NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra 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 Hybrid presents a mixed safety profile. Its computed NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 places it firmly within the Average band. While its crash-test results are strong, this performance is balanced against six separate recall campaigns and a lower score in avoidance technology. This combination indicates a reasonable, yet not exceptional, safety offering.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall 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 ranks 78 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 | 78 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2021 model year represents a one-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 77 to 78 out of 100 and remaining in the Average band. That modest improvement masks a nuanced picture. The crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 is genuinely strong and is the primary driver of the index, reflecting the 5-star overall NHTSA rating. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of only 5 out of 10 signals a meaningful gap: forward collision warning is listed as absent on this trim, while lane departure warning and electronic stability control are standard. The defect record sub-score of 8 out of 20 is the weakest component, consistent with six recall campaigns concentrated heavily on front seat belts and a back-over camera system. Three of the six recalls address front seat-belt integrity, which is a pattern worth noting because seat belts are the first line of protection in any crash. The 128 owner complaints include 32 allegations specifically targeting the forward collision avoidance system, which aligns with the missing forward-collision-warning equipment noted in the crash-avoidance tech data. Taken together, this year's profile is one of strong passive protection offset by active-safety gaps and a busy recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact protection earned 5 stars, matching the 5-star rating for rollover protection. The rollover risk for the vehicle was assessed at 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing. Frontal crash protection received 4 out of 5 stars, the single category below the top tier.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15698
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 have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include front seat belts appearing across three separate campaigns, a back-over prevention camera sensing system, and a windshield manufacturing defect affecting visibility. The seat-belt campaigns are particularly notable given their direct crash-protection implications. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is confirmed in the data provided.
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?
Owners have filed 128 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance with 32 alleged incidents, followed by the Electrical System and an Unknown or Other category at 29 each, Seat Belts at 27, Engine at 13, and Vehicle Speed Control at 10. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
128 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
Shoppers considering this 5-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With six recall campaigns on record, including three addressing front seat belts, confirming that all remedies have been completed by a Hyundai dealer is a critical step. An incomplete recall on a seat-belt campaign is a direct safety concern.
- Three separate NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year target front seat belts, making verification of remedy completion by VIN an essential step for any used-vehicle transaction.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning on this trim, a gap that aligns with the 32 owner-reported complaints alleging issues with the forward collision avoidance system.
- The Safety Index improved by one point over the 2020 model year, from 77 to 78 out of 100, driven primarily by a crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70, the strongest component in the index breakdown.
- A back-over prevention camera sensing system recall was issued covering this model year, adding a sixth campaign to a defect record that contributed the lowest sub-score, 8 out of 20, in the Safety Index calculation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Elantra places
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Elantra safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Elantra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 128 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. 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.
Other Elantra years
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 15698), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Elantra 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 78 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.