VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata sits mid-pack among Sonata years: 169 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 206, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (34), other (29), and fuel system (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

169

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

24

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Sonata years?

Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted4,608 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 46 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 37 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 187 complaints2000: 378 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 407 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 288 complaints2005: 217 complaints2006: 1,422 complaints2007: 906 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 415 complaints2011: 4,608 complaints2012: 2,272 complaints2013: 2,635 complaints2014: 1,077 complaints2015: 1,636 complaints2016: 991 complaints2017: 991 complaints2018: 540 complaints2019: 205 complaints2020: 254 complaints2021: 169 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 136 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3420%
Other2917%
Fuel System2615%
Transmission2112%
Electrical System169%
Visibility & Wipers127%
Driver Assistance117%
Airbags42%
Body & Structure42%
Brakes32%
Speed Control21%
Steering21%
Seat Belts21%
Seats21%
Suspension11%

Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V796000Fuel SystemNovember 17, 2025 · 85,043 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Consequence

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.

22V746000TransmissionOctober 6, 2022 · 56,148 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.

21V00M000Visibility & WipersDecember 28, 2021 · 26,413 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.

21V524000Fuel SystemJuly 9, 2021 · 15,752 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I purchased this vehicle brand new. It is still under factory warranty. It has approximately 14k miles on it. I have followed all recommended maintenance procedures. During a routine maintenance appointment at the dealership (Vancouver Hyundai 6802 NE 40th Street, Vancouver WA 98661) they…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 8, 2024 · crash

“1. Vehicle Speed Control 2. I was in a friend's driveway with the car in drive with auto hold activated. Car lunged forward and not able to stop it. Ran into a garage door did substantial damage to home owners property. I guess we were lucky the door took the impact. 3. I took to dealer today to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 6, 2023 · crash

“WAS PARKED IN BANK PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. (LIKE I WAS IN A DRAG RACE!!) APPLIED BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. DID NOT STOP UNTIL I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR. WHOLE INCIDENT TOOK JUST SECONDS. CAR HAD BEEN IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 8, 2024 · crash

“Took vehicle in for transmission recall on June 12th. After picking up vehicle the vehicle it was shifting harshly. On the 17th my vehicle had a code come up that said to park it and contact the dealership ASAP. Transmission code P1C2D03. The recall was supposed to prevent this, not cause it. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 17, 2023

“The buttons to the door locking and unlocking don't work unless I open and close my door a few times. The same thing with the back windows. But after you do the trick and use the intended button once, it stops working and have to repeat the entire process over again. Which is not safe especially…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2025

2021 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sonata: 169 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), other (29 complaints), fuel system (26 complaints).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.