FaultScore

2021 Hyundai Sonata other reported problems

31 of the 180 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata are about the other systems — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 1,400 miles.

D

31

Complaints

3

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 31 100.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Hyundai Sonata year

2002 11 0.9%
2004 12 0.9%
2006 30 2.4%
2007 22 1.7%
2008 21 1.7%
2009 48 3.8%
2010 36 2.8%
2011 213 16.8%
2012 122 9.6%
2013 174 13.8%
2014 80 6.3%
2015 164 13.0%
2016 91 7.2%
2017 101 8.0%
2018 58 4.6%
2019 23 1.8%
2020 28 2.2%
2021 31 2.5%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kaysville, UT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. Component Failed: Panoramic Sunroof Glass Assembly (Structure / Visibility / Glass). Details: While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously exploded outward without warning or impact from any foreign object. Inspection: I have not had the vehicle repaired yet so it is currently available. I also took a picture of it. 2. Safety Risk: The sudden, loud explosion (sounding like a gunshot) at freeway speeds caused immediate driver distraction and severe disorientation. Shattered tempered glass was mostly restricted from the cabin by the curtain barrier but some rained down into the passenger cabin. Most blew backward onto the highway, posing a major hazard to occupants as well as trailing motorists. Furthermore, this is a recurring defect in our household: my wife experienced an identical spontaneous sunroof explosion on her 2024 Hyundai Palisade, demonstrating a pattern of hazardous glass failures across multiple late-model Hyundai vehicles. 3. Reproduced or confirmed: I have not had it inspected by anyone. I am awaiting quotes for repairs. I have taken a picture of the vehicle that has not been driven since the incident. 4. Inspection: No one else has inspected it. I have a picture and can take more as needed. Hoping to not have to drive it until I take it to a shop for repairs. It has been reported to a dealership, but they did not seem too concerned or interested in helping. They insisted that they would not give a repair quote until I drove it the 20 miles for them to inspect. 5. Any Warning: No warning. There were no warning lights, abnormal noises, visible cracks, or previous symptoms prior to the sudden explosion. The failure occurred completely spontaneously under normal highway driving conditions.

NHTSA complaint #11753241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Centreville, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving without any external impact

NHTSA complaint #11752333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baton Rouge, LA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

• I experienced trouble with my splash guard being damaged from hanging and scraping the ground about a month after purchasing the vehicle. Also, my hood paint started chipping after a recent cold front experienced in my state earlier this year. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Regarding the splash guard, not applicable. • It’s was very inconvenient to drive with a portion of my car scraping the ground. I had to be more mindful of my driving in the higher speed limit areas incase the splash guard detached. I had it re-attached multiple times. Regarding the chipped paint, not applicable. • It it counts, for my splash guard, during a servicing, I asked Hyundai to re-attach it. For the chipped paint, no. • The splash guard has during a past servicing. The chipped paint is more recent so it hasn’t • No. Splash guard, a month after purchasing vehicle. The chipped paint, earlier this year, January-February 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11730039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was notified of a recall on my from vehicle by Hyundai via email some time in March of 2026. The message said mentioned my vehicle may have a defective/worn purge control check valve that would cause the fuel tank to deform. Potentially leading to a release of fuel over time, which then could ignite. NHTSA Recall #25V796000 My car showed now signs of problems, but I brought it into a Hyundai dealership on March 13th where they confirmed my vehicle had the issue. They said the situation required I not drive my vehicle and gave me a rental in the meantime. I assumed it would be a simple swap of the fuel tank and everything would be fine. I was offered a buyback from my Hyundai claims manager over the situation, but I figured since its a simple fix, I'd keep my car and have it fixed. Two weeks went by with no update from the dealership, so I walked in for answers. Turns out, the subframe of my car has been damaged by the expanding fuel tank and they are still waiting for updates from Hyundai on how to proceed as they themselves don't know how to fix my vehicle. My Hyundai claims manager did not mention this when we talked over the phone and he offered a buyback. None of their recall notices mention structural damage anywhere or even as a possibility. I asked the dealership again on April 1, 2026, and they are still waiting on guidance on how to proceed. Neither does my Hyundai claims manager handling this situation on their end.

