Elantra (CN7)
Data covers 5 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
MPI NU PE
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
GDI KAPPA
1.6LView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI Theta II
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 276 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI GAMMA II
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Hyundai Elantra Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI THETA II
2.0L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.1 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 36 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
Consequence: Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2023] I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical and/or electrical malfunction that made it unsafe to operate. While driving, the vehicle began displaying warning indicators and experienced abnormal performance consistent with a system malfunction. Hybrid system failed, radar malfunction, blind spot malfunction. I couldn't cont
- [2023] Got a check hybrid system while driving on a busy road. Car couldn’t accelerate and had to come to a complete stop.
- [2023] The Elantra had less than 15,000 miles on it. I was driving on [XXX] at about 80MPH for about 1 hour. With no warning, while going up over a very large, high bridge/overpass (above a large outlet emptying from the everglades into the Atlantic ocean near Stuart Florida) the power totally died. A warning light came on saying the hybrid system was not functioning instructing me to pull over to the
Electric Propulsion
- [2022] Description of Incident: The vehicle is experiencing significant engine oil dilution by gasoline. Upon inspection of the dipstick, the oil level is consistently found to be well above the "Full" mark, and the oil emits a strong, pungent odor of raw fuel. This indicates that unburnt gasoline is bypassing the piston rings and entering the crankcase during normal operation, particularly in colder tem
- [2023] I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical and/or electrical malfunction that made it unsafe to operate. While driving, the vehicle began displaying warning indicators and experienced abnormal performance consistent with a system malfunction. Hybrid system failed, radar malfunction, blind spot malfunction. I couldn't cont
- [2023] The issue involves the hybrid electric powertrain or electrical control system in my 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid. The vehicle has shut off multiple times while driving, with complete loss of power and propulsion. This poses a serious safety risk, as it happens without warning in the middle of the road. Restarting the car requires shifting into Park and trying multiple times to turn it off,
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2023] Low pressure oil light did not come on until the oil drain plug had completely fallen out. Once the light came on, the vehicle was slowed and came to a stop on the side of the highway within 2 minutes. The car completely shut off as if the battery were dead. It had to be jumped in order to put the car into neutral for the tow truck. The safety issue is that the hwy we were traveling on is 70m
- [2023] I experienced an issue where I was driving the vehicle, and then a "hybrid system fault" message appeared on the driver information display followed by the complete loss of power. This made me have to pull over to the side of the road with no ability to accelerate out of the way of traffic to come to a stop. Once I was stopped I tuned off the vehicle and tried to turn it back on, but the vehicle w
- [2023] Vehicles electronic key fobs and Bluelink become deactivated every 12 hours after vehicle is parked. Had vehicle since June 2023 and this has happened 163 times. Dealerships cannot recreate the issue and vehicle battery tests reflect no issues. To start the vehicle, car has to be manually unlocked and 12V battery reset. The vehicles security features become deactivated during the lapse in battery/
High-Voltage Battery
- [2023] The issue involves the hybrid electric powertrain or electrical control system in my 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid. The vehicle has shut off multiple times while driving, with complete loss of power and propulsion. This poses a serious safety risk, as it happens without warning in the middle of the road. Restarting the car requires shifting into Park and trying multiple times to turn it off,
- [2023] I experienced an issue where I was driving the vehicle, and then a "hybrid system fault" message appeared on the driver information display followed by the complete loss of power. This made me have to pull over to the side of the road with no ability to accelerate out of the way of traffic to come to a stop. Once I was stopped I tuned off the vehicle and tried to turn it back on, but the vehicle w
- [2021] The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra HEV. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with a battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted for the vehicle to recharge and restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact i
Thermal Events
- [2024] The vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine compartment fire while safely parked inside an employment parking garage in [XXX] on XXX, at approximately 3:04 PM. I was physically sitting inside the vehicle cabin when heavy smoke suddenly began pouring out from the engine bay. I immediately evacuated the vehicle for my safety. Within moments, the smoke escalated into an active, un-contained fire th
- [2022] This 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid poses an imminent fire and safety hazard due to catastrophic high-voltage system failures. On December 11, 2025 (Mileage: 54,527), the vehicle displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning. The dealership diagnosed a swollen 12V battery and, critically, a melted power relay assembly and melted power cable. This indicates extreme thermal overload. The dealer stated they
- [2025] While driving to work my engine of my Hyundai Elantra Hybrid caught fire. The fire was able to be put out but there are no active recalls currently on my vehicle. All of the safety sensors turned on and off and my car locked and would not move. I couldn't go anywhere it was stopped. I started seeing smoke coming out of the front and opened my hood to find a flame burning to the lower right-hand si
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Elantra, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra
On a used 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (158), the electrical system (144) and the engine (88). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 158 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 144 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 88 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra about the engine, all engines combined.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Drive slowly in a parking lot and note each time the engine starts and stops.Costly repair. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra (hybrid and electric versions only) about the hybrid system.
Recalls (15)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Show 10 older recalls
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra N and 2022-2023 Elantra vehicles. The emblem on the cover of the driver's front air bag may not have been welded properly, which can result in the emblem detaching upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra complaints?
Owners have filed 580 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 580 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA has 580 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Elantra?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Elantra?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 580 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.