NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 118 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects solid crash-test performance and a full suite of standard avoidance technology, tempered by a defect record that carries meaningful weight. It presents as a credible safety choice, with specific recall history for prospective owners to verify.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA 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 ranks 58 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 118 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 58 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid achieved an overall Safety Index of 85 out of 100. This places it in the Strong band, though it marks a two-point decline from the 2020 model year's score of 87. An examination of the data reveals the source of this reduction. The vehicle maintained strong performance in direct crash protection, scoring 65 out of 70, and its avoidance technology received a perfect 10 out of 10. The dip in the overall index stems from the defect record component, which contributed only 10 out of a possible 20 points. Four distinct recall campaigns impacted this score. These recalls addressed the fuel delivery system, the powertrain, visibility, and a separate fuel system issue. Two of these campaigns, relating to the windshield and a turbocharged fuel hose, were initiated in 2021, indicating early identification within the model year's production. A later transmission recall further expanded the scope of issues. Consequently, while the physical crash performance of the 2021 Sonata Hybrid remained robust, its manufacturing and component record introduced sufficient concerns to reduce its Safety Index compared to the previous year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata achieves an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance both earned 5-star ratings, with the latter assessed at a 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. Frontal crash protection, however, received a 4 out of 5-star rating, marking the only area not to achieve the top score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15695
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 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata carries four recall campaigns. They address a fuel system check valve that can allow air into the fuel tank, an automatic transmission concern shared with several Hyundai models, a windshield manufacturing defect affecting visibility, and a fuel delivery hose and piping issue specific to 2.5L turbocharged engines. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided campaign data, but owners should confirm 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?
NHTSA has received 118 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine at 33 reports, Unknown or Other at 29, Power Train at 21, Fuel and Propulsion System at 17, and Electrical System at 16. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
118 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
A critical first step for any prospective owner of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata is to verify the completion of all four open recall campaigns. Unresolved issues, particularly those involving the fuel system or powertrain, present significant safety concerns. Before purchase, buyers must confirm with a Hyundai dealer that all necessary recall remedies have been performed.
- The 2021 model year carries four distinct recall campaigns covering fuel system integrity, automatic transmission, windshield manufacturing, and turbocharged fuel delivery hoses, more campaigns than the prior year and the primary reason the Safety Index fell two points to 85.
- The frontal crash rating of 4 out of 5 stars is the only NHTSA star score below the top mark for this year, while side and rollover protection both achieved 5 stars with a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The defect record subscore of 10 out of 20 is the weakest component in the 2021 index breakdown, directly reflecting the four active recall campaigns rather than any shortfall in crash-test hardware.
- NHTSA has logged 118 unverified complaints for this model year, with Engine allegations leading at 33 reports and Power Train following at 21, a complaint distribution that aligns thematically with the powertrain and fuel system recall campaigns on record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Sonata places
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Sonata safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Sonata crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Sonata crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Hyundai Sonata earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 118 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. 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.
Other Sonata years
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 15695), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata 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 58 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.