2017 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 764 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 28 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, turn signalSep 24, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Campaign 21V749000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 6, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Campaign 21V619000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleDec 30, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
Campaign 16V956000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
22 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Air bags, Jun 11, 2026
The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jan 16, 2026, crash
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
Power train, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 3, 2026, crash
Airbags did not deploy no indicator light came on before nor after I was struck from my driver side front area and yes it is available for inspection upon request. My safety along with my sisters safety was put at risk due to the negligence and cheapness of the dealership I purchased the car from also from there misleading information and improper inspection before selling me the car Car has not been reproduced or confirmed The car was inspected by a third party appraisal company for damages amounts There were no lights on at all before the accident and I am pretty certain that the dealership cleaared the codes before selling me the car
Air bags, Dec 5, 2025, crash
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a vehicle purchased from [XXX] on [XXX]. The vehicle was later involved in a collision that resulted in a total loss. According to the police report, I was not at fault. During this crash, none of the airbags deployed, which indicates a possible defect or prior undisclosed issue with the airbag system. The vehicle was sold with a warranty and was represented as safe and road-ready. The dealership also provided and managed the full-coverage insurance policy. However, the total-loss claim has been delayed and obstructed, and the dealership has not taken responsibility for ensuring the vehicle’s safety or functionality. There is significant concern regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to sale. Records show that Byrider cleared the vehicle’s computer on July 16, 2025, less than a month before purchase. This may have erased important diagnostic information, including any prior airbag-system faults. Clearing the computer in this manner raises questions about whether a known issue was hidden or whether mandatory diagnostic data was removed before the sale. At the time of purchase, I signed an airbag disclosure form in which Byrider stated: •They had “no knowledge of any reason why the airbag system would not operate properly,” and •They “cannot guarantee that the airbag system will deploy in the event of an accident.” Despite this disclosure, the fact that the airbags did not deploy in a crash severe enough to total the vehicle suggests a significant safety defect, potential misrepresentation, or a failure to comply with federal safety requirements. Airbag non-deployment in a total-loss collision indicates a system failure that poses a serious risk to consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 14, 2025, crash
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid
Air bags, Jul 20, 2025
The airbag light has been on for years. Also, the controllers on the steering wheel stopped working, first left side, 6 months later followed by right side. I’ve been told it’s due to a faulty ring inside or under the steering wheel. Worried to drive with faulty airbag.
Air bags, Jul 1, 2024
A light on the dash went on and we were told it was the airbag clock spring steering column. At cost of over $900 we had to have it repaired. There were previous recalls on the Hyundai sonatas for this part and I think it should be covered. The car has only 60,000 miles on it
Air bags, Apr 8, 2024
UNKNOWN. Airbag light on for no reason
Air bags, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was concerned for his safety while operating the vehicle. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and the contact was advised take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 10, 2023, crash
The car was involved in a front end collision going about 35 mph. The Collison was enough to bust the radiator and likely total the car. The entire front end is heavily damaged. There was a driver and front seat passenger in the vehicle at the time of Collision. The seat belts did not lock nor did any airbag deploy.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2022, crash
Airbags did not deploy when involved in a 30mph front end collision. Driver sustained injuries from seatbelt and whiplash.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2022
The Abs brakes and traction control go in and out and affects the brakes while driving, I know there been reports of fire but for some reason my car is not in the recall, same thing with the air bags lights come on showing faulty air bags and on scanner tools but not recalled even though Hyundai knows about these issues. Now for engine I went to have my engine looked at 2 times for oil consumption and all they did was a combustion chamber cleaning twice which both failed in less the 8100 miles so when I took it back for another oil consumption test for the 3rd time today, the engine light came on, it started knocking, lost power and riding rough. Well, they did an engine scanner test and suspect faulty rings allowing oil into the combustion chamber and fouling my new sparks plugs that was installed less then 10000 miles ago, now they tell me I need a new engine and refuse to replace it for free even though they said they fixed the problem before with the engine cleaning now the same part is the problem and now, I am without a car to drive! They tell me I can lose power while driving which could lead to a car accident.
