2021 Hyundai Sonata recalls & problems

Recent owner complaints

• Jul 1, 2024Electrical system
  The left turn signal works intermittently. It has now stopped working about 90% of the time. The multi-function switch was replaced 3 times and I am still having the issue. The signal won't work on the exterior and it won't light up on the interior dash either. This is creating an unsafe driving environment which increases crash rates. Multiple vehicle owner with the same make/model/year are experiencing this issue, which I have found during research.
• Sep 23, 2026Power train
  My 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line suffered a catastrophic, sudden total loss of drive power while operating at speed on a public roadway, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle lost forward propulsion and the gear selector flashed a blinking 'R' when reverse was attempted. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, [XXX] Hyundai Southtowne, where their factory GDS tool pulled transmission code P283601 (Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit). This matches the exact critical safety failure path targeted by Federal Safety Recall 236 (NHTSA Campaign 22V-746) for the 8-speed wet-DCT high-pressure electric oil pump circuit failure. The vehicle previously received the 2022 software patch, but…
• Sep 23, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
  DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & IMMEDIATE HAZARD:My 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL is currently exhibiting the most severe, catastrophic symptoms of the fuel tank expansion defect covered under NHTSA Campaign 25V796000. The fuel tank has expanded so drastically that it physically warped the structural interior of the cabin, violently popping the rear passenger seat completely out of its assembly while the vehicle was in motion. Furthermore, there is a constant, heavy, raw gasoline odor inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle is a documented, active fire, explosion, and vapor inhalation hazard. It is currently physically located at Sterling Hyundai in Lafayette, LA.DESCRIPTION OF MANUFACTURER…
• Sep 15, 2025 · 100,000 miles · 1 injuryFuel system, gasoline
  The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts were on back order. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. An unknown warning light was temporarily illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the fuel level had dropped. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact stated that the O2 sensor, spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced by a local independent mechanic; however, the failures persisted. The contact had…
• Jan 26, 2023Power train
  Transmission replaced twice and all of them continue to fail. Several Hyundai service centers are unable to determine the cause and are only able to update/relearn and replace whenever they are able to replicate the issue. The issue is that at a cold start, the car makes a popping sound, jerks and shakes. The car hesitates to accelerate. You can hear the noise of acceleration but RPM does not go past 3 and MPH doesn't go past 30mph. I'm unable to upload docs because of the upload limit. If there's another way to send docs, please let me know
• Apr 15, 2026Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
  Massive loss of coolant in closed loop cooling system Heat soak. Fail safe mode
• Dec 15, 2025 · 55,000 milesFuel system, gasoline
  The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded frame due to an expanded fuel tank. The vehicle was deemed too expensive to repair per the local dealer and was towed for a buy-back. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was…
• Aug 12, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
  I took my vehicle in for the safety recall due to an expanding fuel tank on 08/03/2026. I received my vehicle back on 8/12/2026. Hyundai performed an improper repair on the vehicle that will not correct the fuel tank expansion. They replaced the same check valve that was replaced last time I brought the vehicle in for recall on 11/20/2024 repair order # 107221 at Jones Hyundai of Belair. This valve did not and will not correct the fuel tank expansion issue. The expansion issue is caused by fuel getting past the check valve and entering the purge control system. The correct repair is to replace the fuel tank and the purge control system, as the check valve has already allowed fuel to bypass…

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

• DP22003 · opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023Loss of Motive Power
  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003)…