NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2021 Hyundai Elantra Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 129 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 6 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH15 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra receives a 6.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 129 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 6 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 60,000 miles (IQR: 10,50060,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

Hyundai Elantra PlatformHyundai Elantra Series
DLC Port: Behind fuse cover panel on driver left knee dashboard

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
6.1 / 10

9.9 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
129

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
6

6 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Elantra Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity87% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

34
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):60,000 milesIQR: 10,50060,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756440 • Filed: 08/12/2026

Vehicle was serviced to remediate Recall 271- backup camera replacement in January, 2025. In June 2026, vehicle is exhibiting the same issue. Rear camera is non functional in the following ways: 1. Vehicle is shifted to reverse, backup camera does not function; 2. Vehicle is i...

ODI #11745530 • Filed: 06/22/2026

Door Lock Actuator, the door latch is stuck on unlock and it won’t close or lock when the lock button is pressed on key fob.

ODI #11726986 • Filed: 03/25/2026

Daytime and night time running lights turn off and on randomly with brights engaging random as well. Turn signals not operating but intermittently and wipers not turning on intermittently. This Started in Nov 2025. First time dealership could get it in was Jan 2026, stated Mul...

#2 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

31
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):60,000 milesIQR: 36,40960,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11719531 • Filed: 02/20/2026Odometer: 60,000 mi

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 b...

ODI #11717820 • Filed: 02/13/2026Odometer: 60,000 mi

My vehicle has been in the shop here at McGrath Hyundai in Chicago, IL 30+ times since I bought it 5/21. Electrical, (rear), 6 horns, 6 blower motors, multiple warranty and recalls and now my front driver seat belt. They’re refusing to fix it even though I have reported it bef...

ODI #11703140 • Filed: 12/05/2025

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.

#3 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

19
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):12,818 milesIQR: 7,00076,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11731188 • Filed: 04/14/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure wa...

ODI #11730162 • Filed: 04/09/2026

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Engine Failure – Hyundai To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a serious engine failure involving my Hyundai vehicle. The engine experienced a failure significant enough to require replacement. This rai...

ODI #11728698 • Filed: 04/02/2026Odometer: 80,100 mi

I am filing a complaint regarding an unresolved and ongoing issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line. The vehicle currently has approximately 80,100 miles. This issue began when the vehicle had under 60,000 miles. At that time, I brought the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership be...

#4 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity67% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

16
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11683767 • Filed: 08/28/2025

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 assu...

ODI #11612159 • Filed: 09/02/2024

The windshield is damaged very easily when a small rock hits it on the road. It's been hit before the recall and the new windshield is damaged. It's a hazard especially if it can be easily cracked. I've had other vehicles that can handle small rocks on road ways. These are dam...

ODI #11603543 • Filed: 07/20/2024

One day I was on the highway driving and the front collusion safety warning appeared. I thought the warning went off because the sensor was dirty due to dead bugs. However, I pulled over and the sensor did not appear dirty. After awhile the sensor went off on its own. Then a f...

#5 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity75% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

15
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):36,409 milesIQR: 24,61448,205 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11719531 • Filed: 02/20/2026Odometer: 60,000 mi

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 b...

ODI #11664871 • Filed: 06/04/2025

Front sensor problem. Sensor Check Forward Safety System. ABS, Auto Hold light came up out of no where. No damage to sensor.

ODI #11626822 • Filed: 11/22/2024

Radar equipped to front of vehicle has malfunctioned, disabling all forward safety systems and adaptive cruise control. Without this equipment functioning, cruise control is completely disabled and the vehicle will not automatically brake or provide forward warnings. The vehic...

#6 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINMedium Severity74% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

13
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756440 • Filed: 08/12/2026

Vehicle was serviced to remediate Recall 271- backup camera replacement in January, 2025. In June 2026, vehicle is exhibiting the same issue. Rear camera is non functional in the following ways: 1. Vehicle is shifted to reverse, backup camera does not function; 2. Vehicle is i...

ODI #11722451 • Filed: 03/06/2026

I owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line that experienced a recurring transmission issue. In warm weather conditions the transmission would intermittently slip and stutter, causing a jerky engagement when attempting to accelerate. In cold weather the vehicle operated normally wit...

ODI #11693336 • Filed: 10/14/2025

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...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONLow Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

1
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (1)
ODI #11436361 • Filed: 10/12/2021

On August 17, my new Elantra lost power steering, and most safety related features. Most all instrument warning lights came on. Was able to get car to dealer service where they kept car overnight, and reset the error lights. They told me, they recorded the computer codes, but ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (6)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V796000Reported: 13/10/2021

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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.

Safety Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V00M000Reported: 28/12/2021

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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.

Safety Consequence: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V302000Reported: 28/04/2021

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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

Safety Consequence: An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V218000Reported: 01/04/2022

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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.

Safety Consequence: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V354000Reported: 19/05/2022

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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.

Safety Consequence: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V879000Reported: 21/11/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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."

Safety Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Hyundai Elantra

Before purchasing a used 2021 Hyundai Elantra, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Hyundai Elantra

Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra a reliable used car?

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra earns a 6.1/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 129 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 60,000 miles (IQR: 10,50060,000 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

Yes, the NHTSA records 6 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.