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
- 134
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 134 complaints
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 | 320 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,380 |
| 2012 | 1,559 |
| 2013 | 1,915 |
| 2014 | 748 |
| 2015 | 1,154 |
| 2016 | 727 |
| 2017 | 767 |
| 2018 | 375 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 134 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
25% · 34 reportsPower train
19% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Fuel/propulsion system
16% · 22 reportsShow 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, 2024-03-10
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, 2026-07-27
Electrical system
13% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender.
Show complaint excerpts
The left turn signal works intermittently. It has now stopped working about 90% of the time. The multi-function switch was replaced 3 times and I am still having the issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-23
Fuel system, gasoline
8% · 11 reportsMost 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, 2026-07-27
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-09-03Fuel system, gasoline21V524000 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.
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R
2022-06-20Visibility21V00M000 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.
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I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-01-10Power train22V746000 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.
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2026-03-09Fuel system, gasoline25V796000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V524000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V00M000 · Visibility
- Recall 22V746000 · Power train
- Recall 25V796000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.