The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Sonata · 2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index128100 = average car
Complaints103NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold83,434U.S. model year
Per 100K sold123complaints
Year rank#17 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cyl turboAuto (S8)FWD27 / 37 / 30Regular$2,100
2.0L 4-cyl hybridAuto (AM-S6)FWD45 / 51 / 47Regular$1,300
2.5L 4-cylAuto (S8)FWD27 / 37 / 31Regular$2,000
2.5L 4-cyl turboAuto (AM-S8)FWD23 / 33 / 27Regular$2,300

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,000 and 70,000 miles. Median 35,000, from 27 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine44,0004,200–93,5005
Transmission & drivetrain21,5009,800–36,5006
Fuel system, gasoline75,20049,400–107,50010

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine31%
Electrical27%
Transmission & drivetrain15%
Automatic emergency braking10%
Fuel or ev drive system9%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
18980408

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 25V796000 Nov 2025 Fuel System, Gasoline

    Defect. 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.

    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. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu

  • 22V746000 Oct 2022 Power Train / Automatic Transmission

    Defect. 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.

    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.

  • 21V00M000 Dec 2021 Visibility / Windshield

    Defect. 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.

    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.

  • 21V524000 Jul 2021 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. 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.

    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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023

Manufacturer communications 111

Hyundai filed 111 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a Check Engine light on and one or more of the…
  • If you are servicing an 8-speed front-wheel-drive vehicle with the DTC or symptoms listed…
  • Check engine light in conjunction

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★★

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2018107123105,118Engine
2019444287,466Lights
20201118076,997Engine
202112810383,434Engine
20221178752,140Transmission & drivetrain
202318810340,655Fuel or ev drive system
20241045561,701Electrical

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data