2021 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Recalls & Reliability
179 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, alongside 4 recall campaigns and 1 defect investigation. It scores 4/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Engine leads the reports.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2021 sits among all Sonata years
What owners report
“Going down the road driving the car lost power and went in limp mode with no warnings on the dash at all!”— owner report to NHTSA, 2021 Sonata
“The parking assistant camera on the front of the car is loose, which means that the bracket is broke. I took my car into Hyundai and they could not explain to me how it got broke or came loose and this is a safety issue because this helps you park and see what’s in front of you when parking.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2021 Sonata
“Recall number (25V796000) There is No remedy available. I am Experiencing fuel system issues that may relate. Dealer and corporate refusing meaningful support and expecting me to pay $1,600 to replace fuel assembly. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle at this time.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2021 Sonata
Recalls (4)
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.
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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 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.
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata drew 179 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 4/100, scored against the model's worst year (2011).
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems?
The top reported problems for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata are engine (35 complaints), other (31), and fuel system (30).
Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?
4 recall campaigns apply to the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.