NHTSA complaint #11729119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lakeland, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Will be driving the car and suddenly hear a beep. Then the dashboard will flash with the ABS light engine light tire pressure light check Blindspot sensors, forward collision sensors. once all the lights appear on the dashboard, I can no longer accelerate. i’ve cleaned the throttlebody. I’ve replaced the gas pedal and it’s still kicking back the same code it still does it the same identical thing. It’s given out on me three times since December with an infant in the car. We are now in February.

NHTSA complaint #11714874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Broomfield, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component or system involved and availability for inspection: The issue involves the transmission / drivetrain system. When I entered my VIN on Hyundai’s official dealership website, a safety recall related to the transmission appeared. I took a screenshot of this recall. When I later contacted Hyundai Motor America and spoke with my assigned case manager, I was told that no such recall existed for my VIN. A few days after that call, the recall no longer appeared when checking the VIN online. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: A transmission-related safety recall presents a risk of loss of power, inability to accelerate, or sudden mechanical failure, which could increase the risk of a crash, especially during normal driving conditions such as merging, accelerating, or driving at highway speeds. The uncertainty and inconsistency regarding whether a safety recall applies to my vehicle has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. Confirmation by dealer or service center: The problem has not been repaired by a dealer, as Hyundai denied that a recall existed despite it previously appearing under my VIN on their official website. Independent service centers that recently serviced the vehicle did not identify or report any transmission warnings or failures. Inspection by manufacturer or others: The vehicle has not been physically inspected by Hyundai for this recall issue. My only interaction with the manufacturer was a phone call + email with a Hyundai case manager, who stated that no recall applied to my VIN. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this issue. The vehicle recently received routine maintenance, including an oil change, tire balancing, and tire rotation, and none of the service providers reported any problems or concerns related to the transmission or overall vehicle condition. I am 34 weeks pregnant with no way to the hospital.

NHTSA complaint #11711248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Davie, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2021 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T, which has an open NHTSA safety recall (25V796000) related to fuel tank pressurization and fire risk. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership due to a check engine light, reduced performance, and DTC P14EE, which aligns with the recall condition. The dealership refused to treat the concern as recall-related unless I paid a diagnostic fee and later attempted to reclassify the issue as a customer-pay fuel pump repair. During this visit, the dealership replaced a fuel system sensor without my authorization, which I did not approve or consent to. The dealership has not provided documented test results explaining how the recall condition was ruled out and has not documented recall inspection on the repair order. I expressed that I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to the fuel system recall and drivability issues. The dealership also refused to provide alternate transportation. I am concerned the recall is not being handled in compliance with NHTSA requirements and that unauthorized repairs were performed while attempting to shift a recall-related condition to the customer. I am requesting review of recall handling and dealer compliance.

NHTSA complaint #11707864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocala, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA: #25V796000 Recall: #286 2020-23MY SONATA (DN8/DN8A) FUEL TANK Issued on 11/18/2025 and there is no remedy yet for this issue. Hyundai of Ocala has not issued me a loaner car. What am I supposed to do? It’s been over a month since the recall was posted and still no remedy. I’m concerned for mine and my families safety. This car is our only means of transportation. I need a solution

NHTSA complaint #11707339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

P0471 error comes up off and on, this is recall related but the dealership refuses to address it. The seatbelt has to be clicked 2x in order to stick. Happens with driver side.

NHTSA complaint #11706868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Richland, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle's HVAC (heating) system failed. It stopped producing heat on one side of the vehicle. My mechanic/dealer diagnosed the issue as a broken component within the HVAC case under the dashboard, requiring full dashboard removal and a repair estimated at over $3,000. This failure prevents the defroster from working properly, which is a major safety hazard as it cannot clear fog or frost from the windshield. A search of online forums and owner communities shows this is a widespread complaint from many other Hyundai owners, often identified as a failed blend door or blend door actuator, which requires the same expensive dashboard removal to repair.

NHTSA complaint #11698349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Reisterstown, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The parking assistant camera on the front of the car is loose, which means that the bracket is broke. I took my car into Hyundai and they could not explain to me how it got broke or came loose and this is a safety issue because this helps you park and see what’s in front of you when parking.

