engine ticking, loud rattling from engine. You can hear in from inside of the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |