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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-HYUNDAI-SONATANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2021 Hyundai Sonata problems
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 123 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 123 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 21 complaints, typically surfacing around 22,300 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Sonata?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★5/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 21 owner reports
· tends to show around 22,300 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 19 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,533 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 14 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
fuel system — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 82,926 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 45,533 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 Sonata· powertrain
I own a 2021 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T, which has an open NHTSA safety recall (25V796000) related to fuel tank pressurization and fire risk. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership due to a check engine light, reduced performance, and DTC P14EE, which aligns with…
*The front sunroof panel exploded toward while the car was running, but in the driveway in park. *Our safety was compromised by the shattered tempered glass falling into the car. *The problem was noted at the dealer, who stated they had not seen this happen before and believed…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while traveling at highway speeds, a tiny pebble hit his windshield which caused a minor ding on the middle of the driver’s side windshield. Over time, the ding spread from the driver’s side to the lane assist…
P0471 error comes up off and on, this is recall related but the dealership refuses to address it. The seatbelt has to be clicked 2x in order to stick. Happens with driver side.
Had a problem with your 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles
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. 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
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. 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
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. 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 21 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 22,300 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 123 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 22,300 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 21 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 22,300 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 22,300 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Sonata has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 123 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Hyundai/Sonata.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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