MYRModel Year Report

2021 Hyundai Sonata

▲ Better than typical
2021 Hyundai Sonata
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:17:31.809Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Sonata Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 11 complaints 1990: 16 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 22 complaints 1992 1993: 26 complaints 1994: 3 complaints 1995: 66 complaints 1996: 23 complaints 1997: 49 complaints 1998: 49 complaints 1998 1999: 124 complaints 2000: 276 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 319 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 202 complaints 2004 2005: 165 complaints 2006: 1047 complaints 2007: 696 complaints 2008: 425 complaints 2009: 460 complaints 2010: 345 complaints 2010 2011: 3368 complaints 2012: 1551 complaints 2013: 1895 complaints 2014: 740 complaints 2015: 1123 complaints 2016: 717 complaints 2016 2017: 758 complaints 2018: 364 complaints 2019: 153 complaints 2020: 165 complaints 2021: 119 complaints 2021 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 83 complaints 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 15 complaints 2026: 2 complaints 2026
2021: 119 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19860
19871
19880
198911
199016
199129
199222
199326
19943
199566
199623
199749
199849
1999124
2000276
2001205
2002319
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113368
20121551
20131895
2014740
20151123
2016717
2017758
2018364
2019153
2020165
2021119
202288
202383
202441
202515
20262

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 28%

28% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 7%

7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 8 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210903 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20220620 — visibility

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

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230110 — power train

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

R 20260309 — fuel system, gasoline

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 (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (17 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1998 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2013 ■ 2012

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 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.