2021 Hyundai Sonata problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 188 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, filed between 2021-03-26 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the engine (55, 29%), electrical system (42, 22%) and power train (28, 15%). Owners reported 8 crashes and 15 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Hyundai Sonata complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 55 | 29% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 42 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 39 | 21% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Power train | 28 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 26 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 13 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 12 | 6% | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 55 complaints
- 55 complaints of 188 (29%) name the engine.
- 9 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
Electrical system: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 188 (22%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
Power train: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 188 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 8 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata; the recall, campaign 22V746000, says: “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.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 188 (14%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 9 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
Fuel system, gasoline: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 188 (7%) name the fuel system, gasoline.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata; the latest, campaign 25V796000, says: “A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.”
Forward collision avoidance: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 188 (6%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 3 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 3 crashes and 9 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 46 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SONATA, SONATA HYBRID, SONATA N, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's most common problem areas are the engine (55 of 188 complaints), electrical system (42 of 188 complaints) and power train (28 of 188 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA has 188 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, including 8 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.