2021 Hyundai Sonata Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 34 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, 26% of all 133 complaints filed for the year. The median mileage at failure was 75,242 miles, and two related recalls (25V796000 and 21V524000) cover fuel tank and fuel pipe defects.
- Fuel System complaints
- 34
- 26% of 133
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 75,242 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report a strong fuel odor inside the cabin while driving at various speeds, with no warning light on.
- Some describe sudden loss of power and oil pressure during acceleration or highway merging, triggering a fail-safe mode.
- Others report engine misfiring tied to fuel delivery, including repeated ignition coil replacements and backfiring sounds paired with unexplained drops in fuel level.
- Several owners describe the vehicle lurching, accelerating unexpectedly, or vibrating abnormally at idle or low speed, sometimes feeling like it was about to shut off.
- A subset of complaints reference the open recall 25V796000 for fuel tank pressurization, with owners reporting reduced performance and a related diagnostic code.
When 2021 Hyundai Sonata fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 14, 2022, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
- 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 21V524000Jul 9, 2021Fuel System15,752 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fuel System complaints by Sonata model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
- NHTSA lists 34 Fuel System complaints for the 2021 Sonata, making up 26% of the 133 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
- Yes. Recall 25V796000 covers a damaged check valve that can let air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust parts. Recall 21V524000 covers a fuel pipe connection that may leak on turbocharged 2.5L models.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems tend to appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 75,242 miles.
- Have fuel system issues caused any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2021 Sonata shows 1 crash and 6 injuries reported, with no fires.