Hyundai · Sonata · 2021
2021 Hyundai Sonata
4
Recalls
113
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 4 recalls and 113 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (20 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is unknown or other with 20 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Hyundai Sonata currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 113 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are unknown or other (20), power train (12), engine (10).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 113
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.7% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 25V796000November 18, 2025
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 Status
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. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.
NHTSA ID: 22V746000October 06, 2022
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Remedy Status
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
NHTSA ID: 21V00M000December 28, 2021
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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 Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 21V524000July 09, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 Status
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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Owner Complaints
113 totalFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was unrepairable, and th...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 13, 2026
I was notified of a recall on my from vehicle by Hyundai via email some time in March of 2026. The message said mentioned my vehicle may have a defective/worn purge control check valve that would cause the fuel tank to deform. Potentially leading to a release of fuel over time, ...
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the fuel ...
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ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 19, 2026
The internal core of the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), part of the center muffler/front pipe assembly (#28600-L5210), suffered a catastrophic failure. This allowed approximately 9 gallons of engine coolant to leak directly into the hot exhaust stream. Safety Risk: This fai...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Feb 11, 2026
Vehicle suddenly lost heat in 30 degree weather. No warnings, check engine light, or temperature gauge indicators came on. Lucky made it to a parts store and found out I was extremely low on coolant. Bought coolant and put it in. Made it back to the house and was immediately low...
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ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 9, 2026
The EHRS coolant system failed and had a leak causing the coolant to be excessively burned off as thick white smoke. This caused me to not be able to see anything behind me and forced others to stop or slow down dramatically to avoid colliding with me. I had my engine overheat an...
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POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Feb 1, 2026
P0471 code before 55k miles even after repair is made
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Jan 31, 2026
Will be driving the car and suddenly hear a beep. Then the dashboard will flash with the ABS light engine light tire pressure light check Blindspot sensors, forward collision sensors. once all the lights appear on the dashboard, I can no longer accelerate. i’ve cleaned the throt...
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STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 30, 2026
• I experienced trouble with my splash guard being damaged from hanging and scraping the ground about a month after purchasing the vehicle. Also, my hood paint started chipping after a recent cold front experienced in my state earlier this year. Yes it is available for inspectio...
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ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 28, 2026
On i believe 1/14/26, my check engine light came on. Scheduled appt.for 1/16/26 for diagnostic. Several things were wrong. I decided to come back due to not having the money at the time. Over the wked, I remembered a recall notice i received around November that I asked about in ...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 113 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Sonata Years
2022 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.3r79c2020 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.4r154c2023 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r79c2019 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.146c2024 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r36c2018 Hyundai SonataCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r353c
More 2021 Hyundai Models
2021 Hyundai PalisadeAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.6r387c2021 Hyundai Santa FeAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.7r154c2021 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.6r126c2021 Hyundai KonaAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r107c2021 Hyundai TucsonAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r63c2021 Hyundai VenueAnother 2021 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r28c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has received 113 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata are unknown or other (20 reports), power train (12 reports), engine (10 reports).
Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.