HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID · model year

2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID

48 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021HYUNDAIELANTRA HYBRID carries 48 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 ELANTRA HYBRID is vehicle speed control with 9 filings, followed by electrical system (9) and engine (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2021 ELANTRA HYBRID, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

48
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

48 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
SUSPENSION1
POWER TRAIN1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT1

Recalls (1)

24V87900021/11/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 requirem

Recent Complaints

20260102ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH during ice and snow, the engine revved, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the Hybrid battery. While turning, the contact stated that the vehicle had unintendedly accelerated. Additionally, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was related to the Hybrid battery. The vehicle was driven to the residence, where it remained parked and was not driven since. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,900.

Mileage: 44,900

20250709ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The headlights and back lights turn off at random times when the headlights are on the automatic setting. This problem happens very frequently at night, putting my family at risk when the lights go off and cannot see what is ahead of us. In addition to a cop pulling me over for not having my lights on and he asked me if I was playing with the lights since they were going on and off and luckily the cop did not give me a ticket when I explained and he saw the problem (he advised me to get on this website and to make a report). I have reported this problem to the Hyundai dealership for the past 3 years and I don’t even think they take the time to investigate. The dealership just keeps telling me that with another update in the software is going to get fixed. But that is not the case. This is a very dangerous problem that is going to get someone killed. Need to be fixed

20250709EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The headlights and back lights turn off at random times when the headlights are on the automatic setting. This problem happens very frequently at night, putting my family at risk when the lights go off and cannot see what is ahead of us. In addition to a cop pulling me over for not having my lights on and he asked me if I was playing with the lights since they were going on and off and luckily the cop did not give me a ticket when I explained and he saw the problem (he advised me to get on this website and to make a report). I have reported this problem to the Hyundai dealership for the past 3 years and I don’t even think they take the time to investigate. The dealership just keeps telling me that with another update in the software is going to get fixed. But that is not the case. This is a very dangerous problem that is going to get someone killed. Need to be fixed

20250703POWER TRAIN

Check Hybrid System alarmed in heavy traffic and derated my car and put me in a very dangerous situation.

20250518ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to report a serious and ongoing safety issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid that remains unresolved despite multiple visits to Hyundai service centers and independent repair shops. I’ve also found numerous consumer discussions online describing nearly identical issues with the same model and newer Elantra Hybrid models, suggesting this may be part of a wider systemic defect. The core issue lies within the vehicle’s hybrid system. Shortly after a recent system/software update performed at a Hyundai dealership, a warning message began appearing at random intervals stating: “Check Hybrid System.” This typically first appears after extended driving — often around 3 hours — but once it occurs, the issue worsens if I continue to drive. Each time the warning appears, the vehicle suddenly and drastically decelerates without driver input, becoming dangerously slow and unresponsive, even while traveling at highway speeds. This creates an urgent safety risk, as I h

20250518UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to report a serious and ongoing safety issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid that remains unresolved despite multiple visits to Hyundai service centers and independent repair shops. I’ve also found numerous consumer discussions online describing nearly identical issues with the same model and newer Elantra Hybrid models, suggesting this may be part of a wider systemic defect. The core issue lies within the vehicle’s hybrid system. Shortly after a recent system/software update performed at a Hyundai dealership, a warning message began appearing at random intervals stating: “Check Hybrid System.” This typically first appears after extended driving — often around 3 hours — but once it occurs, the issue worsens if I continue to drive. Each time the warning appears, the vehicle suddenly and drastically decelerates without driver input, becoming dangerously slow and unresponsive, even while traveling at highway speeds. This creates an urgent safety risk, as I h

20250518ENGINE

I am writing to report a serious and ongoing safety issue with my 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid that remains unresolved despite multiple visits to Hyundai service centers and independent repair shops. I’ve also found numerous consumer discussions online describing nearly identical issues with the same model and newer Elantra Hybrid models, suggesting this may be part of a wider systemic defect. The core issue lies within the vehicle’s hybrid system. Shortly after a recent system/software update performed at a Hyundai dealership, a warning message began appearing at random intervals stating: “Check Hybrid System.” This typically first appears after extended driving — often around 3 hours — but once it occurs, the issue worsens if I continue to drive. Each time the warning appears, the vehicle suddenly and drastically decelerates without driver input, becoming dangerously slow and unresponsive, even while traveling at highway speeds. This creates an urgent safety risk, as I h

20241227UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a safety recall is with a Rear view camera that hasn’t had a solution.

