2021 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

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!!!!

11/13/2021

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.

5/12/2022

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.

2/7/2021

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.

7/9/2021

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.

5/24/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 22V354000 (Seat Belts) and 21V00M000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the parts were 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 a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

6/17/2022

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.

10/12/2021

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.

5/2/2022

While driving down the highway, a warning light stating the Forward Collision Warning system became inoperable, as well as the Adaptive Cruise Control System. Vehicle has no collisions, yet the dealer can't get the system to calibrate again.

9/29/2022

A warning light frequently activate to demonstrate malfunction of the driver forward collision avoidance safety features. This was presented to the dealer for warranty repair. The same defect persists despite their intervention.

10/29/2022

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.

2/20/2022

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

7/12/2022

My vehicle was slowing down and was halfway into a parking spot. Then, it suddenly accelerated, jumped over commercial parking blocks, and ended up stopping after hitting a wall. My brake was not working at that moment. I initially reported it to Hyundai USA (as a dealership doesn't seem to consider this a serious issue at all), but decided not to let them investigate on their end based on their slow and unprofessional responses.

9/14/2022

Hello everyone. I NEED HELP i have a 2021 hyundai elantra and i have had the same issue for over 10k+ miles and 6 months. My traction control light, (no matter what speed or acceleration/deceleration.) will flicker on and off, make a horrible noise almost as if the ABS is applying but no ABS light comes on, and the pedals will go stiff and the whole car jerks. My 2021 elantra has had a new transmission put into it AND when that didn’t fix the issue, the wheel speed sensor was replace… well if that had fixed the issue, i wouldn’t be writing this post. after a new transmission, and wheel speed sensors, didn’t fix the issue the dealership themselves advised me to look into the lemon law being they had no idea at this point what was going on with my car. i have attempted getting my car bought back under the lemon law (Ohio) which my car meets the qualifications being that the issue was brought the the dealerships attention, before the 12 month or 18k (whichever came first) which in this case was taken to them before both. and that my car had been in the shop more then 30 days cumulative (it’s been 41) and hyundai has denied my request for a buy back, and has told me i need to do more research or get an exterior 2nd opinion. (pretty much a lawyer). they’ve advised me to “just keep taking it to the shop and get it fixed”. the issue is, this does not occur all the time. it is completely random and will do it once in a week and then not again for another 3. but when this happens, it’s scary. it’s loud, the pedals go stiff and the whole car jerks. accelerating or decelerating. the dealership will not replace something if they cannot duplicate the issue which is also a reason it’s taken so long to get any sort of answers. i have multiple videos, the service MANAGER, has rode in my car with me while this issue has occurred and stated himself my vehicle is unsafe, and i should not be driving it. i need help!

11/1/2022

A warning light frequently activate to demonstrate malfunction of the driver forward collision avoidance safety features. This was presented to the dealer for warranty repair. The same defect persists despite their intervention.

10/29/2022

I was driving using cruise control when suddenly I got the error message “Check Forward Safety System” and my cruise control no longer functions. Turned car off and back on and message is still there. As the emergency braking system stopped working, this is a safety issue. Have not taken it to dealer yet. The car has other software/electrical issues related to the reverse camera and Apple CarPlay. There seems to be several software issues with this car.

3/4/2023

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

9/25/2021

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.

4/1/2022

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.

10/12/2022

Ongoing issues whereby when accelerating the car jerks due to the transmission shuddering. There are many times when acceleration is very slow and the gears slowly shift. Brought this up to the dealership where I bought the car and they keep giving me the run around.

10/28/2022

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.

6/3/2021

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

9/25/2021

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.

5/12/2022

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.

6/13/2022

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.

6/9/2021

Significant water leak which I believe is due to a failure in the door seals. My personal safety is at risk due to a mold issue. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the Hyundai dealership’s service department (multiple visits). This problem is well documented by many individuals in the Hyundai Forums site. The results were the dealership pushes the vehicle back at the consumer without it being corrected. Problem has been occurring since purchased. I recognized the issue in early 2023

6/2/2024

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.

7/6/2021

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.

