Research · Large Cars

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.

Combined MPG
47–52mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
55
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,150est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

55 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system25
  2. Engine21
  3. Fuel/propulsion system5
  4. Power train4
  5. Engine and engine cooling3
  6. Forward collision avoidance3
  7. Structure1
  8. Visibility/wiper1
  9. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sonata Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201196
2012155
2013108
201429
201554
2016133
201781
20189
20195
202016
202155
202219
202315
202410
202511
20263
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

25 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11755133

Engine

21 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2025EngineODI 11647194

Fuel/propulsion system

5 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11765198
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata Hybrid Blue
Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
505452$1,150172
Sonata Hybrid
Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
455147$1,300189
  • Sonata Hybrid Blue
    Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    50 city · 54 hwy · $1,150/yr
    52
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata Hybrid
    Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    45 city · 51 hwy · $1,300/yr
    47
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 15695
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026