2021 Hyundai Sonata
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3376 |
| 2012 | 1556 |
| 2013 | 1908 |
| 2014 | 744 |
| 2015 | 1144 |
| 2016 | 722 |
| 2017 | 762 |
| 2018 | 372 |
| 2019 | 161 |
| 2020 | 177 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: engine — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH18% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240310
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine revving at a complete stop. Surging engine while braking. I was forced to put into neutral when stopping. I had check engine prior that read P049D85. It went away. The Hyundai dealer said to be the EGR valve.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
13% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing injectors and fuel pump.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V524000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V00M000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V746000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 25V796000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V524000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00M000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V746000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V796000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.