What 128 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Gt

Description of the Safety Problem: In the early morning hours of January 8, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I ran off the road into a ditch. I was extremely disoriented and activated the vehicle’s built-in Blue Link SOS emergency assistance system for help. I successfully connected with a Blue Link operator and repeatedly told her that I did not know where I was and that I was scared and needed assistance. While I was actively requesting help, the SOS call was disconnected. After the disconnection, I attempted to reconnect using the SOS system but was unable to do so, despite the vehicle having power and an active, paid telematics subscription. The system did not reconnect or provide further assistance. I was forced to call 911 from my personal cell phone to obtain emergency help. This resulted in a delayed response and a $1,300 towing expense that I would not have incurred if the SOS system had functioned as marketed. This incident raises serious safety concerns. The vehicle’s emergency SOS system failed during an active emergency, disconnected while the driver was disoriented and requesting help, and provided no ability to reconnect. This defeats the purpose of an integrated emergency safety feature and could place drivers at risk of serious injury or death. I am reporting this incident so NHTSA can evaluate the reliability and safety of Hyundai’s Blue Link SOS emergency system during real-world emergencies.

NHTSA ODI 11710172

The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended. Approximately thirteen hours later, he was notified by the fire department that the vehicle had caught fire. A police report was filed. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was parked where the fire occurred. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later the contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss, the cause was assumed to be electrical. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570259

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 2 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle collided with a median and another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained stomach chest and arm injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11549764

My father was involved in a car crash, front end into a wall. Apparently, the front end collison warning did not sound and the auto braking system never engaged. Prior to the accident, the front end collsion warning would come on intermittently, but the dealer checked it out and stated it was working normally (San Bruno Hyundai). AFter the collision repair, the warning light comes on and the car has been at Bakersfield Hyundai now for over a week, but they can't find anything wrong with the warning system, but the system does not function (no warning of collision and auto braking does not engage). Our accident total was $10,000, lucky, no one was seriously injured.

NHTSA ODI 11537265

On February 23, 2022, I was involved in an accident with the Hyundai Elantra, Vin# [XXX]. The vehicle’s brakes failed, and I struck a Blue Ford Escape from behind with a speed of approximately 37 mph. On January 13th, I made an appointment with the Napleton Valley Dealership in Aurora, IL. where the vehicle was purchased complaining about the brakes and drifting into an intersection on Route 83 and Sycamore Rd. for 20 feet. The mechanic checked the brake pads, drove it for 3 miles and deemed that the vehicle’s pads were adequate. It was determined that no problem was found, brakes checked good, all within specs. (12,818 miles). The vehicle was towed from Hinsdale, IL. to Dekalb, IL., approximately 85 miles to my residence at 612 Magnolia St. Dekalb, IL. 60115. It was then towed a distance 3.2 mile to Dekalb Body and Collision, 116 Industrial Dr., Dekalb, IL. 60115. Since then, it has been back in the dealership for issues related to the engine, taillight, and a series of additional Inspections verifying that the codes were working. On March 8th when I visited the Body Shop & Collision I was told to “hire an attorney”. The vehicle was defective and should have never been on the streets. Preliminary findings on vehicle were concerning as far as airbag sensor was impacted but no airbags deployed at the time of impact. Upon vehicle arriving at our repair facility, we conducted pre-repair scan vehicle codes read as followed (see picture). Impact sensor was highly damaged, expected to have had airbags deployed at the time vehicle was impacted. Vehicle received front-end damages which resulted in needing the following parts replaced, front bumper and grille. Crash impacted the front bumper reinforcement resulting in some hours needed on frame machine to align front-end. Engine cooling system was impacted resulting in the need to replace radiator assembly and A/C condenser assembly. Hood and both front lamps are needed to be replaced as well. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11493377

My vehicle was slowing down and was halfway into a parking spot. Then, it suddenly accelerated, jumped over commercial parking blocks, and ended up stopping after hitting a wall. My brake was not working at that moment. I initially reported it to Hyundai USA (as a dealership doesn't seem to consider this a serious issue at all), but decided not to let them investigate on their end based on their slow and unprofessional responses.

NHTSA ODI 11484435

The contact's mother-in-law owned a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle, he had begun to make a left turn onto a highway as an oncoming vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle at a high rate of speed. The impact sent the vehicle spinning as both her son and her mother-in-law were tossed around inside the vehicle due to the impact. The air bags did deploy. Both of the occupants inside the vehicle were transported to the hospital. The contact's mother-in-law suffered blunt force injury to her chest and multiple rib fractures to both sides of her ribs. She also suffered lacerations to her liver and left leg, as well as fractures to her right tibia and left ankle. The contact's mother-in-law died as a result of her injuries. The contact's son suffered from a left bruised carotid artery, a broken right hip and a right lung contusion. A police report was filed. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was totaled as a result of the accident and was towed to an independent tow yard. The vehicle had yet to be destroyed while the accident remained under investigation. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000(Seat Belt) and notified the manufacturer about the accident. The contact was initially informed that a case was opened; however, after weeks of no response, she called back and was informed that the case was closed. The contact demanded that the case be reopened but had yet to hear a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11482356

Not one airbag did not deploy when the car got hit on right rear door side and back bumper by pickup truck while making a left hand turn. I've called dealership about the airbag issue and they have not receive any calls about it. Police report said no airbags were deployed, insurance adjuster is currently inspecting vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11455680

Son was in a crash on freeway. He got cut off and hit into rear of vehicle. Elantra is badly damaged. No collision warning. No airbag deployment.

NHTSA ODI 11428372