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2021 Hyundai Sonata: common problems and reliability
An average Sonata year.
197 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Sonata?The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 197 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Sonata years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Sonata?
Across the 30 Sonata model years we track, complaint volume runs from 29 (1996) to 3,472 (2011). With 197 complaints, the 2021 Sonata sits about the same as the model's median of 223.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Sonata
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 21V524000Hyundai 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.
visibility:windshield
Campaign 21V00M000Hyundai 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 22V746000Hyundai 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 25V796000Hyundai 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sonata. See the full Sonata owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Sonata listings typically run $10,598–$20,175.
Other Sonata model years
Compare every Sonata year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sonata against its rivals
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