5 Things You Should Know About the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Problems (Plus Some Laughs!)

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra arrived with a bold design and advanced tech features which were supposed to wow drivers on every corner. And honestly it does pretty well in that department. But—let’s be real—no car is perfect. Even this spiffy sedan has its fair share of quirks and problems that every potential buyer or current owner should know about.

So, if you're thinking of picking up a 2021 Elantra or already have one sitting in your driveway—keep reading. Below, we’ll dive deep into the most common issues reported for this car. Buckle up!

Engine Issues in the 2021 Hyundai Elantra: The Heart of the Problem?

Every great car needs a great engine right? Unfortunately, some owners of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra found their engines weren’t exactly delivering on the ‘great’ part. There have been reports of engine hesitation and stalling, which is obviously less than ideal when you’re trying to merge onto the highway or simply avoid becoming a rolling roadblock.

Potential Causes for Engine Stalling

1. Faulty ignition coils: This one’s a classic. When ignition coils aren’t firing properly the engine can stumble like a person trying to walk after a long nap. The result? The engine stalls, especially at low speeds or when idling.

2. Fuel system issues: Some Elantras have experienced problems with fuel injectors not delivering the goods, i.e. fuel, to the engine in the correct way.

3. Software glitches: Welcome to the future where your car can crash (in a digital sense). Some owners report engine stalling due to issues with the car’s electronic control module.

Despite these hiccups, Alex Collantes, a mechanic who has seen more than his fair share of Hyundai models, says, "The Elantra’s engine issues are annoying, but they’re not catastrophic. As long as you’re not trying to drag race a Corvette, you’ll survive."

Drawback Highlight: The thought of engine stalling in the middle of rush-hour traffic? It’s like playing Russian roulette with honking horns instead of bullets.

Transmission Troubles: Smooth Rides... Sometimes

A major complaint surrounding the 2021 Hyundai Elantra revolves around the CVT transmission (Continuously Variable Transmission). Now, CVTs are generally known for offering smooth, seamless acceleration, but some drivers reported just the opposite—jerky shifting and delayed acceleration.

Common Transmission Complaints

• Delayed Response: Drivers have experienced a hesitation when hitting the gas pedal. You know that moment when you press the gas but your car doesn’t? Yeah, not fun.
• Lurching at Low Speeds: This one’s a bit unnerving. Some owners reported that their Elantra would jerk forward or “lurch” at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
• Whining Noise: A few drivers have even reported a strange whining sound coming from the transmission. Not exactly the soundtrack you want to accompany your morning commute.

Sure it’s not great, but as Alex points out, “It’s like when you wake up cranky—it’s frustrating at first, but it doesn’t ruin your whole day.”

Drawback Highlight: Lurching forward in traffic is like giving pedestrians an unintentional jump scare.

Interior Quality: Great Design But Will It Last?

Let’s be clear here—the interior design of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is awesome. It’s modern stylish and full of tech features. But... (and there’s always a but) a few drivers have raised concerns about the durability of some of the materials used.

Common Interior Issues

• Plastic trim: Some of the plastic components, particularly on the doors and dashboard, have been reported to scratch and scuff easily.
• Seat comfort: While the seats are supportive enough for shorter trips, a few long-distance travelers have complained about the seats feeling flat and uncomfortable over time.

I mean, how many times do you really adjust your seat position on a road trip before finally admitting defeat?

“Honestly, the interior quality is fine for the price. If you want premium materials, maybe check out a Lexus or something,” says Alex with a shrug. He’s not wrong. For a sedan in this class, the interior is decent, but longevity could be a concern.

Drawback Highlight: Scratched plastic and sore bums—things no one talks about when buying a car.

Technology Woes: When the Digital Age Backfires

Hyundai packed the 2021 Elantra with a ton of tech goodies. There’s a big touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features. But here’s the kicker: with great tech comes great frustration.

Tech-Related Problems

1. Infotainment System Glitches: Some owners have experienced their screens freezing or going blank randomly. Try changing radio stations when your screen turns into a frozen block of pixels. Fun times.

2. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues: It’s 2024—why is Bluetooth still so finicky? Some drivers report issues with their phone’s connection dropping intermittently.

3. Driver Assist Features Misbehaving: Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are fantastic features—until they start overreacting to imaginary threats. Several drivers complained about these systems being too sensitive or shutting off unexpectedly.

As Alex puts it, “It’s like your car is trying to babysit you, but it’s the worst babysitter ever. Relax, Elantra. I’ve got this.”

Drawback Highlight: Dealing with tech gremlins while trying to listen to your favorite podcast. Is this what they mean by ‘First World Problems?’

Safety Recalls: Not Exactly What You Want to See

No car is perfect and yes safety recalls are a part of life but the 2021 Hyundai Elantra had a few recalls that might raise your eyebrows.

Key Recalls:

• Seat Belt Pretensioners: In May 2021, Hyundai issued a recall for certain Elantra models due to defective seat belt pretensioners that could explode. Yeah, you read that right—explode. This issue could result in sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin during a crash. So... not ideal.

• Steering Column Issues: Another recall involved a defect with the steering column which could lead to a loss of steering control. Talk about losing your sense of direction—literally.

But hey it’s not all bad news. Hyundai’s been quick to address these recalls and fix the problems. If you own an affected model, you should be able to get everything squared away with a quick visit to the dealership.

“Hyundai’s recalls are a pain but at least they’re pretty fast about repairs,” says Alex. That’s the kind of silver lining we like to see.

Drawback Highlight: Seat belts that explode. Need we say more?

Conclusion: Should You Still Buy a 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

After reading all this you might be wondering if the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is worth the trouble. The answer is: it depends.

Pros of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra

• Sleek Design: There’s no denying the Elantra looks sharp. It’s got an angular futuristic design that really stands out on the road.
• Affordable Price: You’re getting a lot of features for a reasonable price. That’s always a plus.
• Tech Features: When the tech behaves, it’s a pleasure to use.

Cons of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra

• Engine and Transmission Issues: These problems aren’t deal-breakers but they could be annoying if you’re not prepared.
• Interior Durability: The materials inside the car might not hold up over time.
• Tech Glitches: The infotainment system and driver assists can be glitchy.

In the end Alex Collantes gives the Elantra his final word of advice, "If you’re looking for a solid affordable sedan and you can live with a few quirks, the 2021 Elantra’s a good choice. Just don’t expect a luxury experience for a budget price."

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra may have some flaws but overall it offers a lot of value for the price. If you can deal with a few hiccups along the way this car can still be a reliable daily driver. Just be prepared for the occasional "oh no" moment and maybe keep your mechanic’s number handy.