2021 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 131 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 8 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 3 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraNov 21, 2024
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."
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V879000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontMay 19, 2022
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.
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
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.
Campaign 22V354000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontApr 1, 2022
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.
Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
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.
Campaign 22V218000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldDec 28, 2021
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.
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V00M000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontOct 13, 2021
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.
An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
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.
Campaign 21V796000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerApr 28, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: seat belts
27 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Feb 20, 2026
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 all service records and emails.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Feb 13, 2026
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 before. They’re saying over 60,000 miles makes it no longer under warranty. I reported it before and they said that it was okay. It was not okay and still isn’t okay and they think I’m going to pay $1500 to get it fixed now as well as re wiring the back of the vehicle for $600, which I have been reporting issues with for years.
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 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.
Seat belts, Dec 14, 2022
NHTSA Recall Number 22V354000 has been active since May 18, 2022. The dealership says no dealers in the area have received the part to fix it. The recall itself carries serious safety concerns as the seatbelt will explode metal fragments in an accident. The dealer has also told me that 35 other people are waiting for the recall to be fixed as well. This is ridiculous, Hyundai needs to get these parts to the dealers.
Seat belts, Nov 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belt) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Seat belts, Service brakes, Nov 13, 2022, crash
On February 23, 2022, I was involved in an accident with the Hyundai Elantra, Vin# [XXX]. The vehicle’s brakes failed, and I struck a Blue Ford Escape from behind with a speed of approximately 37 mph. On January 13th, I made an appointment with the Napleton Valley Dealership in Aurora, IL. where the vehicle was purchased complaining about the brakes and drifting into an intersection on Route 83 and Sycamore Rd. for 20 feet. The mechanic checked the brake pads, drove it for 3 miles and deemed that the vehicle’s pads were adequate. It was determined that no problem was found, brakes checked good, all within specs. (12,818 miles). The vehicle was towed from Hinsdale, IL. to Dekalb, IL., approximately 85 miles to my residence at 612 Magnolia St. Dekalb, IL. 60115. It was then towed a distance 3.2 mile to Dekalb Body and Collision, 116 Industrial Dr., Dekalb, IL. 60115. Since then, it has been back in the dealership for issues related to the engine, taillight, and a series of additional Inspections verifying that the codes were working. On March 8th when I visited the Body Shop & Collision I was told to “hire an attorney”. The vehicle was defective and should have never been on the streets. Preliminary findings on vehicle were concerning as far as airbag sensor was impacted but no airbags deployed at the time of impact. Upon vehicle arriving at our repair facility, we conducted pre-repair scan vehicle codes read as followed (see picture). Impact sensor was highly damaged, expected to have had airbags deployed at the time vehicle was impacted. Vehicle received front-end damages which resulted in needing the following parts replaced, front bumper and grille. Crash impacted the front bumper reinforcement resulting in some hours needed on frame machine to align front-end. Engine cooling system was impacted resulting in the need to replace radiator assembly and A/C condenser assembly. Hood and both front lamps are needed to be replaced as well. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Seat belts, Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Seat belts, Engine, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The message "Put Car In Neutral And Restart Engine" was displayed. The contact stated that she shifted into neutral (N) and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred persistently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown activator needed to be replaced. The part was replaced. However, the contact stated that days after the repair, the vehicle would not exceed 25 MPH while driving. The contact pulled into a parking lot. The contact stated that a police officer was able to assist her with correcting the issue under the supervision of the dealer who was on the phone. The contact resumed driving and the vehicle responded as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact later received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts), however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Oct 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Oct 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 202V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Sep 26, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact's daughter received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Sep 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Sep 1, 2022, crash
The contact's mother-in-law owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle, he had begun to make a left turn onto a highway as an oncoming vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The impact sent the vehicle spinning as both her son and her mother-in-law were tossed around inside the vehicle due to the impact. The air bags did deploy. Both of the occupants inside the vehicle were transported to the hospital. The contact's mother-in-law suffered blunt force injury to her chest and multiple rib fractures to both sides of her ribs. She also suffered lacerations to her liver and left leg, as well as fractures to her right tibia and left ankle. The contact's mother-in-law died as a result of her injuries. The contact's son suffered from a left bruised carotid artery, a broken right hip and a right lung contusion. A police report was filed. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was totaled as a result of the accident and was towed to an independent tow yard. The vehicle had yet to be destroyed while the accident remained under investigation. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000(Seat Belt) and notified the manufacturer about the accident. The contact was initially informed that a case was opened; however, after weeks of no response, she called back and was informed that the case was closed. The contact demanded that the case be reopened but had yet to hear a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.
Seat belts, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Seat belts, Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about his safety if the seat belts failed. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Seat belts, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Jul 29, 2022
Frt seat belt pretensioner could explode causing metal fragments to penetrate the occupant. I have owned many veh, this recall is unbelievable, I could be seriously hurt or dead. Them parts could take a month to get. No loaners are available. campaign 229 Hyundai. vin [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Visibility, Seat belts, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V00M000 (Visibility) and 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, Jul 3, 2022
Child became entrapped in car seat in rear center seat. Unbuckled seat belt to get child out. Belt snagged on underside of car seat. Belt would not retract from the retractor mechanism. With child's movement belt only tightened around his upper chest and neck. Two adults could not get belt to release. To release child and prevent strangulation, the belt was cut.