NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 4 recalls, and 118 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in our "Exceptional" band, a rating underpinned by perfect sub-scores in crash protection and avoidance technology. However, the four recall campaigns and a defect-record sub-score of 10 out of 20 warrant careful consideration.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 based exclusively on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 118 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N?
The 2021 model year is the debut year for the Sonata N variant in the NHTSA dataset, so no prior-year Safety Index exists for a direct comparison. What defines this specific year is a split story inside the Index itself: crash protection and avoidance technology both score at their respective ceilings, 70/70 and 10/10, reflecting the perfect side and rollover stars plus a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The drag on the 90/100 total comes entirely from the defect record sub-score of 10/20, a direct consequence of four active recall campaigns touching the fuel system, powertrain, and windshield. The fuel delivery recall is specific to the 2.5L turbocharged engine fitted to this N variant, making it particularly relevant here rather than a fleet-wide carryover concern. The 118 reported complaints, with Engine and Power Train among the top categories, align thematically with those recall components, though they remain unverified allegations. The Exceptional band rating is real and data-supported, but the defect-record penalty is equally real.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side impact and rollover protection tests. Its rollover risk was assessed at a low 10 percent, and the dynamic tip test indicated no tip. It should be noted that overall and frontal crash ratings were not published for this specific variant; this indicates an incomplete assessment by NHTSA, not a poor performance in those categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15696
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved are the fuel system gasoline check valve, the automatic transmission powertrain, the windshield manufacturing defect affecting visibility, and fuel delivery hoses and lines on 2.5L turbocharged engines. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided data, but buyers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE25V796000
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu
Reported 2025-11-18
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V746000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Reported 2022-10-06
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD21V00M000
Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-12-28
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V524000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-07-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N?
Owners have filed 118 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Engine (33 reports), Unknown Or Other (29), Power Train (21), Fuel/Propulsion System (17), and Electrical System (16). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
118 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N?
Owners of the 2021 Sonata N should verify that all four of its open recall campaigns have been addressed. Notably, two recalls specifically affect this variant: one for fuel delivery, the other for the powertrain. These component-specific issues may remain unserviced on individual units, underscoring the importance of a VIN check through the NHTSA recall lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2021 Sonata N carries four NHTSA recall campaigns specific to this model year, covering fuel system check valve integrity, automatic transmission, windshield manufacturing, and fuel delivery hoses on the 2.5L turbocharged engine.
- NHTSA awarded this variant perfect 5/5 scores in side and rollover crash protection, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip test, but overall and frontal crash ratings were not conducted for this specific body configuration.
- The defect-record sub-score of 10/20 is the sole reason the Safety Index sits at 90 rather than higher, making recall remedy status the single most important safety variable for a used buyer of this exact year.
- All 118 owner complaints on file with NHTSA are unverified allegations, with Engine, Power Train, and Fuel/Propulsion System accounting for the majority of reports, categories that overlap directly with the active recall subjects for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N places
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Sonata N safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 118 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15696), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata N 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 36 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.