2021 Hyundai Sonata Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Sonata. Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, fuel system and transmission.
134 complaints 4 recalls, 2 fire risk 14th worst of 17 Sonata years
Top 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems
Engine problems
35 complaints (26%) name the engine.
Fuel system problems
34 complaints (25%) name the fuel system, most often the injectors and fuel pump.
Transmission problems
25 complaints (19%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Electrical problems
17 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the key / sender.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (25 of 134). The amber line is the middle value, about 41,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Fuel System
Fire riskA damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank. A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.
Recall 25V796000 · Nov 2025Automatic transmission
Can stallThe 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. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software.
Recall 22V746000 · Oct 2022Windshield
During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge.
Recall 21V00M000 · Dec 2021Fuel leak at engine pipe connection
Fire riskOn certain 5L turbocharged engines, fuel can leak at the pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail. A fuel leak raises the risk of an engine fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and tighten it or replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V524000 · Jul 2021Get an email when your 2021 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sonata years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Sonata. Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, fuel system and transmission.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, fuel system, transmission and electrical system. 35 complaints (26%) name the engine.
At what mileage do 2021 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 15,000–77,000 miles, with a middle value near 46,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
4. Fuel System (25V796000); Automatic transmission (22V746000); Windshield (21V00M000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.