2021 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata: 4 recalls, 134 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V524000 · 2021 · 15,752 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l turbocharged engines. Fuel May leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #21V00M000 · 2021 · 26,413 vehicles
What's wrong: During manufacturing, the windshield May not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Why it matters: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V746000 · 2022 · 56,148 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V796000 · 2025 · 85,043 vehicles
What's wrong: A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
Why it matters: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), warning light on (10), leaks (6).
- Other / unknown (32): the most common themes are warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (11), warning light on (8), noise or vibration (5).
- Fuel & propulsion (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), fire / smoke (5), warning light on (5).
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 134 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 41,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (179 complaints, 4 recalls), 2022 (94 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (34), other / unknown (32), transmission & drivetrain (25).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Hyundai Sonata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.