Does the Heat Shield Have to Be Removed to Install the Curt C23HR on a 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Updated 07/15/2023 | Published 07/14/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

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$235.66

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

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$17.00

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

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Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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Question:

I was looking at Hitch for 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE. I saw vidoes on youtube for earlier models 2019/2016 where the heat shield was reinstalled. However, it seems for 2021, heat shield is permanently removed. Can you Please confirm this? If true, do you know the effect of removing heat sheild?

asked by: Sanket J

Expert Reply:

I can confirm that the heat shield will have to be removed to install the Curt Trailer Hitch item # C23HR on your 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The heat shield mounts on the frame where the trailer hitch will sit so it has to go. I have attached a screenshot below from the instructions so you can see this step.

All the heat shield does is block the heat from the muffler. Once the hitch is in its place the steel does a far superior job of keeping exhaust heat away from your car.

If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C44WR and the Draw-Tite Drawbar item # 3593 and then for hitch balls item # 19258 for a 2 inch ball or item # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch ball.

expert reply by: Jerred H