2021 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 157 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and forward collision avoidance. Owners most often flag major engine failure (requiring replacement) — reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., theta ii), though not all elantra engines are covered by related recalls. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

157
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
8
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
40
forward collision avoidance
35
seat belts
27
engine
21
vehicle speed control
20

Recalls affecting the 2021 Elantra

seat belts:front

Campaign 21V796000

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 pretensio…

visibility:windshield

Campaign 21V00M000

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 …

seats:front assembly:recliner

Campaign 21V302000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.

seat belts:front

Campaign 22V218000

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.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2011) with specific engines like the Beta II describe exceptional, Corolla-like reliability with examples reaching 320,000 km (2

  • Major engine failure (requiring replacement) — Reports of engines failing or needing replacement at low mileage (e.g., 50,000 miles/80,000 km). Linked to oil consumption and rod bearing failures in certain engines (e.g., Theta II), though not all Elantra engines are covered by related recalls. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption — Burning oil, particularly noted in models with over 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Leads to catalytic converter damage and is a precursor to engine failure. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical system and software glitches — A wide array of intermittent problems including: complete instrument cluster failure (gauges dropping to zero), loss of power steering, random warning lights (check engine, traction control, ABS, brake system), failure of driver-assist features (lane keep assist, smart cruise), malfunctioning backup cameras, and erratic behavior from automatic headlights and engine start-stop systems. Often heat-related or occurring at specific speeds (e.g., above 75 mph/121 km/h). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Premature interior material degradation — Paint/coating on interior buttons and door handles rubbing off, cheap plastic trim pieces breaking easily (e.g., bumper lips, windshield cowls), and easily scratched surfaces. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission problems — Hard shifting, delayed engagement from Park to Drive, failure to engage gear, and speed sensor codes, primarily noted in 2016 models with automatic transmissions. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra.

Typical used price

Used Elantra listings typically run $20,931–$22,651 across 2017 to 2026 model years.

Other Elantra model years

2023 Elantra2020 Elantra2018 Elantra2017 Elantra2016 Elantra2013 Elantra2012 Elantra2010 Elantra2008 Elantra2006 Elantra2003 Elantra2001 Elantra2000 Elantra1998 Elantra1997 Elantra1996 Elantra
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