Air bags, Sep 2, 2022
Airbag warning light activated on vehicle on or around August 15th of this year. Vehicle was in normal operating condition, and had not been involved in any accident. Vehicle was taken to Hyundai dealer for service. Dealer diagnosed issue as failed driver's side airbag. Airbag replacement was required at owner expense, not covered under manufacturer warranty (as confirmed with the manufacturer). I am concerned as consumer that the standard safety equipment of the vehicle failed under normal operating conditions, requiring expensive repair in order for consumer to restore safety of the driver. Vehicle has been repaired at dealership and can be made available for inspection if desired.
Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
Air bag and antilock brake lights came on. First dealer replaced the air bag control module. Secondary issue then identified a defective air bag. Both have not been replaced. I asked for the old parts and was told I could not have them. They were sent back to be rebuilt.
Air bags, Nov 11, 2021
Air bag and traction warning lights came on at the same time. Dealer scanned and said the air bag control module was defective. After replacing the module the dealer informs me that the passengers front air bag is defective. Failure of these parts would cause the air bags to not deploy in an accident. The car is still at the dealer at this time.
Air bags, Aug 31, 2021
I went to my dealer today and they reported that My car in fact did not have a safety recall set for my car. therefore there were no repairs to list or update..I attached the supporting document that my dealership printed out for me today..
Air bags, Oct 12, 2020
THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE IS DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS MARKS SEVERAL TIMES I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Air bags, Sep 15, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL-U TURN AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE. THE REAR DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED PARTIALLY BUT NO OTHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT AND HER HUSBAND SUSTAINED WHIPLASH BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER WHO WAS SEATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT MENTIONED ENCOUNTERING WITH AIR BAG DEBRIS. THE CONTACT HAD UNDERLYING RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS AND DUE TO THE DEBRIS INTENDS TO VISIT A DOCTOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE POLICE TO A LOT WHERE GEICO INSPECTED THE FAILURE BUT FURTHER INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
Air bags, Jun 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLASH AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,879.
Air bags, May 16, 2019
PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER POPPED OFF.
Air bags, Mar 27, 2019, crash
I WAS IN A COLLISION IN WHICH I WAS GOING 10 MPH AND THE OTHER CAR WAS GOING 45 MPH ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, WHEN THE DRIVER'S STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED IT SHOT THE HYUNDAI LOGO FROM THE STEERING WHEEL INTO MY ARM AT 200 MPH. THE ONLY INJURY THAT I SUSTAINED WAS FROM THE "H" LOGO THAT WAS PROPELLED INTO MY RIGHT FOREARM; I SUSTAINED A DEEP BONE BRUISE/MINOR IMPACT FRACTURE. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO HYUNDAI THEY INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED THAT THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED PROPERLY AND THAT I SHOULD EXPECT THE LOGO TO BE SHOT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG. HOWEVER, I ALSO OWN A 2011 HYUNDAI AND THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT HAVE A SEPARATE LOGO BUT AN IMPRINTED "H". I DON'T THINK THAT WHEN AN AIRBAG DEPLOYS IT SHOULD SHOOT ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR THE AIRBAG. THE LOGO HIT MY ARM BUT IF IT HIT MY EYE I WOULD HAVE LOST MY EYE. IF IT HIT MY THROAT IT COULD HAVE COLLAPSED MY AIRWAY. AIRBAGS ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT YOU AND NOT CAUSE INJURY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD HAVE ANTICIPATED THAT THIS PIECE WOULD BECOME A PROJECTILE IN AN ACCIDENT, OR WHY ITS ACCEPTABLE.
Air bags, Jul 28, 2018, crash
I TAPPED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH, NOT EVEN A SCRATCH ON EITHER CAR, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL & THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING CUTS, BRUISES, & SCRAPES. THE OFFICER, THE EMT, AS WELL AS THE OTHER DRIVER HAVE NO IDEA WHY THEY WOULD GO OFF IN SUCH A SLOW, LIGHT TAP. THE DAMAGE TO ME, AS WELL AS THE INCONVENIENCE IS DISTURBING.