2021 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 134 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 7 involved a crash. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasolineNov 18, 2025
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.
A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 25V796000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 6, 2022
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.
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldDec 28, 2021
Hyundai 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.
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 21V00M000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 9, 2021
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.
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 21V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
32 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2026
Massive loss of coolant in closed loop cooling system Heat soak. Fail safe mode
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2026
1. Component Failed: Panoramic Sunroof Glass Assembly (Structure / Visibility / Glass). Details: While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously exploded outward without warning or impact from any foreign object. Inspection: I have not had the vehicle repaired yet so it is currently available. I also took a picture of it. 2. Safety Risk: The sudden, loud explosion (sounding like a gunshot) at freeway speeds caused immediate driver distraction and severe disorientation. Shattered tempered glass was mostly restricted from the cabin by the curtain barrier but some rained down into the passenger cabin. Most blew backward onto the highway, posing a major hazard to occupants as well as trailing motorists. Furthermore, this is a recurring defect in our household: my wife experienced an identical spontaneous sunroof explosion on her 2024 Hyundai Palisade, demonstrating a pattern of hazardous glass failures across multiple late-model Hyundai vehicles. 3. Reproduced or confirmed: I have not had it inspected by anyone. I am awaiting quotes for repairs. I have taken a picture of the vehicle that has not been driven since the incident. 4. Inspection: No one else has inspected it. I have a picture and can take more as needed. Hoping to not have to drive it until I take it to a shop for repairs. It has been reported to a dealership, but they did not seem too concerned or interested in helping. They insisted that they would not give a repair quote until I drove it the 20 miles for them to inspect. 5. Any Warning: No warning. There were no warning lights, abnormal noises, visible cracks, or previous symptoms prior to the sudden explosion. The failure occurred completely spontaneously under normal highway driving conditions.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2026
The panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving without any external impact
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2026
• I experienced trouble with my splash guard being damaged from hanging and scraping the ground about a month after purchasing the vehicle. Also, my hood paint started chipping after a recent cold front experienced in my state earlier this year. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Regarding the splash guard, not applicable. • It’s was very inconvenient to drive with a portion of my car scraping the ground. I had to be more mindful of my driving in the higher speed limit areas incase the splash guard detached. I had it re-attached multiple times. Regarding the chipped paint, not applicable. • It it counts, for my splash guard, during a servicing, I asked Hyundai to re-attach it. For the chipped paint, no. • The splash guard has during a past servicing. The chipped paint is more recent so it hasn’t • No. Splash guard, a month after purchasing vehicle. The chipped paint, earlier this year, January-February 2026.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2026
I was notified of a recall on my from vehicle by Hyundai via email some time in March of 2026. The message said mentioned my vehicle may have a defective/worn purge control check valve that would cause the fuel tank to deform. Potentially leading to a release of fuel over time, which then could ignite. NHTSA Recall #25V796000 My car showed now signs of problems, but I brought it into a Hyundai dealership on March 13th where they confirmed my vehicle had the issue. They said the situation required I not drive my vehicle and gave me a rental in the meantime. I assumed it would be a simple swap of the fuel tank and everything would be fine. I was offered a buyback from my Hyundai claims manager over the situation, but I figured since its a simple fix, I'd keep my car and have it fixed. Two weeks went by with no update from the dealership, so I walked in for answers. Turns out, the subframe of my car has been damaged by the expanding fuel tank and they are still waiting for updates from Hyundai on how to proceed as they themselves don't know how to fix my vehicle. My Hyundai claims manager did not mention this when we talked over the phone and he offered a buyback. None of their recall notices mention structural damage anywhere or even as a possibility. I asked the dealership again on April 1, 2026, and they are still waiting on guidance on how to proceed. Neither does my Hyundai claims manager handling this situation on their end.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 1, 2026
Will be driving the car and suddenly hear a beep. Then the dashboard will flash with the ABS light engine light tire pressure light check Blindspot sensors, forward collision sensors. once all the lights appear on the dashboard, I can no longer accelerate. i’ve cleaned the throttlebody. I’ve replaced the gas pedal and it’s still kicking back the same code it still does it the same identical thing. It’s given out on me three times since December with an infant in the car. We are now in February.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
