2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, electrical system and seat Belts.
132 complaints 6 recalls, 1 injury risk 14th worst of 17 Elantra years
Top 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems
Emergency braking problems
32 complaints (24%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and adaptive cruise control.
Electrical problems
31 complaints (24%) name the electrical system, most often the horn and speedometer / odometer.
Seat belt problems
27 complaints (21%) name the seat Belts, most often the buckle assembly.
Engine problems
16 complaints (12%) name the engine.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (12 of 132). The amber line is the middle value, about 20,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Camera
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." A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.
Recall 24V879000 · Nov 2024Pretensioner, Front
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment. An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles.
Recall 22V354000 · May 2022Pretensioner, Front
In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment. Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available.
Recall 22V218000 · Apr 2022Windshield
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge.
Recall 21V00M000 · Dec 2021Front, Pretensioner
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment. An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G.
Recall 21V796000 · Oct 2021Front seatback recliners may separate in crash
Injury riskThe welds on the driver and front passenger seat back recliners may be improperly done. In a crash, a recliner could separate from the seat back frame, raising the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the seat back recliners and replace the seat back frame assembly if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V302000 · Apr 2021Get an email when your 2021 Hyundai Elantra gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Elantra years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Elantra. Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, electrical system and seat Belts.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners most often report problems with the emergency braking system, electrical system, seat Belts and engine. 32 complaints (24%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and adaptive cruise control.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
6. Camera (24V879000); Pretensioner, Front (22V354000); Pretensioner, Front (22V218000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
Ask for service records covering the emergency braking system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.