2021 Hyundai Sonata Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, 3% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,700 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving in reverse out of garage and ABS brakes were applied like I hit a patch of ice stopping the car. Released when applied pressure to brake. Then while on highway going 60 miles an hour the emergency brake system went on for no reason applying pressure and red light came on the dash with a left facing arrow. System released within a few seconds but scared me and I still have to drive this car on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11639354, filed 2025-01“Vehicle in front of me stopped. Six car lengths between us. I applied brakes, nothing, I even put my left foot on top of my right foot. There was plenty of time to stop but brake peddle wouldn’t go down, Felt like it was locked. Automatic Brake Sensor didn’t work either. Still waiting for inspection from manufacturer , 3 weeks. Never had any problems prior to this, After accident my warning came on about front collision failure .”
NHTSA complaint #11520558, filed 2023-05“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the brakes independently activated. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11747445, filed 2026-06, 42,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after driving out of the garage and parking in the driveway with the engine idling and remote smart parking assist feature activated, 6 minutes later the vehicle suddenly began to slowly roll forward into the garage area making contact with a second vehicle that was parked in the garage before crashing into the back of the garage wall and stopping. During the incident, no injuries were reported, and no police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the duplicate the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11425935, filed 2021-07, 1,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 35% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 17 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 3% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 80 | 7% |
| 2014 | 60 | 8% |
| 2013 | 149 | 8% |
| 2012 | 158 | 10% |
| 2011 | 175 | 5% |
| 2010 | 30 | 9% |
| 2009 | 98 | 21% |
| 2008 | 55 | 13% |
| 2007 | 103 | 15% |
| 2006 | 85 | 8% |
| 2005 | 12 | 7% |
| 2004 | 16 | 8% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 26 | 8% |
| 2001 | 24 | 12% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 6% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 3 | 13% |
| 1995 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 2 | 8% |
| 1992 | 5 | 23% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
34 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology