How many 2021 Hyundai Sonata owners have complained about engine problems?

NHTSA lists 36 engine complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, which is 27% of all 133 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata engine?

No. NHTSA's records show no related recall tied to this specific engine complaint pattern for the 2021 Sonata.

At what mileage do 2021 Sonata engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among these engine complaints is 45,500 miles, though individual reports range from under 6,000 to over 87,000 miles.

What kind of engine failures do 2021 Sonata owners describe?

Owners describe sudden stalling or power loss while driving, knocking noises, RPM spikes, and in some cases engines running without oil.

Was anyone hurt because of the engine issues?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries or fires linked to these engine complaints for the 2021 Sonata.

2021 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems

NHTSA has logged 36 engine complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, 27% of its 133 total complaints for the year. Owners commonly report sudden power loss, stalling, knocking noises, and one crash; NHTSA lists no related recall for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 36; 27% of 133
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 45,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power or stalling at highway speeds, sometimes with no warning light, requiring the vehicle to be towed.
Some describe a loud knocking noise from the engine both at idle and during acceleration, with hesitation noted by dealership technicians.
Several complaints mention the engine running low on or completely out of oil, in one case with the dealer finding no oil in the engine.
One owner points to the turbo 2.5L engine's thermostat housing unit causing a sudden loss of acceleration and turbo pressure drop.
A few reports describe uncontrolled RPM swings or the engine revving to 8 while losing power on the highway.
One complaint describes transmission fluid leaking from the engine area, which a mechanic said was flammable.

When 2021 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 2, 2021, latest Aug 1, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2026 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sonata model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201040 (12%)
20111,078 (32%)
2012638 (41%)
2013831 (44%)
2014331 (44%)
2015666 (58%)
2016472 (65%)
2017409 (54%)
2018233 (62%)
201994 (58%)
202037 (21%)
202136 (27%)
202231 (33%)
202332 (37%)
20248 (17%)
20254 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2021 Hyundai Sonata owners have complained about engine problems?: NHTSA lists 36 engine complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, which is 27% of all 133 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata engine?: No. NHTSA's records show no related recall tied to this specific engine complaint pattern for the 2021 Sonata.
At what mileage do 2021 Sonata engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among these engine complaints is 45,500 miles, though individual reports range from under 6,000 to over 87,000 miles.
What kind of engine failures do 2021 Sonata owners describe?: Owners describe sudden stalling or power loss while driving, knocking noises, RPM spikes, and in some cases engines running without oil.
Was anyone hurt because of the engine issues?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries or fires linked to these engine complaints for the 2021 Sonata.