NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 128 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line achieved strong crash-test scores from NHTSA, yet six recall campaigns and a limited offering of avoidance technology held its overall safety performance to an average tier. Its NHTSA Safety Index stands at 78 out of 100, indicating a reasonable, but not outstanding, safety profile.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, based entirely on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line ranks 79 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 128 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 79 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line?
For the 2021 model year, the Elantra N-Line achieved an Average Safety Index score of 78 out of 100. This score reflects a strong performance in crash protection, evidenced by its 5-star overall NHTSA rating. The vehicle earned 65 of a possible 70 points in this category. However, its safety profile is significantly impacted by two other components. Avoidance technology contributed only 5 of 10 possible points. While lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard, the absence of forward collision warning is a notable deficiency for a 2021 model. The defect record sub-score of 8 out of 20 reflects the impact of six recall campaigns. Three of these recalls specifically address front seat belts, a critical occupant-protection system. These repeated seat belt recalls, issued across various dates, suggest a production quality concern that was identified and addressed over time, but one that warrants careful consideration for used-market buyers to ensure remedy completion. Further contributing to the defect record are 128 unverified owner complaints, predominantly citing alleged Forward Collision Avoidance and Electrical System issues.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection each registered a perfect 5-star score, with the rollover risk assessed at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded. The sole deviation from top marks was in frontal crash protection, which received 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15699
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line have any recalls?
Yes, six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the back-over prevention camera system, front seat belts across three separate campaigns flagging crash-related belt failure risk, and windshield manufacturing defects affecting visibility. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN before driving.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V879000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
Reported 2024-11-21
SEAT BELTS:FRONT22V354000
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, a
Reported 2022-05-19
SEAT BELTS:FRONT22V218000
Risk: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 31, 2022. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles alre
Reported 2022-04-01
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD21V00M000
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Reported 2021-12-28
SEAT BELTS:FRONT21V796000
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall numbers 22V-354 for Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles, 22V-458 for Venue vehicles, and 23V-094 for Genesis vehicles. Elant
Reported 2021-10-13
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER21V302000
Risk: An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-888-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 204.
Reported 2021-04-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line?
Owners have filed 128 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance, the Electrical System, and Seat Belts, with Engine and Vehicle Speed Control also appearing. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, and include reported claims of 8 crashes, 3 injuries, and 1 death.
128 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line?
Any shopper considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Three front seat-belt recall campaigns and a back-over camera recall are among the six open or historical actions. Confirm every remedy has been completed, and do not assume a prior owner addressed all campaigns.
- Three separate NHTSA recall campaigns specifically target the front seat belts on the 2021 Elantra, each citing the risk of belt failure in a crash, making VIN-level remedy verification a priority for this model year.
- Forward collision warning is absent on the 2021 Elantra N-Line, which directly reduced the avoidance-tech sub-score to 5 out of 10 and is a concrete safety-equipment gap compared to competitors of the same era.
- The 2021 model year carries the highest complaint volume on record for this variant, with 128 unverified NHTSA filings led by alleged Forward Collision Avoidance and Electrical System problems, including reported crashes and injuries.
- The rollover sub-score is a genuine strength: NHTSA recorded a 10 percent rollover risk and a no-tip result in dynamic testing, contributing to the 5-star rollover rating that anchors the strong crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line places
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 128 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15699), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra N-Line 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 79 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.