2021 HYUNDAI Sonata

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata exhibits several significant reliability concerns, particularly with its fuel system and visibility components. Early issues often arise within the first 20,000 miles, warranting close attention from prospective buyers.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

The presence of multiple recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata indicates serious safety and operational risks, especially concerning the fuel system and visibility features. A leaking fuel line poses a fire hazard, while potential windshield detachment in a crash raises significant safety concerns. Buyers should be particularly vigilant about these defects as they could lead to costly repairs or dangerous situations on the road.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.7)
    📝
    Summary: Year-over-year trends show that while Hyundai has established a reputation for quality engineering, the 2021 Sonata's higher recall levels reflect a lapse in manufacturing consistency. This year's model unfortunately shows a risk profile worse than expected for its segment, particularly affecting buyers looking for reliability.

Safety & Reliability Score

59/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-4.45
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 HYUNDAI Sonata

Model Year2021
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelSonata
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
ISSUEFirst Report
Sep21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

18 complaints (20% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 89 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
11(12%)
🟡Medium
20(22%)
🟢Low
58(65%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failure instances occurring between 0-20,000 miles, owners should be alert to potential issues arising early in the ownership experience. This suggests that if you're purchasing this vehicle used, prior maintenance records become critically important to ascertain whether issues have already been addressed.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 26 of 89 complaints (29% coverage)
0-20k
10 reports (38%)
20k-40k
8 reports (31%)
40k-60k
6 reports (23%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (4%)
100k+
1 reports (4%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEVISIBILITYPOWER TRAIN

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Fuel System

Issue: Leaking fuel pipe connection potentially causing fire risks.

Inspect and replace any compromised fuel lines immediately.

🔍

Request detailed service records showing repairs related to fuel system and check for any outstanding recalls.

2

Windshield

Issue: Improper bonding leading to potential detachment during accidents.

Evaluate windshield integrity and consider re-bonding if necessary.

🔍

Verify correct installation of the windshield before making a purchase decision.

3

Power Train

Issue: "Fail-safe" mode may fail due to transmission oil pump malfunction, risking total loss of drive power.

'Monitor transmission behavior regularly; report any anomalies immediately.

🔍

'Check for software updates or repairs related to transmission malfunctions in service history.

💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 21V524000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Summary

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 21V00M000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Summary

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.

Consequence

A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 22V746000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary

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.

Consequence

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Campaign: 25V796000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary

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.

Consequence

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 16, 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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Sonata.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Sonata performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 6,899

Consumer Complaints

89 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Sonata.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning20%
Acceleration Issues15%
Accident9%
Noise8%
Battery6%
Burn6%
Display6%
Crash/Accident6%
Jerk6%
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid 12v battery has started to die randomly. My car is currently with the Hyundai dealer to confirm if this will be a warranty claim. Searching online, I have found other posts of people complaining about a similar issue with their 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
SEATS

The driver seat motor malfunctioned when pennies got jammed iin the unprotected/exposed seat tracks. Hyundai would not cover the warranty and charged me $2000.00 for repair. After complaining to the Hyundai National customer service they would not consider my point of contention that the unproteted/exposed tracks contributed to the failure. A professional mechanic stated that a fuse should have failed before the motor malfunctioned.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

The vehicle's HVAC (heating) system failed. It stopped producing heat on one side of the vehicle. My mechanic/dealer diagnosed the issue as a broken component within the HVAC case under the dashboard, requiring full dashboard removal and a repair estimated at over $3,000. This failure prevents the defroster from working properly, which is a major safety hazard as it cannot clear fog or frost from the windshield. A search of online forums and owner communities shows this is a widespread complaint from many other Hyundai owners, often identified as a failed blend door or blend door actuator, which requires the same expensive dashboard removal to repair.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and lost power. The vehicle was coasted over to the right side of the road, turned off, restarted, and returned to normal functionality. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car sits several days at a time. Door locked. 12 volt auxiliary battery goes dead within 60 minutes after driving 60 miles. Happened 6 times in last 6 weeks. Battery is lithium. Dealer looked at car Sept 8. They did cursory check and said my rodent deterrent caused issue. After driving 60 miles. Turned rodent deterrent off. Still have issue. Car resets the 12 volt battery nearly daily. Lithium battery if bad can blow up and cause vehicle fire. Car is parked in car port next to house. If fire, it burns up my house also. This is fire hazard. If the battery is bad, it must be fixed. Car under 10 year 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. I need car fixed. NOT just looked at. This is fire hazard till it is fixed,