20241111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Hybrid charging system fails once the vehicle is above 75 mph. After about an hour or two, the vehicle will die on the highway. This is a reoccurring issue putting our safety at risk. The dealership cannot find what the problem is. Online forums show similar issues with dealerships unable to solve the problem.

20241024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At around 93k miles my HECU unit apparently malfunctioned at the same time as the left front tire speed indicator. All of my safety features ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, lane keeping etc do not work because of this.

20241024SUSPENSION

At around 93k miles my HECU unit apparently malfunctioned at the same time as the left front tire speed indicator. All of my safety features ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, lane keeping etc do not work because of this.

20241024FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

At around 93k miles my HECU unit apparently malfunctioned at the same time as the left front tire speed indicator. All of my safety features ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, lane keeping etc do not work because of this.

20240603ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra HEV. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with a battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted for the vehicle to recharge and restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the failure was intermittent and within an hour the dealer stated had replicated the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

20240430VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

When gas is pressed (even to floor) in drive, vehicle stalls, does not accelerate. Then vehicle jerks into propulsion after revving. Other instances, at deceleration the car will jerk and shake to a stop. I have mentioned the problem at every scheduled maintenance

20240430FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When gas is pressed (even to floor) in drive, vehicle stalls, does not accelerate. Then vehicle jerks into propulsion after revving. Other instances, at deceleration the car will jerk and shake to a stop. I have mentioned the problem at every scheduled maintenance

20240220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the following DTC: C162078. It started on [XXX]. My collision detection system does not appear to be working at all and my cruise control no longer works. I'm very concerned about it malfunctioning based on other entries on the nhtsa.gov website. I took the car to Hyundai Service Center and they are trying to convince me this is due to a collision and warranty will not be covering it. They tried to charge me for diagnostic even though I already had the error code on the Hyundai BlueLink App. They confirmed that my computer has zero reports of any collisions. The service tech said, and I'm quoting,

20240220FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the following DTC: C162078. It started on [XXX]. My collision detection system does not appear to be working at all and my cruise control no longer works. I'm very concerned about it malfunctioning based on other entries on the nhtsa.gov website. I took the car to Hyundai Service Center and they are trying to convince me this is due to a collision and warranty will not be covering it. They tried to charge me for diagnostic even though I already had the error code on the Hyundai BlueLink App. They confirmed that my computer has zero reports of any collisions. The service tech said, and I'm quoting,

20240220FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I was driving on the Highway at the posted speed limit when the warning "Check Forward Safety System" came up and remained on my dashboard. The cruise control stopped working also. The light remained on even after stopping and starting the car and has remained on ever since. I have never been in an accident nor has my computer system reported any collision. My Hyundai Blue Link app gives me the following DTC: C162078. It started on [XXX]. My collision detection system does not appear to be working at all and my cruise control no longer works. I'm very concerned about it malfunctioning based on other entries on the nhtsa.gov website. I took the car to Hyundai Service Center and they are trying to convince me this is due to a collision and warranty will not be covering it. They tried to charge me for diagnostic even though I already had the error code on the Hyundai BlueLink App. They confirmed that my computer has zero reports of any collisions. The service tech said, and I'm quoting,

20231107ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I keep getting intermittent HEV warnings and 12-volt light. The engine then shuts down and I have no power. This has occurred several times while on the highway and this creates a safety hazard. I have been fortunate enough that this happened while I was close to the shoulder, otherwise, it could have been critical. - The failed component(s) are the 12 volt battery and engine shutdown - With the vehicle being without power while on the highway puts other drivers and myself at risk of an accident - I have taken the vehicle to two different Hyundai dealers and they have not resolved the problem - The issue was escalated to the manufacturer Hyundai Motors and they have not resolved this issue. - The 12v battery light and an HEV warning light comes on and then the engine shuts off - This issue has been happening intermittently for the past year and I first notice it on October of 2022

20231107FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I keep getting intermittent HEV warnings and 12-volt light. The engine then shuts down and I have no power. This has occurred several times while on the highway and this creates a safety hazard. I have been fortunate enough that this happened while I was close to the shoulder, otherwise, it could have been critical. - The failed component(s) are the 12 volt battery and engine shutdown - With the vehicle being without power while on the highway puts other drivers and myself at risk of an accident - I have taken the vehicle to two different Hyundai dealers and they have not resolved the problem - The issue was escalated to the manufacturer Hyundai Motors and they have not resolved this issue. - The 12v battery light and an HEV warning light comes on and then the engine shuts off - This issue has been happening intermittently for the past year and I first notice it on October of 2022

Compare 2021HYUNDAIELANTRA HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID have?
The 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID has 48 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID?
The 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID?
Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HYBRID has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.