NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 132 owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (32) and electrical system (31). The EPA rates it 28–37 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Elantra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 101 |
| 1997 | 118 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 133 |
| 2000 | 200 |
| 2001 | 329 |
| 2002 | 348 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 267 |
| 2008 | 316 |
| 2009 | 287 |
| 2010 | 455 |
| 2011 | 461 |
| 2012 | 676 |
| 2013 | 1,330 |
| 2014 | 387 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 770 |
| 2018 | 284 |
| 2019 | 252 |
| 2020 | 254 |
| 2021 | 132 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 101 |
| 2024 | 56 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“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”
“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”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 43 | 37 | $1,750 | 244 |
| Elantra Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 41 | 35 | $1,850 | 257 |
| Elantra Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 | 288 |
| Elantra Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 318 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 132 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (32), electrical system (31), seat belts (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Elantra at 28–37 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 5 out of 5 stars overall.