6/13/2022

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

9/8/2021

Headlight lens are holding condensation , I've noticed this problem a few times now , and at night time it is a problem to see unless the brights of the lighting is engaged ,, RE: it's not my eyes , I've just got new bifocal glasses ,,, or maybe they just need adjusted up a bit , I will take it in for inspection, the Hyundai Elantra 2021 , I just purchased on 07/12/2023 , along with the seatbelt recall , I now know why they seem to not always want to latch together several times , thank you for the help researching my new car

10/25/2023

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

3/8/2022

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 A

11/13/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 22V354000 (Seat Belts) and 21V00M000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the parts were 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 a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

6/17/2022

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.

7/26/2022

The car was brought back to the dealership after a few months after noticing that the steering wheel would shake and the car would jerk when brake was applied to slow down. In normal street driving as well as during highway driving. The dealership since it was under the warranty replaced the front rotors and the brake pads to solve the issue. Within the one year of purchase of the car, it was once again having the same issues of steering wheel shaking and the car jerking motion back and forth. When he car was brought back to the dealership they said that it was not under the warranty and that they would not address the issue And that if i wanted it to be fixed i would have to pay out of pocket I think that there is something wrong with either the rotors or the braking system that is casing this shaking and the car jerking when trying to slow down, and it should be addressed and investigated further.

8/19/2022

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.

7/28/2023

Horn stopped working.

2/10/2023

The horn stops working. It is not a fuse related issue. It is the horn itself. There are multiple reports of horn failure in this model, 2021 and 2022, on the internet and social media. There are people reporting that dealerships are also seeing a lot of cars with horn failure. This is a serious safety issue. Someone could go off the road into the woods and crash, unable to signal with a horn that they’re there. Unable to beep their horn to get the attention of a child or animal that is about to run into the road. There are countless scenarios where the horn is important. Cellphones don’t work everywhere… a horn should always work. There are far too many reports of the horn issue for it to not be a manufacture related issue. Please look into this. This could have pretty tragic implications that could otherwise be avoided. I will attach a screenshot from a social media Hyundai group of the 2022 model. I need to get into the dealership to have mine repaired and will do so asap. I’m just very concerned about the safety of everyone. Some are reporting dealerships are not clear about if the horn issue, which involves replacement of the steering assembly, is covered, while others are saying it is.

10/7/2023

Rear backup camera suddenly stopped working and when in reverse the sensors kick in and breaks the vehicle when there's no object or vehicle behind. Also the code for the backup sensor came up but dealer didn't do anything.

7/24/2024

Back up Camera. When reversing cannot see out back window do to incline of glass making hard to reverse. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There was not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear.

10/22/2024

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 damages from tiny rocks. This windshield is very weak, the Crack continues to spread all over day to day.

9/2/2024

Windshield wipers will stop midway moving and stay in place at random times while switched on. Not related to rain droplet mode. Happens at random. Obstructs view of road.

9/6/2025

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.

7/6/2021

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.

4/1/2022

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.

10/12/2022

The contact owns a Maxi Cosi Coral XP car seat, Model Number: IC313FNDV, Manufactured: 10/09/2020. The car seat was being used in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the seat base failed to separate from the stroller when the release handle was pulled firmly. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to remove the car seat from the stroller. The child was not in the car seat during the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23C002000 (Child Seat), which she related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The car seat was not replaced.

3/17/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact there was a crack on the radiator. Additionally, the dealer determined that the failure was possibly collision related; however, the contact stated that the vehicle was not involved in a collision. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,573.

3/17/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, he attempted to adjust the driver’s side seat however, the handle fractured. The contact stated that ss a result of the failure, the front driver’s side seat shifted backwards separating from the seat back frame. The contact stated that the failure almost caused the vehicle to crash, causing the contact to jerk the steering wheel and swerve. The contact was able to adjust himself and regain control of the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V302000 (Seats). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to another dealer who diagnosed and determined that the seat back frame assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and informed that he would receive a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 11,117.

6/1/2023

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 51,192 and at the time of receiving the vehicle from the dealer it was discovered that the mileage was 50,310.

12/4/2025