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2021 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 161.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 24 of 131 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

131 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2026
Power Train

Transmission replaced twice and all of them continue to fail. Several Hyundai service centers are unable to determine the cause and are only able to update/relearn and replace whenever they are able to replicate the issue. The issue is that at a cold start, the car makes a popping sound, jerks and shakes. The car hesitates to ac…

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Transmission replaced twice and all of them continue to fail. Several Hyundai service centers are unable to determine the cause and are only able to update/relearn and replace whenever they are able to replicate the issue. The issue is that at a cold start, the car makes a popping sound, jerks and shakes. The car hesitates to accelerate. You can hear the noise of acceleration but RPM does not go past 3 and MPH doesn't go past 30mph. I'm unable to upload docs because of the upload limit. If there's another way to send docs, please let me know

NHTSA ODI #11764277

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidancePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Massive loss of coolant in closed loop cooling system Heat soak. Fail safe mode

NHTSA ODI #11759867

55,000 miles · Aug 21, 2026
Fuel System, Gasoline

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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated and decelerated while the acc…

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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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded frame due to an expanded fuel tank. The vehicle was deemed too expensive to repair per the local dealer and was towed for a buy-back. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11758588

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

I took my vehicle in for the safety recall due to an expanding fuel tank on 08/03/2026. I received my vehicle back on 8/12/2026. Hyundai performed an improper repair on the vehicle that will not correct the fuel tank expansion. They replaced the same check valve that was replaced last time I brought the vehicle in for recall on…

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I took my vehicle in for the safety recall due to an expanding fuel tank on 08/03/2026. I received my vehicle back on 8/12/2026. Hyundai performed an improper repair on the vehicle that will not correct the fuel tank expansion. They replaced the same check valve that was replaced last time I brought the vehicle in for recall on 11/20/2024 repair order # 107221 at Jones Hyundai of Belair. This valve did not and will not correct the fuel tank expansion issue. The expansion issue is caused by fuel getting past the check valve and entering the purge control system. The correct repair is to replace the fuel tank and the purge control system, as the check valve has already allowed fuel to bypass it and enter the system causing the expansion issue. . Replacing the valve that failed & allowed fuel into the system & caused the tank to expand will not correct the issue caused by the failed valve. My fuel tank has not decompressed. I still have the same problem I brought the vehicle in for because the repair Hyundai advised NHTSA on was NOT performed.

NHTSA ODI #11757244

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

Gas tank expansion and pcv melted. Car smells like gas when I was driving earlier, and my garage was flooded with the fumes of gasoline.

NHTSA ODI #11755570

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2026
Electrical System

The Left blinker switch keeps going in and out, working about 50% of the time. Both the light and the blinker sound do not turn on. When getting it checked out at an auto repair shop, the maintenance tech said this was more and more common for 2021 sonatas and it was not due to anything I did. It was a multifunction switch probl…

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The Left blinker switch keeps going in and out, working about 50% of the time. Both the light and the blinker sound do not turn on. When getting it checked out at an auto repair shop, the maintenance tech said this was more and more common for 2021 sonatas and it was not due to anything I did. It was a multifunction switch problem.

NHTSA ODI #11755451

50,200 miles · Aug 4, 2026
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge indicated that the tank was half full. The contact stated that the gauge erroneously indicated that the tank was empty, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the gas statio…

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The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge indicated that the tank was half full. The contact stated that the gauge erroneously indicated that the tank was empty, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the gas station, and while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel did not go into the tank. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel system and a failed fuel tank. The contact was informed that the fuel system and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with the unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle was a fire risk. In addition, the contact was informed that there was a hole in the fuel tank that caused the fuel to leak out of the fuel tank. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,200.

NHTSA ODI #11754791

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2026
EnginePower Train

Going down the road driving the car lost power and went in limp mode with no warnings on the dash at all!

NHTSA ODI #11754136

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2026
Unknown Or Other

1. Component Failed: Panoramic Sunroof Glass Assembly (Structure / Visibility / Glass). Details: While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously exploded outward without warning or impact from any foreign object. Inspection: I have not had the vehicle repaired yet so it is currently ava…

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1. Component Failed: Panoramic Sunroof Glass Assembly (Structure / Visibility / Glass). Details: While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously exploded outward without warning or impact from any foreign object. Inspection: I have not had the vehicle repaired yet so it is currently available. I also took a picture of it. 2. Safety Risk: The sudden, loud explosion (sounding like a gunshot) at freeway speeds caused immediate driver distraction and severe disorientation. Shattered tempered glass was mostly restricted from the cabin by the curtain barrier but some rained down into the passenger cabin. Most blew backward onto the highway, posing a major hazard to occupants as well as trailing motorists. Furthermore, this is a recurring defect in our household: my wife experienced an identical spontaneous sunroof explosion on her 2024 Hyundai Palisade, demonstrating a pattern of hazardous glass failures across multiple late-model Hyundai vehicles. 3. Reproduced or confirmed: I have not had it inspected by anyone. I am awaiting quotes for repairs. I have taken a picture of the vehicle that has not been driven since the incident. 4. Inspection: No one else has inspected it. I have a picture and can take more as needed. Hoping to not have to drive it until I take it to a shop for repairs. It has been reported to a dealership, but they did not seem too concerned or interested in helping. They insisted that they would not give a repair quote until I drove it the 20 miles for them to inspect. 5. Any Warning: No warning. There were no warning lights, abnormal noises, visible cracks, or previous symptoms prior to the sudden explosion. The failure occurred completely spontaneously under normal highway driving conditions.

NHTSA ODI #11753241

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

Engine revving at a complete stop. Surging engine while braking. I was forced to put into neutral when stopping. I had check engine prior that read P049D85. It went away. The Hyundai dealer said to be the EGR valve. Nick Hayes at D'Arcy Hyundai and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) agreeing to a 75% goodwill split of cost to repair.

NHTSA ODI #11753130

Official recalls

4

25V796000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 17, 2025

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 & remedy

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. 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.

22V746000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 6, 2022

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 & remedy

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.

21V00M000 · Visibility:windshield

Dec 28, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

21V524000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 9, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

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 back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.