2021 Hyundai Sonata VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 151 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (29), Engine (26).
Sonata reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Hyundai Sonata before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Hyundai Sonata issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System34
- Unknown Or Other29
- Engine26
- Power Train22
- Fuel Propulsion System6
- Fuel System, Gasoline5
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test transmission for shuddering or delayed shifts
- Inspect for strong gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle
- Check for dashboard warning lights activating simultaneously
- Verify proper operation of the 12-volt battery, especially in hybrids
- Test seat belts for proper release and securement
- Check for any unusual engine noises or overheating signs
- Ensure brakes do not engage unexpectedly or lock up
2021 Sonata recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Sonata. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 25V796000Nov 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.
Consequence: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. 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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V746000Oct 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.
Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- VISIBILITYNHTSA 21V00M000Dec 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.
Consequence: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V524000Jul 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Used-market value
2021 Hyundai Sonata resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Hyundai Sonata on the road
83,434 2021 Hyundai Sonata units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Hyundai Sonata stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
With a 67/100 reliability score against a 77/100 segment average, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata lands below the class norm. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a consistently strong one, raising buyer risk compared with typical competitors.
Issue reports are spread across several major systems instead of clustering in a single area. Electrical-system complaints lead, with additional volume in engine and powertrain categories, suggesting multiple potential touchpoints rather than one dominant weak link. A sizable share also falls into “unknown or other,” which limits how clearly the pattern can be tied to specific components. Recall activity is elevated rather than limited, adding to the overall caution signal. As the second year of this generation, the data reads as mixed.
Overall risk level: moderate and higher than the segment average.
What you get in a 2021 Hyundai Sonata report
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2021 Hyundai Sonata — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
With a 67/100 reliability score against a 77/100 segment average, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata lands below the class norm. That gap points to a moderate reliability profile rather than a consistently strong one, raising buyer risk compared with typical competitors.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems?
The most-reported 2021 Hyundai Sonata problem areas are: Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (29), Engine (26).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Hyundai Sonata, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.