Last updated: 2026-07-26
2021 Hyundai Venue Reliability Report
The 2021 Hyundai Venue scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 28 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
28
Complaint Rate
13.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- SEAT BELTS (5)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (QX).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- 1st generation Venue (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: First generation (QX) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the First generation (QX).
Should You Buy the 2021 Hyundai Venue?
At 73/100, the 2021 Hyundai Venue lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 2 of the First generation (QX).
Owners log 28 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (9). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Hyundai Venue, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 Hyundai Venue for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (9 complaints)
- −SEAT BELTS: Several issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Hyundai Venue (5 complaints)
Compare 2021 Hyundai Venue With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- SEAT BELTS (5)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Hyundai Venue carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Hyundai Venue Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Hyundai Venue. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
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.
Consequence
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy
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.
SEAT BELTS
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.
Consequence
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. 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.
Buying a used 2021 Hyundai Venue? Check its history first
Every 2021 Hyundai Venue has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Hyundai Venue NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.3%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai VenueRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Hyundai Venue.
Test horn functionality in various temperatures, especially below 30°F
Check backup camera operation in all gear modes
Inspect seat belts for proper locking and disconnection issues
Verify ignition switch operation and ensure no unexpected power loss
Test brakes for abnormal vibrations or noises
Check for any transmission slippage or unusual engine noises
2021 Hyundai Venue Common Problems by Component
28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Hyundai Venue frequently report issues with the horn becoming inoperable, often intermittently or in cold weather conditions. Complaints indicate that the horn may stop working entirely or lose volume, particularly when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with some owners experiencing repeated failures despite replacements. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the backup camera remaining on in neutral and drive modes, causing distraction while driving. These issues typically arise at low mileages, with reports mentioning occurrences as early as 7,000 miles. The malfunctioning horn and backup camera present safety concerns due to the inability to warn other drivers and the potential for driver distraction, respectively.
SEAT BELTS
5 complaintsOwners report several issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Hyundai Venue. A common problem includes the front driver’s side seat belt inadvertently disconnecting during use, with one complaint noting this occurred at approximately 4,618 miles. Another issue frequently mentioned is the rear passenger seatbelt locking excessively tight, causing discomfort and potential safety hazards. Some owners also describe persistent seat belt warning lights, which are sometimes linked to a known recall. These issues could pose safety risks, particularly if seat belts fail to function properly during a collision.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Hyundai Venue report several issues related to ignition and navigation systems. A common complaint involves ignition problems, where the vehicle fails to start, requiring multiple attempts, and issues with the ignition switch tumbler that necessitate re-keying, typically around 24,000 miles. Another significant issue involves the vehicle losing acceleration without warning lights, and one report describes a crash attributed to steering lock-up and loss of power when the key is inadvertently moved while driving. Additionally, owners frequently mention navigation system failures, including disconnection from navigation and CarPlay dropping out, which can lead to distractions and potential safety risks. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, especially for less experienced drivers.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the braking system on the 2021 Hyundai Venue, including hard-to-depress brake pedals accompanied by crunching noises and situations where the brake pedal travels to the floorboard. Affected vehicles sometimes exhibit abnormal vibrations in the brake pedal, and one owner noted the stability control warning light illuminating. These issues appear at varying mileage, with one complaint occurring around 23,000 miles. Safety implications include potential difficulty in stopping the vehicle, though no crashes or loss of control have been reported. Buyers should be aware of these symptoms as they may impact braking performance.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Hyundai Venue report issues related to the power train, with significant problems occurring around 43,000 miles. A common issue involves the vehicle losing acceleration and experiencing transmission slippage, with one owner noting a lack of warning indicators such as a check engine light during the incident. Another owner reports a catastrophic failure involving the harmonic balancer/crankshaft, resulting in parts falling from the engine and requiring a complete engine replacement. These issues present potential safety risks, including the loss of control and near-accidents, and highlight concerns about the vehicle's ability to warn drivers of impending failures. Buyers considering a used 2021 Hyundai Venue should be aware of these reported issues and the associated repair history.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Hyundai Venue report issues with the steering system, particularly describing instances where the steering wheel becomes firm and difficult to maneuver during driving. These issues are often accompanied by the illumination of the electronic power steering warning light and other safety and steering feature warning lights. One report specifies that these problems occurred at approximately 32,000 miles and were attributed to a failure of the Electronic Control Module (ECU), which required replacement. The safety implications include potential loss of steering control, though no crashes are reported. This information is relevant for used car buyers considering the potential need for steering system repairs or ECU replacement around this mileage.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintLoss 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. Asked for a diagnostic of the egr valve due to matching symptoms to the egr recall of the 2024 venue which is the same part number installed in my vehicle. Was informed they can't get it covered under warranty without a code present even if it was faulty. Was sent on my way with a dangerously running car. The egr valve is actuating when not commanded and getting stuck in the opposite position as commanded throwing crankshaft position codes due to being on the same circut and has bèen happeneing since new. My children and my self have almost been in two separate crashes already and if the 2024 hyundai venue egr valve recall is not expanded to include the 2021 there will be fatalities from this issue. Please contact me asap
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintCruise control system failure. Safety at risk due to sudden un-commanded full acceleration to 180% of speed while on cruise control. Problem is reproducible - see txt and video attached. Unknown if inspected but it was reported to enterprise renta car upon return april/16/2022. no warning lights lamps audio warnings or anything.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintI purchased this vehicle on 7/25/2021 and didn't drive it at night until 6 days later. 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, and also cannot see the side of the road. If a deer or other animal or person suddenly ran into the road, I would have no reaction time. I immediately filed a claim with Hyundai, and three months later I heard back saying they deny that anything is wrong with the vehicle. The dealer service manager has looked at the car twice and has admitted that it's a known problem but states, "that's just the way they are made." I have found facebook groups and posts with other owners stating the same issue. This is an enormous safety hazard. I requested that Hyundai replace the headlights or buy back the vehicle but they refuse. I can't safely drive my new car at night.
When Do 2021 Hyundai Venue Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Hyundai Venue Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Hyundai Venue Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Hyundai Venue year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (78/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Hyundai Venue Years to Avoid
No Hyundai Venue years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Hyundai Venue maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Hyundai Venue Reliability Score Trend
Hyundai Venue reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Hyundai Venue Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Venue reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Venue?
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Venue have?
Is the 2021 Hyundai Venue expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Hyundai Venue without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Hyundai Venue.
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