Component or system involved and availability for inspection: The issue involves the transmission / drivetrain system. When I entered my VIN on Hyundai’s official dealership website, a safety recall related to the transmission appeared. I took a screenshot of this recall. When I later contacted Hyundai Motor America and spoke with my assigned case manager, I was told that no such recall existed for my VIN. A few days after that call, the recall no longer appeared when checking the VIN online. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: A transmission-related safety recall presents a risk of loss of power, inability to accelerate, or sudden mechanical failure, which could increase the risk of a crash, especially during normal driving conditions such as merging, accelerating, or driving at highway speeds. The uncertainty and inconsistency regarding whether a safety recall applies to my vehicle has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. Confirmation by dealer or service center: The problem has not been repaired by a dealer, as Hyundai denied that a recall existed despite it previously appearing under my VIN on their official website. Independent service centers that recently serviced the vehicle did not identify or report any transmission warnings or failures. Inspection by manufacturer or others: The vehicle has not been physically inspected by Hyundai for this recall issue. My only interaction with the manufacturer was a phone call + email with a Hyundai case manager, who stated that no recall applied to my VIN. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this issue. The vehicle recently received routine maintenance, including an oil change, tire balancing, and tire rotation, and none of the service providers reported any problems or concerns related to the transmission or overall vehicle condition. I am 34 weeks pregnant with no way to the hospital.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2025
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 recall condition. The dealership refused to treat the concern as recall-related unless I paid a diagnostic fee and later attempted to reclassify the issue as a customer-pay fuel pump repair. During this visit, the dealership replaced a fuel system sensor without my authorization, which I did not approve or consent to. The dealership has not provided documented test results explaining how the recall condition was ruled out and has not documented recall inspection on the repair order. I expressed that I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to the fuel system recall and drivability issues. The dealership also refused to provide alternate transportation. I am concerned the recall is not being handled in compliance with NHTSA requirements and that unauthorized repairs were performed while attempting to shift a recall-related condition to the customer. I am requesting review of recall handling and dealer compliance.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2025
NHTSA: #25V796000 Recall: #286 2020-23MY SONATA (DN8/DN8A) FUEL TANK Issued on 11/18/2025 and there is no remedy yet for this issue. Hyundai of Ocala has not issued me a loaner car. What am I supposed to do? It’s been over a month since the recall was posted and still no remedy. I’m concerned for mine and my families safety. This car is our only means of transportation. I need a solution
Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Nov 8, 2025
The vehicle's HVAC (heating) system failed. It stopped producing heat on one side of the vehicle. My mechanic/dealer diagnosed the issue as a broken component within the HVAC case under the dashboard, requiring full dashboard removal and a repair estimated at over $3,000. This failure prevents the defroster from working properly, which is a major safety hazard as it cannot clear fog or frost from the windshield. A search of online forums and owner communities shows this is a widespread complaint from many other Hyundai owners, often identified as a failed blend door or blend door actuator, which requires the same expensive dashboard removal to repair.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2025
The parking assistant camera on the front of the car is loose, which means that the bracket is broke. I took my car into Hyundai and they could not explain to me how it got broke or came loose and this is a safety issue because this helps you park and see what’s in front of you when parking.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2025
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding Hyundai’s Recall Campaign 216, which involves a safety defect related to the windshield assemblies of certain Hyundai vehicles. Despite the recall being issued to address the risk of inadequate windshield adhesion due to non-conforming clear coat paint, I have been unable to get my vehicle repaired. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership promptly after learning about the recall; however, they informed me that they were unable to perform the repair at the time due to not having a glass technician on staff/on site. I made multiple phone calls after anticipating the service manager’s follow up, as she promised, with dates a glass technician could be on site. I never heard back after leaving various voicemails or being put through to the wrong departments. This delay is concerning because the recall notice specifically outlines the increased risk of injury in a crash if the windshield is not adequately retained. As a concerned vehicle owner, I am left driving a potentially unsafe vehicle without any clarity on when a proper remedy will be available. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Hyundai and its dealerships are prepared and properly equipped to carry out the necessary recall repairs in a timely manner, in alignment with their safety responsibilities. I have attached the email received 7/31 from Hyundai following my customer service complaint I submitted 7/9. Please let me know if any additional documentation or vehicle information is required.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2025
