2021 Hyundai Sonata Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has a complaint index of 35, ranking 14th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 133 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and its top problem area is the Engine at 27% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 35/100
- #14 of 21 Sonata years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 133
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 37 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine36 (27%)
- Fuel System34 (26%)
- Other32 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (18%)
- Electrical System17 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (7%)
- Structure & Body6 (5%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
- Brakes4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration or rolling with remote smart parking assist or after shifting into reverse, leading to crashes.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in front-end and deer collisions, with some owners citing poorly placed crash sensors.
- Brake pedals have reportedly failed to engage or felt locked during panic stops, with automatic braking not activating.
- Owners describe catastrophic engine failure from internal component deterioration at low mileage, sometimes still under warranty.
- The panoramic sunroof has reportedly shattered while driving on the highway with no visible cause.
- Wipers have reportedly activated on their own intermittently while driving, sometimes tied to turn signal use.
2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V796000Nov 17, 2025Fuel System85,043 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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 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 22V746000Oct 6, 2022Transmission & Powertrain56,148 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V00M000Dec 28, 2021Visibility & Wipers26,413 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Sonata a complaint index of 35, which is a Good verdict compared to other Sonata model years. It ranks 14th worst out of 21 years tracked, meaning most other years have more reported problems.
- What problems does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
- NHTSA lists 133 complaints for the 2021 Sonata, led by Engine issues at 27% of complaints and Fuel System issues at 26%. Median mileage at engine failure was 45,500 miles.
- Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering the fuel system, transmission fail-safe mode, and windshield bonding. None are classified as do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Hyundai Sonata should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint index scores, 2011 through 2016 Sonata model years carry Avoid verdicts, with 2011 scoring highest at a complaint index of 100. The 2021 model year is rated Good by comparison.
- How does the 2021 Sonata compare to the 2022 Sonata?
- The 2022 Sonata has a lower complaint index of 20 and a Best verdict, versus the 2021's complaint index of 35 and Good verdict, based on NHTSA data.