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2021 Hyundai

Elantra

Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Stop-Start

Hyundai Elantra: best and worst years
2021 Hyundai Elantra

Closest available photo (2024 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2024 photoAlexander-93CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S1)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
147
Power to weight
0.054 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.89
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
43 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
37 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$1,700EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
244 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
8/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
184 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
72 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
56 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
107 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,725 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
99 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
14 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
6
Owner complaints
126
Reported injuries
3

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE17%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER15%
  • SEAT BELTS14%
  • ENGINE7%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 187 total.

Hyundai Elantra: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • RQ22003opened Aug 8, 2022SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

    Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

79 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 18, 2026ENGINE26-EE-003H TSB

    Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DL

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DCS

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached anno

  • Feb 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS26-AD-001H TSB

    Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., loading excessively heavy cargo in a specific location of the vehicle, or significant

  • Dec 19, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMP33 OL

    In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealers since early 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, we’ve developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade that can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Because your Hyundai vehicle

  • Dec 18, 2025ENGINE25-EM-007H TSB

    Some Elantra (CN7, CN7A), Kona (OS, SX2), and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines may illuminate a warning lamp for DTC P218100 (Cooling System Performance) related to the Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure in this bulletin to install a spring onto the thermostat within the ITM, in order to prevent premature opening, and perform an ECU software update on affected vehicles.

  • Dec 15, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25-01-089H TSB

    This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.

  • Dec 15, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25-01-089H DN

    In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request. This supplemental security measure is to be installed at the ignition switch location and provides additional protection against the social media theft method. Vehicles not equipped with an immobilizer during production at the factory are eligible. The repair procedure shall be performed an

  • and 71 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.