The 2021 Hyundai Elantra's reliability is significantly impacted by its six recalls, particularly regarding seat belts and visibility systems, which could have severe implications in a collision. With an average failure mileage of over 36,000 miles, concerns may arise sooner than expected for new owners if not properly addressed.
Key Factor:Multiple safety-related recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (6) than the average HYUNDAI vehicle (1.7). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
6 recalls for this vehicle1.7 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The presence of six recalls related to critical components like seat belts and windshield integrity raises significant safety concerns for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. In an accident scenario, compromised seat belt pretensioners could lead to inadequate restraint during impact, while poorly bonded windshields increase the risk of detachment and potential injury. This highlights the necessity for thorough due diligence from potential buyers regarding recall resolution and service history.
Moreover, the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) provide insight into ongoing issues that might arise beyond standard warranty periods. For instance, electrical problems or HVAC malfunctions can affect comfort and driving experience, making it essential for both current owners and buyers to stay informed about these issues to avoid unexpectedly high repair costs in the future.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends indicate a troubling pattern with safety-related recalls in this model year. For the Elantra, the combination of multiple recalls and complaints suggests a reliability profile that falls short of expectations when compared to its peers in the compact car segment.
Safety & Reliability Score
37/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 HYUNDAI Elantra
Model Year2021
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelElantra
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr22
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
22 complaints (22% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
7(7%)
🟡Medium
22(22%)
🟢Low
71(71%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles indicates that early issues may surface shortly after purchase or during initial ownership. Prospective buyers should be particularly cautious about vehicles within this mileage range as they may not yet have undergone crucial recall repairs or service adjustments.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 14 of 100 complaints (14% coverage)
0-20k
7 reports (50%)
20k-40k
2 reports (14%)
40k-60k
2 reports (14%)
60k-80k
2 reports (14%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (7%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SEAT BELTSVISIBILITYSEATSBACK OVER PREVENTION
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat Belts
Issue: Potential failure of pretensioners upon crash deployment.
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Verify that all recall repairs have been completed at an authorized dealership.
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Request documentation proving all recall work has been performed prior to purchase.
Campaigns:21V19221V14521V146
2
Windshield
Issue: Improper bonding may cause windshield detachment in crashes.
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Inspect windshield bonding integrity immediately; consult a dealer if unsure.
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'Ask for proof that any necessary corrective measures related to windshield assembly have been undertaken since manufacturing.'
Campaign:21V145
3
Front Seat Recliner
Issue: 'Improper welding can lead to seat back failures.'
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'Have front seat assemblies inspected by a qualified technician.'
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'Check if previous repairs related to seat recliners were completed as stated in service records.'
Campaign:21V192
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
Campaign: 21V796000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V00M000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V302000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
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Summary
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 22V218000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V354000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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 NHTSA 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V879000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Elantra.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Elantra performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 27,783
INV-2021-1001🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Elantra performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 43,538
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Elantra.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning22%
Acceleration Issues8%
Accident7%
Crash/Accident6%
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
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
Safety Systems🔵 Low
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.
Electrical🔵 Low
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.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
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.
Safety Systems🔵 Low
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.
Visibility🔵 Low
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.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V00M000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Electrical🔶 Medium
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.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
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
Safety Systems🔵 Low
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.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What should I know about purchasing a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra?'
When considering a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra, it's essential to review its entire recall history carefully. Given the six recalls issued for this model year—especially concerning safety components such as seat belts and visibility—potential buyers must confirm whether all recall work has been completed at authorized dealerships.
'Are there common issues reported by current owners of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?'
Yes, numerous complaints reflect concerns primarily around seat belt functionality and visibility systems like windshields. Additionally, TSBs highlight various electrical issues which could affect vehicle performance or comfort. Buyers should ensure these matters are addressed before finalizing their purchase.
📊Year-over-Year Context
📉Elevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new seat belts components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.
🧭What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified HYUNDAI service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every HYUNDAI recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Elantra iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a HYUNDAI specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.