VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 21 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

21

Transmission complaints

12%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Sonata transmission complaints by model year175 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 7 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 5 complaints1993: 9 complaints1995: 16 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 11 complaints1998: 12 complaints1999: 14 complaints2000: 19 complaints2001: 19 complaints2002: 12 complaints2003: 10 complaints2004: 10 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 22 complaints2007: 9 complaints2008: 14 complaints2009: 41 complaints2010: 22 complaints2011: 175 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 93 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 132 complaints2016: 59 complaints2017: 55 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 8 complaints2020: 22 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 24 complaints2023: 15 complaints2024: 6 complaints2025: 2 complaints
Sonata transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata transmission — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 22V746000.

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.