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2021 Hyundai Venue Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Hyundai Venue carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering front. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Horn inoperability and intermittent failure.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #21V796000 · Oct 13, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall numbers 22V-354 for Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles, 22V-458 for Venue vehicles, and 23V-094 for Genesis vehicles. Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedies completed.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #22V458000 · Jun 27, 2022

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Venue vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.

Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.

Fix: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 231. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-796 for Venue vehicles. Venue vehicles previously repaired under 21V-796 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Hyundai Venue.

Reported to NHTSA

Horn inoperability and intermittent failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2025-11

“The contact stated that the horn had become inoperable. The contact also stated that the horn had been replaced on three previous occasions for the same failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536540
“I have had my horn fail 4 or 5 times since owning the car. It first failed when I got the car and somehow the horn wires has came loose. The second time it failed it completely failed and was replaced under warranty. The horn that was replaced the under warranty failed over the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481171
“THE HORN STARTED LOSING VOLUME BUT WOULD REGAIN IT BACK ONCE THE WEATHER WARMED UP. I HAVE TO PARK OVERNIGHT OUTDOORS FOR WORK AND WHEN IT SNOWS AND GETS BETWEEN 20-25 DEGREES OUTSIDE, THE HORN STARTS BEING SYMPTOMATIC. NOW IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403013

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wireless CarPlay and navigation dropout while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2021-03

“CAR PLAY CONTINUOUSLY DROPS OUT AND NO WAY TO CONNECT THROUGH USB. THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE NAVIGTION IS TO USE THE WIRELESS AND SEVERAL TIMES THE MAPS DROPPED OUT ALTHOUGH WE HAD CELLULAR SERVICE AND THE MAP WENT BLANK WHILE NAVIGATING AND MISSED TURNOFF AND ALMOST HAD ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383137
“THE OTHER FAULT I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT THE APPLECAR PLAY OR THE DISPLAY ITSELF LOSES ITS CONNECTION BETWEEN APPLE CARPLAY AND THE DISPLAY. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO LOSE ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD AND THE DRIVER LOSES ACCESS TO THE VISUAL MAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403013

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera remaining active in drive and neutral

UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2023-12

“The backup camera stays on even in neutral and drive mode. In reverse the guide lines are present, however they are not present when in drive or neutral but the camera remains on. This is a safety hazard because it is very distracting to drive forward with live video on the 8"…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560029
“This is a follow up to # 11560029, submitted 12/13/2023. On 12/14/2023, dealership updated the display software that I also previously updated on my own. Dealership unable to update navigation software because my car doesn't have navigation installed. Back up camera issue still…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560797

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of acceleration and transmission slipping

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2024-07

“Lost all acceleration and car started bucking while making a a left through oncoming traffic narrowly avoiding getting t boned on passenger side of vehicle with my child on that side of vehicle. No check engine light or codes during or after incident. Even though the car was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598743
“The contact stated while at various speeds the vehicle would not accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure, rough idle, and EGR valve concern

ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2024-09

“Loss of drive power and rough idle. Intermittent no start due to voltage drop. Suspected shorted egr valve causing multiple parts on the same circut to go bad. Brought the car to dealer for the 6th time due to loss of power while driving and rough idle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616030
“My 2021 Hyundai venue at or around 43,000 miles, certified pre owned, and bought January 2024 while at a gas station parking lot. Started my vehicle and put it in reverse to leave gas station began smoking, as I put it back in drive to get out of traffic was a loud noise and I…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607815

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering lockup and unexpected loss of vehicle power

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2023-06

“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he made a left turn, and the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The contact then stated that the electronic power steering warning light and the safety and steering features warning lights…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528474
“My daughter was driving the car and about to go around a turn when she says her steering locked up and she ran over a curb on the opposite side of the road, popping two tires. She was going slow enough at the time that there were no injuries, only damage to the car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439004

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt inadvertent disconnection and warning light

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2022-11

“The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the front driver’s side seat belt inadvertently disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481760
“The seat belt light comes on continually on my new Kia. I've been advised there is a safety recall on the seat belt system / defect and received a letter regarding it. I've contacted the dealer several times (3 times) and they always state there is a "nationwide back order" on…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495156

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight low illumination range at night

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 NHTSA complaint · 2021-10 → 2021-10

“When I turned on the headlights, I was shocked to find that they only illuminate a very small portion of the road, hindering my ability to see traffic in front of me, or anything else that may be on the road beyond a few feet. It's as if I'm driving in a dark tunnel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438573

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

16 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Hyundai Venue reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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