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2021 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and windshield. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank expansion under recall 25V796000.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #21V524000 · Sep 7, 2021

Issue: 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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #21V00M000 · Dec 28, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #22V746000 · Jun 10, 2022

Issue: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #25V796000 · Nov 18, 2025

Issue: 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 data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank expansion under recall 25V796000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge indicated that the tank was half full”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754791
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753027
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729119

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure and replacement

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-06

“The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission and Electronic Oil Pump (EOP) failures resulting in loss of propulsion, loss of acceleration, and transmission-related malfunctions”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741226
“My transmission on my 21 Hyundai sonata n line has failed. It began when the car needed to emergency brake when someone jump into my lane on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647714
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488803

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-07

“The panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving without any external impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752333
“Sunroof exploded on the highway with no one in-front of me to kick up any rocks or debris”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641851
“I was driving down the highway with my mom, no cracks in any of my windows before any of this by the way”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526475

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking and recall repair delays

VISIBILITY

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2025-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445226
“I have had my 2021 Hyundai Sonata LES for less than a year and am already having problems with the front windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11448202
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678866

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system component failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2026-08

“The Left blinker switch keeps going in and out, working about 50% of the time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755451
“Fuse box has a defect causing the AC blower motor to intermittently not work”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612820
“So for the past year and half my cars left turn signal has been working intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534239

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power while driving

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-08

“Going down the road driving the car lost power and went in limp mode with no warnings on the dash at all!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754136
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546386
“On 5 separate occasions the car has shut itself off while driving. After the first 2 times the car was taken to the dealership where they found nothing wrong and told us to replace the battery”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642341

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust Heat Recovery System coolant leak

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2026-06

“The Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS) has failed for the second time on this vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730992
“The internal core of the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), part of the center muffler/front pipe assembly (#28600-L5210), suffered a catastrophic failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727380
“The EHRS coolant system failed and had a leak causing the coolant to be excessively burned off as thick white smoke”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719316

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision and automatic braking malfunction

SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-08

“During a front end collision the car did not auto brake and the air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679381
“Vehicle in front of me stopped. Six car lengths between us. I applied brakes, nothing, I even put my left foot on top of my right foot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520558
“I turned on a highway and had gotten my car up to 45 mph when a deer came out of nowhere and I slammed into it hard back on January 12th”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

44 crashes 1990–2024

How the 44 occupant deaths break down

35

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

44

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2021 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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