2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and abundant features. Engine options include a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder hybrid engine with a combined power output of 192 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. All non-hybrid models use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid models use a 6-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Sonata for its value, fuel economy, and spacious interior. Common criticisms include the somewhat numb steering feel and the occasionally quirky behavior of some of the advanced driver-assistance systems.

Engine

2.5L GDI 4-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as low oil level warnings, blue smoke from the exhaust, or engine knocking due to insufficient lubrication.
  • Solution: A software update may be able to fix the issue. In other instances, a revised PCV valve or a complete engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6L Turbo GDI 4-Cylinder

• Engine Stalling/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of the engine stalling or hesitating, especially during acceleration. This can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
  • Solution: A software update to the engine control unit (ECU) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, fuel injectors or fuel pump replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Hybrid GDI 4-Cylinder

• Reduced Hybrid Battery Efficiency
  • Description/Symptoms: Hybrid models experience a decline in battery efficiency over time, resulting in reduced fuel economy and shorter electric-only driving range.
  • Solution: Hybrid battery capacity testing and possible replacement of individual battery modules or the entire battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All non-hybrid models)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported rough or jerky shifting, especially between lower gears. Some experience hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: A transmission control module (TCM) software update is often the first step. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (Hybrid models)

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or spontaneously reboots. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate controls.
  • Solution: Software updates to the infotainment system. If the problem persists, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, especially when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.
  • Solution: Identify parasitic drain sources (e.g., faulty modules, aftermarket accessories) and repair or replace them. Check the charging system and battery health.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the panoramic sunroof, including difficulty opening or closing, unusual noises, or leaks.
  • Solution: Inspection and lubrication of the sunroof mechanism. In some cases, track replacement or complete sunroof assembly replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises emanating from the dashboard or door panels.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the rattle (e.g., loose trim pieces, wiring harnesses) and secure or replace them.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presents a mixed bag of potential issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not universally reported, can be costly, particularly with the 2.5L engine and the 8-speed transmission. Electrical issues, especially related to the infotainment system, are fairly common but typically less expensive to resolve. Other issues such as sunroof malfunctions and interior rattles can be annoying but are usually less severe. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchase, considering an extended warranty for added peace of mind.