How common are engine complaints on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?

NHTSA lists 16 Engine-related complaints for the 2021 Elantra Hybrid, which makes up 55% of all 29 complaints filed for this model year, the largest share among the model years listed.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid engine or acceleration problem?

Yes. Recall 23V589000 covers 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles for a motor control unit software error that may cause unintended acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Hyundai's remedy is a free software update.

At what mileage do engine problems tend to appear on the 2021 Elantra Hybrid?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15,000 miles for Engine complaints on the 2021 Elantra Hybrid.

Do the engine complaints involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries among the 16 Engine complaints filed for the 2021 Elantra Hybrid.

Is engine performance a bigger issue on the 2021 model than later Elantra Hybrid years?

Yes. The 2021 model year shows the highest share of Engine complaints at 55%, compared to 33% in 2022, 22% in 2023, 50% in 2024, and 20% in 2025.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Engine complaints for the 2021 Elantra Hybrid, 55% of its 29 total complaints, the highest share of any model year. A related recall (23V589000) addresses unintended acceleration from a motor control unit software error.

Engine complaints: 16; 55% of 29
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Vehicle lunges or accelerates on its own while decelerating or with a foot on the brake, requiring extra brake pressure to stop.
Engine revs or the tachometer moves without the car actually gaining speed when the accelerator is pressed.
Car unexpectedly shuts off or stalls while stopped, with no warning lights illuminated.
Vehicle intermittently fails to respond to acceleration input in traffic, sometimes described as dangerous on highway on/off ramps.
Hybrid battery disconnects from the engine, triggering an HEV warning light and leaving the car undrivable until restarted.
Vehicle abruptly stops accelerating and gets stuck at a lower speed even with the gas pedal pressed.

When 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 13, 2021, latest May 18, 2025.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2021 to May 2025; peak Jan 2023 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

NHTSA 23V589000Aug 18, 2023Engine37,997 vehicles
Vehicle speed control
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
Risk: Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.

Engine complaints by Elantra Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

202116 (55%)
202213 (33%)
202312 (22%)
20243 (50%)
20251 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?: NHTSA lists 16 Engine-related complaints for the 2021 Elantra Hybrid, which makes up 55% of all 29 complaints filed for this model year, the largest share among the model years listed.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid engine or acceleration problem?: Yes. Recall 23V589000 covers 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles for a motor control unit software error that may cause unintended acceleration after the brake pedal is released. Hyundai's remedy is a free software update.
At what mileage do engine problems tend to appear on the 2021 Elantra Hybrid?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 15,000 miles for Engine complaints on the 2021 Elantra Hybrid.
Do the engine complaints involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries among the 16 Engine complaints filed for the 2021 Elantra Hybrid.
Is engine performance a bigger issue on the 2021 model than later Elantra Hybrid years?: Yes. The 2021 model year shows the highest share of Engine complaints at 55%, compared to 33% in 2022, 22% in 2023, 50% in 2024, and 20% in 2025.