2021 Hyundai Elantra
Common Problems
Ranked from 66 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Seat Belt Retention Issues
17complaintsSafety riskOtherSeat belt retention mechanisms fail, potentially leading to seat belts not functioning properly in an accident.
- 2
Electrical system failures causing multiple warning lights
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalFrequent occurrences of multiple warning lights appearing on the dashboard upon starting the car, indicating electrical system issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Forward Collision Warning System Malfunction
9complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe forward collision warning system frequently malfunctions, leading to inappropriate warnings and disabling of cruise control.
- 4
Random Malfunction of Forward Collision Avoidance System
6complaintsHigh severityOtherThe forward collision warning system malfunctions randomly, causing inappropriate braking and safety risks.
- 5
Steering Lock-Up During Turns
6complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering wheel locks up during turns, potentially causing loss of control of the vehicle.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Horn Failure
5complaintsLow severityElectricalThe horn fails to work, preventing proper signaling in traffic situations.
- 7
Transmission Shuddering and Jerking
5complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe automatic transmission shudders and jerks during acceleration, causing difficulty in shifting gears smoothly.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Brake System Malfunction
4complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake system occasionally fails, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly or not respond to pedal pressure.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
4complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, especially in warm weather, due to a malfunctioning stop-start system.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Recall repair delays for seat belts
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple reports of delayed availability of parts for seat belt recall repairs, leading to extended wait times.
- 11
Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalIssues with the forward collision warning and automatic braking system repeatedly engaging inappropriately.
- 12
Recall repair delays for visibility issues
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalDelays in obtaining parts for visibility-related recall repairs, leading to unresolved issues.
- 13
Suspension Noise and Issues
2complaintsLow severitySuspensionThe suspension produces noise and vibrations, especially over speed bumps or uneven surfaces.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Unreliable wireless phone projection
2complaintsLow severityElectricalFrequent disconnections of wireless Apple CarPlay during driving, requiring manual reconnection.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.