repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
2021 Hyundai ElantraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 132 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-796 the manufacturer reports only 46% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has problems
132 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
32Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
31Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
27Seat belts2 crash/fire/injury
13Engine
10Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes
7Power train
6Lane departure
5Exterior lighting
2610 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 32 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 31 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 27 | 2 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 3 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 26 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2021 Hyundai Elantra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q3
Seat belts: front
Risk. An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
no report yet
Seat belts: front
Risk. Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: windshield
Risk. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q4
Seat belts: front
Risk. An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Front assembly: recliner
Risk. An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Elantra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Elantra median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Hyundai Elantra safety ratings
2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Seat Belt Pretensioners May RuptureLed to recall 23V-094
In owners' words
What Elantra owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Front sensor problem. Sensor Check Forward Safety System. ABS, Auto Hold light came up out of no where. No damage to sensor.
Own a 2021 Elantra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.