The Lemon Index2021 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is about average by owner complaints: 126 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 105, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 28 to 54 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 161 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 51K miles on the car (18 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- back over prevention 2024
Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display.
- seat belts 2022
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
- seat belts 2022
In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Show all 6 recalls
- visibility 2021
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
- seat belts 2021
In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- seats 2021
The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 98 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedSeat belt pretensioners may rupture2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1200–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Forward collision system continually fails. This disables the vehicles cruise control. The vehicle has been in the shop multiple times with no resolution.
2021 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 11494543
More owner reports
I went to start the car up and all of the warnings attached popped up, along with losing my power steering. This is the second time it has happened in less then a year.
NHTSA complaint 11469050
Back up camera doesnât work. When put in reverse the screen is static and when you press the back up camera button it wonât turn on
NHTSA complaint 11593549
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 105; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (41%), electrical (22%) and seat belts (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
6 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra get?
28 to 54 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $1200 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2014 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works