Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B+8.5/10
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient compact sedan with up-to-date technology and a sleek design.
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Pros
- Strong fuel efficiency
- Modern interior design
- Good standard tech features
Cons
- Limited rear visibility
- Some competitors offer more power
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
31 mpg
Maintenance cost
$800/yr
Expected lifespan
220,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Electronic system glitches
- Transmission hesitation
- Minor suspension noises
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (6)
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 6 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera (campaign 24V879000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner — Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.…
- Seat Belts — Front — Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.…
- Seat Belts — Front — Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners…
- 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 imag…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.