NHTSA complaint #11685346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Brighton, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding Hyundai’s Recall Campaign 216, which involves a safety defect related to the windshield assemblies of certain Hyundai vehicles. Despite the recall being issued to address the risk of inadequate windshield adhesion due to non-conforming clear coat paint, I have been unable to get my vehicle repaired. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership promptly after learning about the recall; however, they informed me that they were unable to perform the repair at the time due to not having a glass technician on staff/on site. I made multiple phone calls after anticipating the service manager’s follow up, as she promised, with dates a glass technician could be on site. I never heard back after leaving various voicemails or being put through to the wrong departments. This delay is concerning because the recall notice specifically outlines the increased risk of injury in a crash if the windshield is not adequately retained. As a concerned vehicle owner, I am left driving a potentially unsafe vehicle without any clarity on when a proper remedy will be available. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Hyundai and its dealerships are prepared and properly equipped to carry out the necessary recall repairs in a timely manner, in alignment with their safety responsibilities. I have attached the email received 7/31 from Hyundai following my customer service complaint I submitted 7/9. Please let me know if any additional documentation or vehicle information is required.

NHTSA complaint #11678866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lucedale, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The moon roof made a very loud noise as I was driving down the interstate. It sounded like a loud bang. The safety risk was that I could have jerked the wheel from the scare of the loud sound. My moon roof then shattered and began to fly off.

NHTSA complaint #11668567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sacramento, CA 5 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I bought this car in June 2013 for its safety and its Amazing warranty and all the features that it has Hyundai manufacture had an obligation as a consumer service and failed to send notification of any recalled to us in regards to a recall High pressure, fuel pump, and fuel rail Fuel system engine, gas tank This is a product of liability and negligence on time but they failed to take responsibility and comply with federal laws. I was driving with my family in the car when this car was a ticking Time bomb not even being aware of the Death trap on wheels. We ended having towed our home and then to then had to make a call next day and have it towed to Hyundai service center While we were driving this happen, where we heard two loud pops the gas gauge went down from 200 something to 80 engine lights came right up the backseats were heating up under my son seat in the back stated he felt waves as the backseat was getting hotter, we pulled over to a gas station and that’s when we had to call called O’Reillys and then we called a mechanic friend which stated that he ended up looking up the car and stated please pull over and get out car and called the Hyundai manufacture that there was a recall that’s the only way we found out other than that no prior incidents, then called the service technician of Hyundai i called amd complaint with the Honda manufacture corporate. They have failed to take the responsibility for this and they should be ashamed and take their accountability for this we could’ve died and anyone else around us on road as we drive this car daily The car was a higher risk of a ticking time bomb stated by the Hyundai service center technicians. this is an nere to miss accident narrowly avoid catastrophe

NHTSA complaint #11668446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carrollton, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rearview camera fails to display an image. It does work sometimes but then most of the times the rearview camera does not display any image as seen in the images attached. This issue started occurring recently, that is when I reverse the car, the rearview camera image is not displayed at all. Earlier the rearview camera was working with out any issue when I reverse the car. Issue seems to be same as campaign number: 24V879000

NHTSA complaint #11667835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Millsboro, DE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

P0741 code tcc solenoid

NHTSA complaint #11663019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dyer, TN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car is giving a p0741 code and I was told has something to do with transmission and my car has been jerking.

NHTSA complaint #11642854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norman, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A semi truck passed me from the opposite direction and caused a gust of wind to be generated diagonally across the car. Both of us were traveling at highway speeds. The gust of wind caused the undercarriage retainers\clips to completely fail. The undercarriage folded back on itself and was pinned on both sides against each tire beneath the car. On the left side, the tire tore part of the undercarriage off as if it had came between the tire and the pavement. I believe this has the potential to cause a loss of control given ideal circumstances. Luckily, neither tire failed and I was able to safely pull to the side of the road to zip tie the undercarriage in place. However, part of the wheel well was shredded.

NHTSA complaint #11642360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mundelein, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I live northern suburbs of Illinois. I was backing out of a parking spot when I couldn’t switch gears from Reverse to Drive. My car showed flashing lights and said system malfunction and service immediately. I had to put the safety brake and turn of my car. It took a couple minutes to reset and turn on my car for me to move it.

