Hyundai Sonata 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Sonata 2021 and 134 complaints filed by owners. It has 48% fewer complaints than the average Hyundai Sonata from 2016–2025 (258 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Hyundai Sonata 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Hyundai Sonata 2021
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 25V796000 · 2025-11-18
What happens
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. 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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 2022-10-06
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 2021-12-28
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 21V524000 · 2021-07-09
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
134 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
7 with a crash · 13 injuries
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Sonata 2021
- Engine: 34 (25% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 25 (19% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 21 (16% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 17 (13% of complaints)
- Fuel system: 13 (10% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Hyundai Sonata 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Hyundai Sonata recalls by year
- 2016 : 6 recalls · 725 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 764 complaints
- 2018 : 1 recalls · 374 complaints
- 2019 : 0 recalls · 162 complaints
- 2020 : 4 recalls · 179 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 134 complaints
- 2022 : 3 recalls · 94 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 87 complaints
- 2024 : 1 recalls · 46 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 17 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Hyundai Sonata 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Sonata 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Sonata 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (34 of 134 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).