The moon roof made a very loud noise as I was driving down the interstate. It sounded like a loud bang. The safety risk was that I could have jerked the wheel from the scare of the loud sound. My moon roof then shattered and began to fly off.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2025
I bought this car in June 2013 for its safety and its Amazing warranty and all the features that it has Hyundai manufacture had an obligation as a consumer service and failed to send notification of any recalled to us in regards to a recall High pressure, fuel pump, and fuel rail Fuel system engine, gas tank This is a product of liability and negligence on time but they failed to take responsibility and comply with federal laws. I was driving with my family in the car when this car was a ticking Time bomb not even being aware of the Death trap on wheels. We ended having towed our home and then to then had to make a call next day and have it towed to Hyundai service center While we were driving this happen, where we heard two loud pops the gas gauge went down from 200 something to 80 engine lights came right up the backseats were heating up under my son seat in the back stated he felt waves as the backseat was getting hotter, we pulled over to a gas station and that’s when we had to call called O’Reillys and then we called a mechanic friend which stated that he ended up looking up the car and stated please pull over and get out car and called the Hyundai manufacture that there was a recall that’s the only way we found out other than that no prior incidents, then called the service technician of Hyundai i called amd complaint with the Honda manufacture corporate. They have failed to take the responsibility for this and they should be ashamed and take their accountability for this we could’ve died and anyone else around us on road as we drive this car daily The car was a higher risk of a ticking time bomb stated by the Hyundai service center technicians. this is an nere to miss accident narrowly avoid catastrophe
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2025
Rearview camera fails to display an image. It does work sometimes but then most of the times the rearview camera does not display any image as seen in the images attached. This issue started occurring recently, that is when I reverse the car, the rearview camera image is not displayed at all. Earlier the rearview camera was working with out any issue when I reverse the car. Issue seems to be same as campaign number: 24V879000
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2025
P0741 code tcc solenoid
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2025
My car is giving a p0741 code and I was told has something to do with transmission and my car has been jerking.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2025
A semi truck passed me from the opposite direction and caused a gust of wind to be generated diagonally across the car. Both of us were traveling at highway speeds. The gust of wind caused the undercarriage retainers\clips to completely fail. The undercarriage folded back on itself and was pinned on both sides against each tire beneath the car. On the left side, the tire tore part of the undercarriage off as if it had came between the tire and the pavement. I believe this has the potential to cause a loss of control given ideal circumstances. Luckily, neither tire failed and I was able to safely pull to the side of the road to zip tie the undercarriage in place. However, part of the wheel well was shredded.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2025
I live northern suburbs of Illinois. I was backing out of a parking spot when I couldn’t switch gears from Reverse to Drive. My car showed flashing lights and said system malfunction and service immediately. I had to put the safety brake and turn of my car. It took a couple minutes to reset and turn on my car for me to move it.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2024
UNKNOWN Wednesday 7-3-24 I was driving on an interstate at night, going approximately 74mph and my car totally powered down and powered back on with no warnings. Everything on the dashboard and display screen went black. This was totally random and has never happened before. I’m a second owner, previously owned by a rental car corporation. I have no idea if there has been previous recalls that have not been repaired or not.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2024, crash
WAS PARKED IN BANK PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. (LIKE I WAS IN A DRAG RACE!!) APPLIED BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. DID NOT STOP UNTIL I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR. WHOLE INCIDENT TOOK JUST SECONDS. CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE AT THE DEALERS ON [XXX]. NOW HAS 16,597 MILES ON VEHICLE. CAR TO BE SERVICED AT RACHELS COLLISION, 720 S NOVA ROAD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL ON MONDAY [XXX]. IF I HAD NOT RAN INTO A PARKED CAR, I WOULD HAVE ENTERED [XXX] IN DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FL WHICH WAS CROWDED WITH MOTORCYCLES.... FRIDAY NOON DURING BIKE WEEK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2023, crash
1. Vehicle Speed Control 2. I was in a friend's driveway with the car in drive with auto hold activated. Car lunged forward and not able to stop it. Ran into a garage door did substantial damage to home owners property. I guess we were lucky the door took the impact. 3. I took to dealer today to report and have appointment to have looked at on January 8th. They have no previous report of this happening. 4. I have contacted my insurance company, but they are just filing a claim. 5. I was talking to my guest and was not looking at the dashboard, but I saw no warning message after the fact.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2023
The car slowly goes forward after releasing the break
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2023
The ITMS is failing causing engine over heating and loss of acceleration at higher speeds.