Model year guide

2021 Hyundai Sonata

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Hyundai Sonata is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.

2021 Hyundai Sonata — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Hyundai Sonata at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints118
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$29,311

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls 4

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #21V524000 · 09/07/2021

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.

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 NHTSA Campaign #21V00M000 · 28/12/2021

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.

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 NHTSA Campaign #22V746000 · 06/10/2022

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.

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.…

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #25V796000 · 18/11/2025

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.

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 wer…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2021 Hyundai Sonata common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2021 Hyundai Sonata MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City26 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,063

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2021 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Low
$25,999
Typical price
$29,311
High
$33,740

From 5 comparable 2021 Hyundai Sonata listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Hyundai Sonata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,315
Depreciation (5 yrs)$16,950
Total$27,265
Per mile$0.36

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($29,311) with the same model 5 model-years older ($12,370), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Hyundai Sonata trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SEL · SEL Plus · N Line · Limited
Engines
2.5L · 1.6L · 2.5L 4-cyl 191 hp

2021 Hyundai Sonata vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Sonata model years

2021 Hyundai Sonata — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Sonata at about 30 mpg combined (26 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2021 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Comparable 2021 Hyundai Sonata listings run roughly $25,999–$33,740, typically around $29,311 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.