2021 Hyundai Elantra MPG
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra gets 25–33 mpg in the city and 34–43 on the highway (28–37 combined), across the 4 gasoline versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive, at 37 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive and is rated 28 mpg combined. The EPA also rated a hybrid version, the best at 54 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg better than the best gasoline 2020 version (36 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra Hybrid Blue | 1.6 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 56 | 54 | Regular · 165 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Hybrid | 1.6 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 | 52 | 50 | Regular · 177 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 43 | 37 | Regular · 244 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 41 | 35 | Regular · 257 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | Regular · 288 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 28 | Regular · 318 g CO₂/mi |
2021 Hyundai Elantra fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra costs about $1,770 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (37 mpg combined), or roughly 12 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (28 mpg combined) comes to about $2,330 a year, $570 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2021 Hyundai Elantra specs
2021 Hyundai Elantra buyers could choose between 3 engines, according to EPA records: 1.6 L 4-cyl hybrid, 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0 L 4-cyl. It came with automatic, continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a midsize car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L hybrid | 4 | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 1.6 L turbo | 4 | Automatic (AM-S7); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 2.0 L | 4 | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 2 |
2021 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners have filed 162 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Forward collision avoidance is the most-reported area (21% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (16%) and seat belts (10%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 27 complaints a year: fewer than the 2020 (36 a year) and the 2022 (31 a year).
That ranks 11th of 17 Hyundai Elantra model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 162, 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 3 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 57 | 21% |
| Electrical system | 42 | 16% |
| Unknown or other | 33 | 12% |
| Seat belts | 27 | 10% |
| Engine | 22 | 8% |
| Vehicle speed control | 21 | 8% |
| Service brakes | 13 | 5% |
| Lane departure | 8 | 3% |
| Power train | 8 | 3% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 2% |
| Steering | 5 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1% |
| Back over prevention | 3 | 1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 1% |
| Structure | 3 | 1% |
| Suspension | 3 | 1% |
| Air bags | 2 | <1% |
| Visibility | 2 | <1% |
| Child seat | 1 | <1% |
| Seats | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
The Forward collision warning light comes on randomly at times and disables the system. It’s done this on 3 occasions. No one has inspected the vehicle. I was told everything was normal. No injuries involved. …
Vehicle was serviced to remediate Recall 271- backup camera replacement in January, 2025. In June 2026, vehicle is exhibiting the same issue. Rear camera is non functional in the following ways: 1. …
The horn is not working when I press the horn or on the key fob. I had it checked and the fuses were fine. …
2021 Hyundai Elantra recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
The most recent, campaign 24V879000 from November 2024, concerns back over prevention.
Seat belts account for 3 of the 7 campaigns, more than any other area.
21V00M000 · December 28, 2021 · Visibility
Problem: During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
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.
21V796000 · October 13, 2021 · Seat belts
Problem: In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
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.
21V302000 · April 28, 2021 · Seats
Problem: The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
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.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Elantra years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V879000 | November 21, 2024 | Back over prevention | 2021–2022 |
| 23V589000 | August 18, 2023 | Vehicle speed control, Electrical system | 2021–2023 |
| 22V354000 | May 19, 2022 | Seat belts | 2021–2022 |
| 22V218000 | April 1, 2022 | Seat belts | 2021–2022 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 2 versions of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hybrid 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Hyundai Elantras can be compared fairly. Among other 2021 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2021 Honda Civic (36 mpg), 2021 Nissan Sentra (33 mpg) and 2021 Chevy Malibu (32 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 35 | 284 | 31 | 0 |
| 2019 | 35 | 252 | 31 | 1 |
| 2020 | 36 | 254 | 36 | 3 |
| 2021 | 54 | 162 | 27 | 7 |
| 2022 | 54 | 159 | 31 | 8 |
| 2023 | 54 | 170 | 42 | 4 |
| 2024 | 54 | 62 | 20 | 2 |
Every Hyundai Elantra model year compared →
Similar 2021 models
FAQ
Is the 2021 Elantra a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has 27 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (11th most of 17 model years), 7 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 54 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2021 Elantra problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are forward collision avoidance (57), electrical system (42) and seat belts (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Elantra get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 28–37 mpg combined (25–33 city, 34–43 highway). The hybrid versions reach up to 54 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Elantra per year?
About $1,770 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,330 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).