VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Sonata fuel system problems

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 26 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 15% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

26

Fuel System complaints

15%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA has 26 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata fuel system — 15% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata fuel system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the fuel system: 21V524000, 25V796000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.