2021 Hyundai Sonata maintenance schedule

Written in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026

2.5L Smartstream inline-4 (191 hp) or 1.6L Smartstream Turbo GDI (180 hp) + 8-speed automatic, FWD; N Line uses 2.5L Turbo (290 hp) + 8-speed wet dual-clutch (DCT)SESELSEL PlusMSRP $23,600

⚠ 4 open recalls for this vehicle

A recall means the manufacturer found a safety problem and is required to fix it — these aren't normal wear-and-tear repairs. Check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm your car is affected.

✓ Recall repairs are always FREE at any dealer, no matter who currently owns the car or where it was bought.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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 09/07/2021 · Campaign #21V524000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.

Why it matters: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: 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 28/12/2021 · Campaign #21V00M000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

Why it matters: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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 06/10/2022 · Campaign #22V746000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Why it matters: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.

Reported 18/11/2025 · Campaign #25V796000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

Jump to a mileage milestone:

30k miles 60k miles 90k miles 120k miles

Full service timeline

Mileage	Service items	Details
8k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic. Hyundai's Normal schedule is every 7,500 mi; the Severe schedule (short trips, extensive idling, dusty/extreme-temperature climates, frequent stop-and-go) is every 3,750 mi Check tire pressure and condition Inspect all fluid levels: coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid Inspect brake linings
15k mi	Engine oil and filter change (Normal schedule; every 3,750 mi under Severe) Tire rotation Inspect front and rear brake pads and rotors Inspect cabin air filter, replace if restricted
30k mi	Engine oil and filter change Tire rotation Replace engine air filter Replace cabin air filter Inspect automatic transmission fluid (8-speed conventional) or wet-DCT fluid (N Line 2.5T) — level and condition Inspect drive belt	View →
60k mi	Engine oil and filter change Tire rotation Replace brake fluid Inspect spark plugs — iridium tipped; factory replacement interval is approximately 90,000 mi on the Smartstream 2.5L and 1.6L Turbo engines Inspect/replace 8-speed automatic transmission fluid under severe-service schedule Replace wet-DCT clutch/transmission fluid (N Line) if not already done — Hyundai calls for more frequent DCT service than the conventional 8-speed automatic	View →
90k mi	Engine oil and filter change Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — iridium (factory interval ~90,000 mi) Replace engine coolant — Hyundai Long Life Coolant Inspect timing chain and tensioner — the 2.5L and 1.6L Turbo Smartstream engines are chain-driven, not belt-driven; no scheduled chain replacement Inspect drive belt for cracking or glazing	View →
120k mi	Engine oil and filter change Tire rotation Replace 8-speed automatic transmission fluid (normal-service schedule) or DCT fluid (N Line, if not already done) Full brake inspection: pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder Inspect suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings	View →

Upgrading your Sonata's wheels?

See verified wheel fitments for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata — bolt pattern, hub bore, and offset all checked.

Verified Sonata fitments at AlloyHaus →

AlloyHaus is our sister site — built by the same maker as eli5cars.

Common symptoms for this vehicle

Check engine light on? Get a free code scan

If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.

Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.