2021 Hyundai Sonata Owner’s Manual

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a perfect mix of beautiful design and cutting-edge technology that changes what a modern sedan is. Its sleek exterior form gets people’s attention while also making it more aerodynamic. Inside, the interior is carefully made and has high-tech infotainment systems and luxury comfort. Under the hood, you can choose from a variety of powerful engines that are both fun to drive and good on gas. As a sign of how committed Hyundai is to being the best, the 2021 Sonata goes above and beyond standards by giving drivers a stylish, smart, and forward-looking driving experience.

Safety system of your vehicle

Front seats

1. 1. Seat sliding forward or rearward adjustment
   2. Seatback angle adjustment
   3. Seat cushion height adjustment
   4. Lumbar support adjustment*
   5. Seat warmer/Air ventilation seat*
   6. Head restraint
   Rear seats
2. Seat warmer*
3. Armrest
4. Seatback folding lever (trunk)
5. Head restraint

Safety Precautions
Adjusting the seats so that you are sit-ting in a safe, comfortable position plays an important role in driver and passenger safety together with the seat belts and air bags in an accident.

WARNING
Do not use a cushion that reduces friction between the seat and the passenger. The passenger’s hips may slide under the lap portion of the seat belt during an accident or a sudden stop. Serious or fatal internal injuries could result because the seat belt cannot operate properly.

Air bags
You can take steps to reduce the risk of being injured by an inflating air bag. Sitting too close to an air bag greatly increases the risk of injury in the event the air bag inflates.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and their chest.

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death from an inflating airbag, take the following precautions:

• Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the rear as possible while maintaining the ability to maintain full control of the vehicle.
• Adjust the front passenger seat as far to the rear as possible.
• Hold the steering wheel by the rim with hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions to minimize the risk of injuries to your hands and arms.
• NEVER place anything or anyone between the steering wheel and the air bag.
• Do not allow the front passenger to place feet or legs on the dashboard to minimize the risk of leg injuries.

Seat belts
Always fasten your seat belt before starting any trip.
At all times, passengers should sit upright and be properly restrained. Infants and small children must be restrained in appropriate child restraint systems. Children who have outgrown a booster seat and adults must be restrained using seat belts.

Front Seats
WARNING Take the following precautions when adjusting your seat:

• NEVER attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. The seat could respond with unexpected movement and may cause loss of vehicle control resulting in an accident.
• Do not place anything under the front seats. Loose objects in the driver’s foot area could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals, causing an accident.
• Do not allow anything to interfere with the normal position and proper locking of the seat-back.
• Do not place a cigarette lighter on the floor or seat. When you operate the seat, gas may exit out of the lighter causing a fire.
• Use extreme caution when picking small objects trapped under the seats or between the seat and the center console. Your hands might be cut or injured by the sharp edges of the seat mechanism.

Manual adjustment
Forward and rearward adjustment
To move the seat forward or rearward:

1. Pull up the seat slide adjustment lever and hold it.
2. Slide the seat to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in place. Move forward and rearward without using the lever. If the seat moves, it is not locked properly.

Seatback angle
To recline the seatback:

1. Lean forward slightly and lift up the seatback lever.
2. Carefully lean back on the seat and adjust the seat back to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seatback is locked in place.(The lever MUST return to its orig-inal position for the seatback to lock.)

Reclining seatback
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the protection of your restraint system (seat belts and air bags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.

Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly. When the seatback is reclined, the shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be snug against your chest. Instead, it will be in front of you. During an accident, you could be thrown into the seat belt, causing neck or other injuries.
The more the seatback is reclined, the greater chance the passenger’s hips will slide under the lap belt or the passenger’s neck will strike the shoulder belt.

Maintenance

MAINTAIN SERVICE
You should exercise the utmost care to prevent damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself whenever performing any maintenance or inspection procedures.
We recommend you have your vehi-cle maintained and repaired by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. An authorized HYUNDAI dealer meets HYUNDAI’s high service quality standards and receives technical support from HYUNDAI in order to provide you with a high level of serv-ice satisfaction.

Owner’s Responsibility
Maintenance service and record retention are the owner’s responsibility.
You should retain documents that show proper maintenance has been performed on your vehicle in accordance with the scheduled maintenance service charts shown on the following pages. You need this information to establish your compliance with the servicing and maintenance requirements of your vehicle warranties.

Detailed warranty information is provided in your Owner’s Handbook & Warranty Information booklet.
Repairs and adjustments required as a result of improper maintenance or a lack of required maintenance are not covered.

Owner Maintenance Precautions
Inadequate, incomplete or insufficient servicing may result in operational problems with your vehicle that could lead to vehicle damage, an accident, or personal injury. This chapter provides instructions only for the maintenance items that are easy to perform. Several procedures can be done only by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer with special tools.
Your vehicle should not be modified in any way. Such modifications may adversely affect the performance, safety or durability of your vehicle and may, in addition, violate condi-tions of the limited warranties covering the vehicle.
Certain modifications may also be in violation of regulations established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal or state agencies.

Owner Maintenance Schedule
When you stop for fuel:

• Check the engine oil level.
• Check coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Check for low or under-inflated tires.

While operating your vehicle:

• Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice if there is any increased steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when traveling on smooth, level road.
• When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission occurs, check the transmission fluid level.
• Check the automatic transmission /ecoshift dual-clutch transmission P (Park) function.
• Check the parking brake.
• Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after use is normal).

At least monthly:

• Check coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir.
• Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers.
• Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare for tires that are worn, show uneven wear, or are damaged.
• Check for loose wheel lug nuts.

At least twice a year: (i.e., every Spring and Fall)

• Check radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
• Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
• Check headlamp alignment.
• Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
• Check the seat belts for wear and function.

At least once a year:

• Clean body and door drain holes.
• Lubricate door hinges and hood hinges.
• Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
• Lubricate door rubber weather strips.
• Check the air conditioning system.
• Inspect and lubricate automatic transmission linkage and controls.
• Clean the battery and terminals.
• Check the brake fluid level.

SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE 
Follow Normal Maintenance Schedule if the vehicle is usually operated where none of the following conditions apply. If any of the following conditions apply, you must follow the Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions.

• Repeated short-distance driving.
• Driving in dusty conditions or sandy areas.
• Extensive use of brakes.
• Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used.
• Driving on rough or muddy roads.
• Driving in mountainous areas.
• Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation.
• Driving for a prolonged period in cold temperatures and/or extremely humid climates.
• More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C).
  For additional information or assistance see your authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

FAQ