2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls and problems

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 3 safety recalls and 135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

135

Crashes / fires

7 / 0

Injuries / deaths

13 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Recall 25V-796: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 17, 2025 · 85,043 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Recall 22V-746: Power Train

Reported Oct 6, 2022 · 56,148 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Recall 21V-524: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 9, 2021 · 15,752 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

2021 Hyundai Sonata problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	34
Unknown or Other	32
Power Train	25
Fuel/Propulsion System	21
Electrical System	18
Fuel System, Gasoline	13
Forward Collision Avoidance	9
Visibility/Wiper	8
Air Bags	4
Visibility	4
Structure	4
Lane Departure	3

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
Structure › Body — 4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
Lane Departure › Assist — 2
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 41,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 23, 2026

The left turn signal works intermittently. It has now stopped working about 90% of the time. The multi-function switch was replaced 3 times and I am still having the issue. The signal won't work on the exterior and it won't light up on the interior dash either. This is creating an unsafe driving environment which increases crash rates. Multiple vehicle owner with the same make/model/year are experiencing this issue, which I have found during research.

Power Train · reported Sep 28, 2026

My 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line suffered a catastrophic, sudden total loss of drive power while operating at speed on a public roadway, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle lost forward propulsion and the gear selector flashed a blinking 'R' when reverse was attempted. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, [XXX] Hyundai Southtowne, where their factory GDS tool pulled transmission code P283601 (Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit). This matches the exact critical safety failure path targeted by Federal Safety Recall 236 (NHTSA Campaign 22V-746) for the 8-speed wet-DCT…

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 23, 2026

DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & IMMEDIATE HAZARD:My 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL is currently exhibiting the most severe, catastrophic symptoms of the fuel tank expansion defect covered under NHTSA Campaign 25V796000. The fuel tank has expanded so drastically that it physically warped the structural interior of the cabin, violently popping the rear passenger seat completely out of its assembly while the vehicle was in motion. Furthermore, there is a constant, heavy, raw gasoline odor inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle is a documented, active fire, explosion, and vapor inhalation hazard. It…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 100,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts were on back order. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. An unknown warning light was temporarily illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the fuel level had dropped. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact stated that the O2 sensor, spark plugs, and ignition coils were…

Power Train · reported Sep 15, 2026

Transmission replaced twice and all of them continue to fail. Several Hyundai service centers are unable to determine the cause and are only able to update/relearn and replace whenever they are able to replicate the issue. The issue is that at a cold start, the car makes a popping sound, jerks and shakes. The car hesitates to accelerate. You can hear the noise of acceleration but RPM does not go past 3 and MPH doesn't go past 30mph. I'm unable to upload docs because of the upload limit. If there's another way to send docs, please let me know

Other Hyundai Sonata years

2026 2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Hyundai Sonata years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata: 25V-796 (fuel system, gasoline), 22V-746 (power train), 21V-524 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners report engine problems most often (34 reports), followed by unknown or other (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 41,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.