repaired · 2026 Q3
Fuel system, gasoline
NewRisk. A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
2021 Hyundai SonataProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 135 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V00M000 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Hyundai Sonata has problems
135 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
34Engine1 crash/fire/injury
25Power train
21Fuel/propulsion system2 crash/fire/injury
18Electrical system
13Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
9Forward collision avoidance
8Visibility/wiper
4Air bags
4Structure
2110 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 1 |
| Power train | 25 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 13 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 21 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: windshield
Risk. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sonata year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata median. How we score
11162922263662349491242762053201992021651,0476964254603453,3801,5591,9217501,157730769375162183135988848173
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Hyundai Sonata safety ratings
2021 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sonata owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
At approximately 130,000 miles, vehicle developed and internal coolant leak caused by a failed Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS) in the center muffler assembly, matching TSB 23-EM-009H - a known manufacturing defect documented by Hyundai. Coolant has been slowly leaking internally into the…
The car will idle high around 1200 rpms. The car will most of the times fix the issue when you turn the car off and back on but it will start again after driving. This is a known issue with the car. I have had the egr valve replaced since it will pop up the codes P240F and P049 for egr slow…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine shuddered and the engine stalled. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was seized in the middle of the road. The contact…
Own a 2021 Sonata?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.