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The parking assistant camera on the front of the car is loose, which means that the bracket is broke. I took my car into Hyundai and they could not explain to me how it got broke or came loose and this is a safety issue because this helps you park and see what’s in front of you when parking.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2021 Hyundai Sonata with approximately 39,000 miles. On [XXX], the dashboard displayed the following message "Shifter system malfunction! Service immediately" When the warning appeared, the vehicle shifter button would not function, creating a traffic safety risk. History: Dealer service history shows the transmission was replaced on the vehicle under warranty on 08/30/2021 with 2,212 miles with no campaign/recall issued. Dealer states there is no recall campaign on this vehicles specific VIN # and NHTSA currently shows no open recalls for this vehicle. However, Hyundai advertises an 8-Speed DCT Safety Recall for the same year, make and model, and describes this identical issue, but has left this vehicle's VIN# out of scope for this recall, which is continuing to demonstrate the same issues. Current dealer/manufacturer response: On 9/4/2025, the dealer declined warranty or recall repair unless the fault was active on their diagnostic scan at the moment the scan was performed. A photo was provided to the mechanics of the dashboard showing the transmission service warning, with current mileage. The dealer advised there were no diagnostic log history showing the transmission error code even with photographic proof and attempted to return the vehicle to me. I have rejected the return of the vehicle and advised that this needs to be escalated, because if logs are not appearing, this is even a bigger cause for concern and that the vehicle is a safety hazard. Concern: Because this vehicle required an early transmission replacement and is now exhibiting new transmission/shifter warnings, I am concerned the failure relates to the known transmission/shifter recall on this model and that the recall scope and/or remedy is incomplete for the affected vehicles including my vin #. It is also possible the dealership is attempting to run out the warranty which expires in 3 months. Vehicle, photo of the warning, and service records are available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

During a front end collision the car did not auto brake and the air bags did not deploy. The car has been totaled and is currently at a dealership for insurance appraisal.

Other🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding Hyundai’s Recall Campaign 216, which involves a safety defect related to the windshield assemblies of certain Hyundai vehicles. Despite the recall being issued to address the risk of inadequate windshield adhesion due to non-conforming clear coat paint, I have been unable to get my vehicle repaired. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership promptly after learning about the recall; however, they informed me that they were unable to perform the repair at the time due to not having a glass technician on staff/on site. I made multiple phone calls after anticipating the service manager’s follow up, as she promised, with dates a glass technician could be on site. I never heard back after leaving various voicemails or being put through to the wrong departments. This delay is concerning because the recall notice specifically outlines the increased risk of injury in a crash if the windshield is not adequately retained. As a concerned vehicle owner, I am left driving a potentially unsafe vehicle without any clarity on when a proper remedy will be available. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Hyundai and its dealerships are prepared and properly equipped to carry out the necessary recall repairs in a timely manner, in alignment with their safety responsibilities. I have attached the email received 7/31 from Hyundai following my customer service complaint I submitted 7/9. Please let me know if any additional documentation or vehicle information is required.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

After initial startup and drive for a short time, I come to a stop. Then after vehicle doesn’t want to accelerate as it normally would. Vehicle struggles to gain speed but, the engine revs excessively. I pull off the road and come to a stop and try to accelerate again and the same thing happens. I shut the vehicle off and wait a few minutes,then restart and the vehicle accelerates normally again. There were no check engine lights the when this has happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified HYUNDAI service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.