NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
While driving on the freeway around 70 mph the car seems to reboot, it slows down and coast and the dash computers shutdown and restarts.
A squirrel chewed my wiring into the temperature coolant sensor. I had to have two different rental cars for six weeks before I received my car back. Nothing happened to those vehicles during those six weeks. Within a week of having my car (2021 Elantra) back, a squirrel chewed more wiring. My car is now needing another repair. This is a known issue with Hyundai as well as other makers. I feel it’s pretty compelling evidence that there is a problem as two vehicles were not bothered by squirrels for six weeks and then my car comes back and it gets chewed up again right away. All cars were parked on my driveway.
Two matters: 1) The recall notice "Campaign 216" regarding my 2021 Hyundai Elantra has not yet been remedied nor has Hyundai announce a timeline for a remedy. It is regarding the windshield. 2) Secondly, my horn stopped working 100% and I took it to Hyundai last week and they said a lot of 2021 Elantra's were coming in with broken horns. They ordered me a brand new part that seems as though they redesigned the horn system. It will be replaced this week. I asked if I missed a recall and they said no, the horn problem has not yet required a recall but they seemed to suggest that the horn issue is a real matter effecting their Elantra's. I would hate for other 2021 owners to suffer a horn failure when they actually need it in a real life safety situation. The horn just stopped working. The horn is a safety function and if that is broken what can one do in an urgent matter "yell", not likely. No warning ahead of time...just one day it stopped working with no indicators.
Not one airbag did not deploy when the car got hit on right rear door side and back bumper by pickup truck while making a left hand turn. I've called dealership about the airbag issue and they have not receive any calls about it. Police report said no airbags were deployed, insurance adjuster is currently inspecting vehicle
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).
On 1/27/2022 my daughter was driving home from school in her 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL which was purchased new on 6/19/ 2021 when at 5600 miles on the odometer a message came on the instrument cluster which read put car in neutral and turn off engine, when it was safe to do so she stopped the car and turned it off in the middle of a two way road because there was no shoulder and no place to exit the roadway when she tried to restart the car the engine would not crank or turn over to start the car so she called me and I called a tow truck while she was waiting vehicles behind her where forced to go around her car when it was safe for them to do so, the tow truck came and took her car to the dealership where she purchased it two days later they called and informed us the engine was completely seized up and that they would have to replace it with a NEW ENGINE despite the fact the original engine had oil and was only six months old with only 5600 miles on it.
While Driving the car suddenly turns off. It puts me at risk because if I am in a situation where there are other cars, I can be hit and undangering my life and others! This problem happened suddenly and the car restarted only to fail again,multiple times. Towed to dealer /Danbury Hyundai and they claim not to find problem. The car had a full tank of fresh gas. This happened without warning.
At about 11 months old my car suddenly seized while attempting to enter the highway. This came with no type of warning from the vehicle until the car had stopped and then every light on the cluster came on. I was fortunate not to be rear ended. The car was towed and 2 days later the dealership called to tell me there were no errors and NOTHING WAS WRONG with the car. I told them what had happened and they called later that day and I was informed that they needed to install and entire new engine assembly. The car only had 7000 miles on it and should not need a new engine. There is some major design flaw with this car which poses a safety issue. Additionally I looked at my service records for the car and it looks as if the dealership is trying to cover up the fact that a new engine was placed in the vehicle as it is listed as routine maintenance. Please look into this and contact me if needed
Twice now when starting the car all the driver safety systems will show a warning that they are not working and the message is that the car is not save to drive. A bunch of warning signs will go off and the wheel locks. The brake system has also locked up. I captured it on video, but it won’t let me upload it here.
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 was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was still not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
In the middle of crossing the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in New York City, the forward collision warning came on and the braking system automatically engaged REPEATEDLY. I was traveling about 30 MPH and had about 4 car lengths between my car and the one in front. The system kept engaging no matter how much room I put between myself and the car in front of me, and as I was in the middle lane of a bridge in heavy traffic I could not pull over. I always keep a good distance in front when driving, but because of the system inappropriately engaging I almost got rear-ended about four times. I was terrified and this continued to happen until I got off the bridge. I use my car mainly on the weekend, and also travel this bridge almost every weekend and this was the first time this happened but it was terrifying and EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!
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.
