2021 Hyundai Elantra engine problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – Engine Failure – Hyundai To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a serious engine failure involving my Hyundai vehicle. The engine experienced a failure significant enough to require replacement. This raises serious safety…”
filed Apr 9, 2026
“I owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line that experienced a recurring transmission issue. In warm weather conditions the transmission would intermittently slip and stutter, causing a jerky engagement when attempting to accelerate. In cold weather the vehicle operated normally without these symptoms…”
filed Mar 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
25-EM-007H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 18, 2025
Engine problems in other Elantra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 Elantra | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 Elantra | 16 | 18% |
| 2022 Elantra | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 Elantra | 101 | 42% |
| 2019 Elantra | 128 | 52% |
| 2018 Elantra | 139 | 50% |
| 2017 Elantra | 286 | 38% |
| 2016 Elantra | 109 | 38% |
| 2015 Elantra | 90 | 35% |
| 2014 Elantra | 162 | 43% |
| 2013 Elantra | 233 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.