2021 Hyundai Sonata HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (25) and engine (21). The EPA rates it 47–52 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system25
- Engine21
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Power train4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Structure1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Tires1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sonata Hybrid model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 96 |
| 2012 | 155 |
| 2013 | 108 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 133 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 55 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 3 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The vehicle experiences sudden, complete electrical power loss while driving at speed on highways and city streets or on the parking. All digital displays turn off, the engine shuts down, and power-assisted steering and braking are instantly lost without prior warning, presenting an extreme collision risk. The issue first occurred in August 2025 at approximately 48,000 miles and was taken to an authorized Hyundai dealer in Michigan for warranty repair. The dealer held the vehicle for over 30 days but failed to correct the defect. The identical power failure has continued and recently escalated to daily occurrences. A second Hyundai dealer (Pacifico Hyundai, Philadelphia, PA) diagnosed an intermittent open circuit in the engine wiring harness but Hyundai Motor America refuses to repair the vehicle under warranty, claiming 'outside influence' without providing evidence. Driving a hybrid vehicle that randomly cuts all power in live traffic is a life-threatening safety hazard. Hyundai Motor America has failed to rectify this critical safety defect.”
Engine
“Overheated engine alarm came on while I was on the freeway on a rainy day. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealership in which service technician found that the part preventing water from leaking into the muffler was broken. Hyundai dealership has ordered replacement part but it is on backorder. The broken part that needed replacement has been on backorder for close to a month and there is not an ETA of when the part will be received. Prior to the overheated engine alarm going off, cold air was blowing out of the vents even when the heat option was selected.”
Fuel/propulsion system
“My Lincoln Nautilus (9,180 miles) logged 6 "Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power" alerts in the [XXX] telematics system between XXX (XXX at 7:59 PM and 8:16 PM; XXX at 1:07 PM and 1:39 PM; XXX at 11:16 PM; and XXX at 10:56 AM). Out of the 6 logged events, I experienced severe loss of motive power during two of them. On XXX, while driving 70 mph on I-95, the vehicle completely lost all propulsion. Coasting without power, I was unable to pull fully onto the shoulder, leaving the car partially stuck in active traffic and narrowly escaping a high-speed collision. Once stopped, the vehicle failed to recognize that it was in Park, causing the electronic parking brake to lock without releasing, which severely delayed towing recovery. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership in [XXX], whose service department was closed. Upon arrival, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical blackout; the key fob would not unlock the doors, requiring physical key entry. A sales representative provided a jump box, allowing me to start the car, drive back to [XXX], and deliver it to Cavalier Lincoln Ford in [XXX] between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on XXX. Cavalier Lincoln Ford stated…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid Blue Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 50 | 54 | 52 | $1,150 | 172 |
| Sonata Hybrid Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 45 | 51 | 47 | $1,300 | 189 |
- 52mpg comb.
- 47mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.7%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2021 Sonata Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 13, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (25), engine (21), fuel/propulsion system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at 47–52 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.