Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 17 | 32% |
| Engine | 14 | 26% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 6% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 1 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I purchased this vehicle pre-owned approximately two years ago and have since developed concerns about its reliability, particularly related to the electrical and hybrid systems. In hindsight, I suspect these issues may
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system repeatedly loses power within about 1 hour of sitting. The car becomes completely unresponsive (cannot unlock or start) and requires use of the built-in 12V battery reset button t
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Owned car since 09/2024 with 64K miles. Battery system (12V/hybrid system) has shut down and died 47 times since 04/2025 - no shut downs before then. Car with ~69K miles at that time. Dealer had car six weeks (05/17 to
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
This is on my 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited - for the 7th time the vehicle has been completely dead and unresponsive. I have had to gain entry to the vehicle using the manual key and press the "jump" button to get t
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? RANDOM TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE (DOORS WON'T UNLOCK, CAR UNRESPONSIVE) How was your safety or the safety of others put at
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Every day the car is dead, have to take the manual key out pop door cover off unlock car manually push the 12v reset button and hold fob to start/stop button for car to work again. Happens daily.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Air flow check engine light alerted and source was faulty fuel injector which required replacement of 4 fuel injectors.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
| Reliability raw | 85 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 81 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 45 | below average |
| Efficiency | 67 | good |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 17 of them (32%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 85/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 81/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2021 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 78/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.