The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the Forward Collision Avoidance failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the sensor was braking prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was n…
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The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the Forward Collision Avoidance failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the sensor was braking prematurely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11615411
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I have been to the dealership on three separate occasions due to the engine misfiring. Two ignition coils have been replaced so far and I recently returned to the dealership for the same issue. This time however, not only did the engine light come on but I went from a full tank to less than a quarter of a tank and the engine is …
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I have been to the dealership on three separate occasions due to the engine misfiring. Two ignition coils have been replaced so far and I recently returned to the dealership for the same issue. This time however, not only did the engine light come on but I went from a full tank to less than a quarter of a tank and the engine is making backfiring sounds. At that time the dealership said that they could not recreate the issue, I got my oil changed and went home. That was a week ago, I am back at the dealership today for the same thing; fuel dumping and backfiring sounds. While at the dealership today it turns out those backfiring noises were the fuel tank expanding so much so that it kept popping the seat up. They deemed the car unsafe to drive and it is currently at the dealership.
NHTSA ODI #11603481
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Engine
faulty engine thermostat
NHTSA ODI #11579000
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2023
Engine
I was on the highway going 60 mph then all of a sudden my vehicles rpm's jumped way up to 8 and completely lost power was on I-45 in Conroe thankfully I was in the slow lane. I have attached pictures of my dash so I could get proof this time. I had to wait 7 minutes for the car to do anything. It also burned all of my engine oil…
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I was on the highway going 60 mph then all of a sudden my vehicles rpm's jumped way up to 8 and completely lost power was on I-45 in Conroe thankfully I was in the slow lane. I have attached pictures of my dash so I could get proof this time. I had to wait 7 minutes for the car to do anything. It also burned all of my engine oil. So had to buy oil for my vehicle. I just had my oil change 3 weeks ago. This has happened before on on the frontage road a few months ago. I have claims open with Hyundai Customer Care. I have been stating that my engine makes a clicking noise, it hesitates, and seizes all the time. I have had this problem since March of 2021 and I bought the car in January 2021. I know I am not a part of the engine recall but I should be. I am scared to drive it. Hyundai doesn't care one bit. Well enough is enough I will be getting rid of this death trap. If you are looking at Hyundai's don't waste your time or money.
NHTSA ODI #11559246
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2023
Engine
I have a 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL with a Smartstream 2.5L engine w/ GDI & MPI. I have have always heard a loud knocking noise coming from my engine since I got the vehicle when in park. When you are accelerating it hesitates and you can hear a knocking noise. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times and they were able to…
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I have a 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL with a Smartstream 2.5L engine w/ GDI & MPI. I have have always heard a loud knocking noise coming from my engine since I got the vehicle when in park. When you are accelerating it hesitates and you can hear a knocking noise. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times and they were able to feel and hear what I was talking about but ensured me it was fine. Recently it has been a lot worse. On 10/18/2023 I was getting on to the highway from the feeder. I tried to accelerate to about 50 mph and I heard the same knocking noise and my rpms jumped all the way to the top. Then my car suddenly stopped getting on to the highway. It took it about a minute before I could start driving again. Luckily there was no one behind me because it could've been really bad. I got home and looked under the hood and it looked like oil had sprayed out of the engine. You could to see oil splatter on the fender. No one was hurt thankfully. I have been complaining about the knocking and hesitation while accelerating for almost 2yrs.
NHTSA ODI #11551474
44,000 miles · Sep 25, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the deal…
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The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that there was no oil in the engine, causing the engine to seize. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, who confirmed the diagnostic results. The contact stated that an oil change was performed three days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,000.
NHTSA ODI #11546386
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2023
Engine
The issue is well known across the DN8 platform, hundreds if not thousands of people have this problem.Car and driver even did an article on a car with this same 2.5L turbo DCT engine having the same problem! The problem is the ITMS or thermostat housing unit. I first experienced this getting on to a highway, I lost all accelera…
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The issue is well known across the DN8 platform, hundreds if not thousands of people have this problem.Car and driver even did an article on a car with this same 2.5L turbo DCT engine having the same problem! The problem is the ITMS or thermostat housing unit. I first experienced this getting on to a highway, I lost all acceleration, the turbo dropped to 0 pSI and I received an engine overheating warning on the dash. After pulling over the car resumed normal driving, but with oil temps running 30-40 degrees higher than normal. Since then, I have had loss of boost and acceleration when passing around cars which has almost caused accidents, oil temps constantly running very high and fans constantly running on full blast even after car is off. I have been to the service center 4 times, and they have failed to "replicate" the issue and stated the fan and oil problem is "normal" which it is not. This problem needs to be addressed before somebody gets seriously hurt due to loss of power unexpectedly while driving. PLEASE help! Thank you for your time.
NHTSA ODI #11526848
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System
When attempting to pass other vehicles or under quick acceleration such as an on ramp to the highway, the vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power and oil pressure resulting in a fail safe mode which limits your acceleration and causes a sudden decrease in speed and velocity. The issue results in the oil pressure light ill…
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When attempting to pass other vehicles or under quick acceleration such as an on ramp to the highway, the vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power and oil pressure resulting in a fail safe mode which limits your acceleration and causes a sudden decrease in speed and velocity. The issue results in the oil pressure light illuminating and requires the vehicle to be stopped and completely turned off to reset then once turned back on, the problem is “gone” until a sudden acceleration occurs again, which results in the same issue happening. There is a current recall out for similar models but my vin is not listed. I have approximately 50k miles on the car, and am the first owner.
NHTSA ODI #11525992
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2023
Engine
My 2021 Sonata has 32,000 miles & it broke down in the middle of the road. My safety & my daughters safety were at risk. We could have been hit or killed. There were no warning lights. It had to be towed. Repair shop reports the transmission is no good. This vehicle should not have transmission issues. Hyundai will not even cove…
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My 2021 Sonata has 32,000 miles & it broke down in the middle of the road. My safety & my daughters safety were at risk. We could have been hit or killed. There were no warning lights. It had to be towed. Repair shop reports the transmission is no good. This vehicle should not have transmission issues. Hyundai will not even cover a rental car. The dealership can’t even work on it for 1-2 weeks. I work & have kids. I need a vehicle. The car breaking down in the middle of the road with no warning is dangerous.
NHTSA ODI #11511312
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Oct 12: Engine stalled exiting I95 in Kittery Maine. Engine light flashed but did not stay on. Was able to get to safe place but car would not go more than 15mph. Hampton Huyndai reported mis-fire but stated it cleared on its own. Oct 17th: Engine stalled on highway ramp to I495, nearly causing me to be rear ended by other ve…
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Oct 12: Engine stalled exiting I95 in Kittery Maine. Engine light flashed but did not stay on. Was able to get to safe place but car would not go more than 15mph. Hampton Huyndai reported mis-fire but stated it cleared on its own. Oct 17th: Engine stalled on highway ramp to I495, nearly causing me to be rear ended by other vehicles. Car would not go more than 15 mph. Engine light stayed on. Towed car to Key Salem Hyundai, defective injectors, warrantee repair. Oct 23rd: Car stalls on I93, was able to take immediate exit and turn engine off. Engine light flashed but did not stay on. Took car in to Salem dealership on Oct 24th, no code found. Oct 25th: Car stalls again on city street. Light stays on, Salem dealership replaces cat. convrtr between Oct 26th through Nov 4th. Nov 9th: Car stalls again on city street. Light stays on, currently in Salem dealership. This is a safety issue, in two cases already this car has nearly gotten me in an accident on the highway. I am seeking arbitration for replacement. I am scared to drive this vehicle. I will have a third invoice pending this next repair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year