When I start up my car ALL the warning lights appear on my dash. When I try to drive the vehicle I have no control over the steering wheel or brakes. This is the second time this happened to me
Driving headlight output is so diminished that it is very difficult to safely drive in adverse conditions, ie., darkness, rain and oncoming vehicles. The projector lamp assembly used in this vehicle is old technology and is somewhat compounded by the use of a smoked acrylic outer lens cover assembly. I feel that safety was compromised for style and this is not acceptable. I have sent a letter to Hyundai Motors Customer Care dated Sept. 7th in this regard asking for a Hyundai sanctioned solution and authorization for selling dealer to correct situation
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 could not find the cause of the problem. On August 26, again the instrument warning lights suddenly came on AGAIN. Took car to dealer service, where they kept car almost 2 weeks, but could not find the cause. They recorded computer codes. I contacted Hyundai, and a case number was established, but no fix has been found. Case worker has been difficult to reach. My wife refuses to drive this car. New electrical problems: 1.Driver's door handle light not working at night when approaching door. 2. Receiving false emails that car doors are not locked, but they are locked. 3. Using myhundai, shows door are not locked, but they are. When using application to lock doors, false message back that a door is open. 4. Navigation cuts off intermittently. 6. Gasoline consumption computer resets sometimes, other times it does not. 7. Remote start application does not work, says my door is open. 8. Items missing from center display menus. (Door light, reset gas mileage etc) Car has to go back to dealer service for needed repairs.
Son was in a crash on freeway. He got cut off and hit into rear of vehicle. Elantra is badly damaged. No collision warning. No airbag deployment.
When using Android Auto via wireless connectivity, and when using Map navigation (tried both Google Maps and Waze), the connection will drop over time. This is a distraction concern for folks using navigation assistance in unknown areas, such as when on business trips. When connected via physical cable the issue does not occur.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the steering wheel locked not allowing the contact to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the front camera needing to be replaced and an unknown software updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 506.
New car, about 600 miles on odometer. Travelling on highway, with the (Lane keeping assist, and Lane departure warning on). The vehicle pull the steering so quick, that I almost hit the car in the next lane. In another occasion it pull the car out of the Lane I was travelling on. I turned off the Lane keeping assist, and all seems ok.
The contact rented a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle drifted to the left and to the right. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 376.
Wireless Apple CarPlay frequently disconnects at random during drives. I’ve got the latest iPhone update, done every reset in the book, and spoke with my dealership and there is NO solution. It is also impossible to use a wired CarPlay function despite a data-USB input. It is a totally unnecessary move to force users into using this failure of wireless technology. The screen will frequently black out for an extended period of time creating a challenge if you are following the navigation. Additionally, you must tap through 3 warning pages before being able to access the streamed maps or other content again. It is distracting, unpredictable, and continuously more frustrating as neither Hyundai nor Apple have provided a solution that works and instead resort to a “blame game” of each other. Furthermore, both companies act surprised when hearing about this issue, but a quick Google search shows many users struggling with no solution in site! This started the week I bought my car (brand new) and has only gotten worse since.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, a loud squeaking noise was present coming from the vehicle. Also, while driving up a slight incline or down an incline the vehicle would shake and vibrate while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, no fault was found. The contact was informed that the sound was normal. The manufacturer was not notified. In addition, the contact discovered that the passenger’s side floorboard was soaked with water. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that rain had not fallen. The failure mileage was 300.
Cars DCT transmission constantly slips into neutral and is very dangerous when getting onto main roads.. every time I accelerate my vehicle it sits in neutral and revs to high rpms and slows down until it abruptly changes gears very hard and it repeats this for every gear after 2nd
The hood of the car is clearly larger and "off-kilter" with the rest of the body (and front grill) of the car. Although the body indentations match, the hood looks as if it were from a completely different model. It also shifts down on the driver side of the vehicle giving concern that it may shift further and get damaged. A clear manufacturer defect and safety hazard. After the dealer told me they could do nothing, I opened a case with Hyundai Motor. Hyundai Motor has failed to reply or report back on a resolution. Initial report was made on 5/13/21 and a case # was assigned (case manager assigned on 6/5). As of today, 6/9/21, Hyundai Motor has not yet contacted me for a resolution. I am concerned about driving my vehicle if it causes the hood to shift even further and causes damages, detaches, bumps up against the front grill, or causes an accident.
First of all suspension has a noise when going over speed bumps or bumps on the road have taking it to dealer they say they cant find nothing. And the transmission has a pop noise from time to time they say at the dealer that is due to the DCT transmission but it hasn’t stop doing it plus a loud noise when you stop and go. They say there is no recall. Very disappointed with this tranny.
WIRELESS PHONE PROJECTION WHILE USING APPLE IPHONE XR CONTINUOUSLY DROPS WHILE USING MAPS FEATURE. WHEN IT DISCONNECTS I HAVE TO PUSH TWO BUTTONS ON SCREEN. OK AND THEN THE BUTTON TO RECONNECT. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS AS MUCH AS EVERY 5 SECONDS. I HAVE NEARLY CRASHED WHILE TRYING TO CONSTANTLY RECONNECT. ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM IN AN AREA I DO NOT KNOW. THERE IS NO OPTION TO CONNECT CARPLAY VIA USB WIRED CONNECTION. THIS ISSUE FEELS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE. AS IT IS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026