NHTSA complaint #11641099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elkhart, IN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN Wednesday 7-3-24 I was driving on an interstate at night, going approximately 74mph and my car totally powered down and powered back on with no warnings. Everything on the dashboard and display screen went black. This was totally random and has never happened before. I’m a second owner, previously owned by a rental car corporation. I have no idea if there has been previous recalls that have not been repaired or not.

NHTSA complaint #11606204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ponce Inlet, FL Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WAS PARKED IN BANK PARKING LOT. STARTED ENGINE, PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND CAR ACCELERATED AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. (LIKE I WAS IN A DRAG RACE!!) APPLIED BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. DID NOT STOP UNTIL I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR. WHOLE INCIDENT TOOK JUST SECONDS. CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE AT THE DEALERS ON [XXX]. NOW HAS 16,597 MILES ON VEHICLE. CAR TO BE SERVICED AT RACHELS COLLISION, 720 S NOVA ROAD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL ON MONDAY [XXX]. IF I HAD NOT RAN INTO A PARKED CAR, I WOULD HAVE ENTERED [XXX] IN DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FL WHICH WAS CROWDED WITH MOTORCYCLES.... FRIDAY NOON DURING BIKE WEEK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11576439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Mill, SC Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. Vehicle Speed Control 2. I was in a friend's driveway with the car in drive with auto hold activated. Car lunged forward and not able to stop it. Ran into a garage door did substantial damage to home owners property. I guess we were lucky the door took the impact. 3. I took to dealer today to report and have appointment to have looked at on January 8th. They have no previous report of this happening. 4. I have contacted my insurance company, but they are just filing a claim. 5. I was talking to my guest and was not looking at the dashboard, but I saw no warning message after the fact.

NHTSA complaint #11559210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Keswick, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car slowly goes forward after releasing the break

NHTSA complaint #11542222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Modesto, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The ITMS is failing causing engine over heating and loss of acceleration at higher speeds.

NHTSA complaint #11526847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sunrise, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We received a letter back in Dec 2021 about a recall for our windshield that Hyundai was aware of but there was no fix available. It states that if in a crash it could be real bad because the adhesive on the windshield. However i don't think it should take almost 5 months for a serious recall like this.

NHTSA complaint #11462037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

El Paso, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have had my 2021 Hyundai Sonata LES for less than a year and am already having problems with the front windshield. There is “air nose” coming through the windshield when I drive above 55 MPH. There has been recalls for this problem on some 2020-2021 Hyundai vehicles. The 2021 Sonata is one of them. However, when I look up to see if there is any recalls with my VIN number, it shows no recalls. I know my windshield is defective or wasn’t properly installed.

NHTSA complaint #11448202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodhaven, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Hello The car shut off on the freeway while driving. The display lit up light a Xmas tree including the forward collision warning. I though this was an isolated incident. It has happened now numerous times. The car even braked on its own then shut off while turning in the middle of a busy intersection. There are several reports of very similar symptoms on Edmonds under reviews. This car is dangerous. I have contacted Hyundai twice now.

NHTSA complaint #11446664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

High Point, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On August 23rd, 2021, I was on a business trip between High Point, NC and Greenville, SC. I was operating my own vehicle as the mode of transport. Upon arrival in Greenville, the car began behaving strangely. The transmission was not shifting at typical intervals, at times racing the engine at low speeds. After restarting the vehicle, there was a brief return to normal. Then the vehicle reported a "Check Engine" light and the transmission stopped functioning entirely. Due to capacity issues, I was unable to utilize a local dealership. I used AAA to tow the vehicle to Fort Mill Hyundai in Fort Mill, SC, where it remains to this day. The vehicle threw a P0868 code, which is supposedly a generic error relating to an electrical problem in the transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11438217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 1,400 miles Cape Coral, FL Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after driving out of the garage and parking in the driveway with the engine idling and remote smart parking assist feature activated, 6 minutes later the vehicle suddenly began to slowly roll forward into the garage area making contact with a second vehicle that was parked in the garage before crashing into the back of the garage wall and stopping. During the incident, no injuries were reported, and no police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,400.

NHTSA complaint #11425935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bellevue, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excessive wind noise is coming from the driver side window when speeds are over 55mph+. A lot of other owners on the forums are experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA complaint #11419864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Hyundai Sonata problems

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