2021 Hyundai Sonata Safety Report
2021 Hyundai Sonata Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (109) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Hyundai Sonata with 35 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Hyundai Sonata before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Sonata Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Sonata years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Hyundai Sonata | 79 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Hyundai Sonata | 151 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata | 78 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Hyundai Sonata | 140 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Hyundai Sonata | 35 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Hyundai Sonata | 350 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Hyundai Sonata Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyPower Train
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Hyundai onlyEngine
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlyFuel System, Gasoline
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Hyundai onlyPower Train,Engine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability Score
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata receives a reliability score of 7 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline Hyundai has issued multiple recalls for fuel system issues, including damaged check valves and leaking hoses. These issues can lead to coolant leaks and other problems. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Hyundai has recalled vehicles for automatic transmission issues, which can cause unexpected vehicle shutdowns and other drivetrain problems. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System There are reports of electrical system failures, including the P0471 code, which can cause various issues with the vehicle's performance. |
Low | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Visibility/Wiper Issues with the windshield and wiper system have been reported, which can affect visibility during adverse weather conditions. |
Low | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata:
Issues with the fuel system, particularly gasoline delivery hoses, lines, and fittings, have been reported.
Automatic transmission issues, including unexpected vehicle shutdowns, have been reported.
There are reports of electrical system failures, including the P0471 code.
Issues with the windshield and wiper system have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata by NHTSA:
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 were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu...
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 there was no further information provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was filed. The manufac...
Hyundai technical service bulletin 23-EM-009H (EHRS COOLANT LEAK) - AKA a faulty heat exchange that causes the coolant to leak into the exhaust and burn away. Resulting in a very hard to diagnose coolant disappearance. This should be a recall. They have literally already acknowledged a manufacturer defect with the service bulletin. The problem is that in most cases, it occurs out of the 60k or 100...
P0471 code before 55k miles even after repair is made
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 level indicated empty, and the low fuel warning light was illuminated. The passenger seated in the rear seat noticed tha...
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had n...
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 November during my oil change & was told the parts aren't in & they'd give me a call. Upon viewing the recall it seemed ...
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 and force me to pull over on the side of an unsafe road because the exhaust system burned off my entire tank of coolant in...
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 again. No visible leaking. Oil was completely fine (1 gallon of coolant would have have left some kind indicator). Real...
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle with an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel Syste...
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. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The ve...
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 throttlebody. I’ve replaced the gas pedal and it’s still kicking back the same code it still does it the same identical thing...
I took my car to the dealer on [XXX] with concerns about the strong gas smell that I have been smelling. The Hyundai dealership kept my car for 3 days and stated they could not smell the gas after driving the vehicle themselves. They did repair a cracked cylinder head however they did tell me that it wouldn't have been the cause of the fuel smell. They stated next time I am out driving, and I noti...
Component or system involved and availability for inspection: The issue involves the transmission / drivetrain system. When I entered my VIN on Hyundai’s official dealership website, a safety recall related to the transmission appeared. I took a screenshot of this recall. When I later contacted Hyundai Motor America and spoke with my assigned case manager, I was told that no such recall existed fo...
Engine makes rattling and knocking noises. Transmission hesitates and jerks Suspension front struts and rear shocks are bad. Possible the isolators. Having horrible back pain when riding in car. Starter intermittently doesn't work Lane keep assistance goes over small bump in road will make car drive in opposite lane into on coming traffic. Took car to Tameron hyundai in Birmingham on the 29th...
I was driving my 2021 Hyundai Sonata at approximately 3:00 AM when the vehicle suddenly began shaking and vibrating. While stopped at a traffic light, the check engine light illuminated, and the engine was shaking severely. I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine. After waiting approximately one hour, I restarted the vehicle, but it was only able to drive very slowly. The following day...
Please see Attachment To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally notify you under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Virginia Lemon Law, Va. Code §§ 59.1-207.9 to 59.1-207.16) that my 2021 Hyundai Sonata, has a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. On June XX, 2025 I delivered my vehicle to Pearson Hyundai for repair due to the fuel pump rec...
I own a 2021 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T, which has an open NHTSA safety recall (25V796000) related to fuel tank pressurization and fire risk. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership due to a check engine light, reduced performance, and DTC P14EE, which aligns with the recall condition. The dealership refused to treat the concern as recall-related unless I paid a diagnostic fee and late...
Recall number (25V796000) There is No remedy available. I am Experiencing fuel system issues that may relate. Dealer and corporate refusing meaningful support and expecting me to pay $1,600 to replace fuel assembly. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle at this time.
NHTSA: #25V796000 Recall: #286 2020-23MY SONATA (DN8/DN8A) FUEL TANK Issued on 11/18/2025 and there is no remedy yet for this issue. Hyundai of Ocala has not issued me a loaner car. What am I supposed to do? It’s been over a month since the recall was posted and still no remedy. I’m concerned for mine and my families safety. This car is our only means of transportation. I need a solution
P0471 error comes up off and on, this is recall related but the dealership refuses to address it. The seatbelt has to be clicked 2x in order to stick. Happens with driver side.
Showing 20 of 109 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
Has the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
The 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA has 109 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 12 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA involve unknown or other (20 complaints), power train (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, fuel system, gasoline, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA out of 109 total complaints (6.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
12 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA is acceptable with caveats. It has 109 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (12 complaints), 3. ENGINE (9 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), 5. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (7 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 20 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Be aware of potential recalls and check for any unusual smells or sounds in your vehicle. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues. The 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA has 109 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA receives a reliability score of 7/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 109 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline and Automatic Transmission.
What are the known issues with the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Known issues with the 2021 HYUNDAI SONATA include: Fuel System, Gasoline, Automatic Transmission, Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper. These are based on patterns found across 109 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Common issues include fuel system problems, automatic transmission issues, electrical system failures, and visibility problems.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes, Hyundai has issued recalls for fuel system and automatic transmission issues. Check for recalls and follow manufacturer recommendations.
What should I do if I notice unusual smells or sounds in my 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Contact your local Hyundai dealership for a diagnostic check and follow their recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls and check for any unusual smells or sounds in your vehicle. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Hyundai Sonata
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The data includes 109 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 12 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Hyundai Sonata an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16