This page covers 6 recalls, 163 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
27–47 mpg combined
5–8.7 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, engine and electrical system complaints make up the largest share of what owners report. On the engine side, a recurring theme involves the Exhaust Heat Recovery System, with multiple owners describing internal failures that allow coolant to leak into the exhaust stream, producing significant steam and visibility problems. A separate group of engine complaints centers on a purge control check valve issue, where owners report being told the component may cause fuel tank deformation and potential fuel release. The electrical system draws a similar volume of complaints, though the reported symptoms vary across power and charging behavior, warning lights, and component faults. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, with owners describing a range of drivability concerns. The EHRS coolant leak pattern is the most specific and consistent cluster, with owners across multiple reports describing the same part number and failure mode.
163
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple fuel system defects that can allow fuel to leak or the fuel tank to melt from contact with hot exhaust components, raising the risk of a fire. One recall affects vehicles with the 2.5L turbocharged engine, where fuel can leak at the connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. A separate issue involves a check valve that can allow air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and press against hot exhaust parts until it melts and leaks. On the drivetrain side, certain vehicles with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission can experience a sudden and complete loss of drive power after a transmission oil pump fault triggers a programming error in the fail-safe system, leaving the vehicle without power to the wheels mid-drive. There is also a windshield concern: on some vehicles, the windshield was not properly bonded during manufacturing and can detach in a crash, raising the risk of injury to occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
A damaged check valve allows air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and touch hot exhaust parts, which can melt the tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve, inspect and replace the fuel tank if damaged, and update engine control software.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A transmission oil pump malfunction can disable the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode, potentially causing complete loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software. Repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A transmission oil pump fault can trigger fail-safe mode. A software error then cuts power to the wheels after 20–30 seconds. This affects certain vehicles with 8-speed dual-clutch transmissions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, then update the transmission control unit software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not have been properly bonded during manufacturing, which could cause it to detach in a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will remove and reinstall the front windshield at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel can leak where the high-pressure fuel pump connects to the fuel rail in the 2.5L turbocharged engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pipe connection and tighten or replace it as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connection between the high-pressure fuel pipe and fuel pump may not seal properly, potentially allowing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pipe to ensure a proper seal.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
