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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 764

Of the 2017 reports, 28 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernEngine384 reports · 50% of complaints
Owner complaints764Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship3 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine384
  2. Steering173
  3. Other or unspecified102
  4. Electrical system65
  5. Power train55
  6. Structure37
  7. Fuel/propulsion system33
  8. Air bags22

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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: electrical system

65 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Electrical system, Seats, Jul 25, 2026

    I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.

  2. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2026

    I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under NHTSA Recall 17V226 that cannot be denied due to a salvage title. Instead of replying to my facts, the Case Manager Kathy gave me a hard denial falsely framing my federal recall safety request as a "voluntary goodwill warranty" issue to justify her rejection. Please help me in getting authorization my car with Hyundai dealership in Plano Tx to run the bearing rod test and get it fixed.

  3. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 22, 2026

    My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE, equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, is experiencing severe powertrain failures including rhythmic metallic engine knocking, catastrophic oil consumption, and un-commanded surges/jumping in speed while driving. These symptoms manifested following an unauthorized engine replacement performed by Hyundai of El Cajon under Repair Order [XXX], where the dealer covertly outsourced my vehicle to a third-party shop (Legacy Motor Works) to install an unverified used salvage engine block rather than a certified factory assembly. This vehicle is a Class Vehicle under In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation (Case No. [XXX]), and the KSDS software update (Campaign 953) was successfully completed on my vehicle in 2019. The engine knock, surging, and oil consumption are consistent with the known connecting rod bearing failure defect described in NHTSA investigation PE17-007. The dealership is currently denying warranty coverage, citing a mileage limit that does not exist under my Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, and they are withholding physical documentation of the repair terms. The vehicle is also experiencing secondary safety failures, including a continuous airbag SRS warning light (two years) and electrical shorts caused by the salvage-yard alternator installation, which have destroyed 4 to 5 car batteries. This engine failure represents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle periodically loses power and surges without driver input. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of warranty denial, parts-sourcing fraud, and the safety risks posed by this substandard engine installation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2026

    Supplemental Information to Existing NHTSA Complaint involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) While traveling at approximately 70 MPH on a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost propulsion without warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated in traffic, creating a significant safety hazard for my family and surrounding motorists and requiring emergency maneuvering to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where diagnostic testing identified multiple high-voltage battery system fault codes: • P0B68 • P0B6D • P0B72 The dealership diagnosed a high-voltage battery system failure requiring battery replacement. The vehicle is currently non-drivable. During my research, I found multiple owner reports involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles experiencing loss of power, hybrid system failures, limp mode conditions, and propulsion-related incidents. I also learned that Hyundai previously issued Recall 18V166000 involving 2016–2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vehicles due to battery management system and voltage protection device concerns that could result in loss of power while driving. Dealer says does appply for my car. Although my vehicle’s fault codes may differ from those addressed in the recall, both involve battery-related failures capable of affecting propulsion and creating a highway safety risk. My concern extends beyond my individual vehicle. A high-voltage battery or battery management system failure that can cause a complete loss of propulsion at highway speed without warning presents a potentially serious safety risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA evaluate whether similar incidents involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles indicate a broader safety concern warranting further review. I can provide dealership diagnostic reports, repair estimates, towing records, photos, and videos upon request. Thank you for your consideration, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  5. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 19, 2026

    I have a Hyundai Sonata 2017 one year after I bought the car I started having acceleration problems. I have had the throttle changed and the valve gasket cover repaired. On April 15, 2026 the check engine light came on. On April 29th I got theta 2 emissions update installed at Hyundai Auburn, Al. I took it too auto zone the same day the code P1326 was showing up and P0014. On May 5th my car entered limp mode for excessive oil leakage, I got an oil change April 6, 2026. My car has never done that until the update was installed. I get my oil changed every 6 months and also have sent them records. They denied my claim due to lack of maintenance.

  6. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2026

    Here is your updated review with that included: ⸻ I am very disappointed with Hyundai Motor America and the service I received at Hyundai of Renton. I own a 2017 Hyundai Sonata and received a letter about a required software update and ignition cylinder protector due to known theft issues. I went to the Renton dealer for the recall service. They performed the software update and were supposed to install the ignition cylinder protector. Unfortunately, my car was later stolen because of this exact issue. The ignition was damaged during the theft, and I had to replace it myself just so I could drive the car. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to install the ignition cylinder protector, saying the ignition was broken. It was broken because of the theft — which happened due to Hyundai’s known defect. After the recall software update, my key fob also stopped working properly. I went back to the dealership, and they refused to fix or properly reprogram my key fob. On top of that, the service manager, John, was very rude and unprofessional. This has been the worst experience I’ve had with a vehicle and a dealership. Because of this situation. Very disappointed.

  7. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 6, 2026

    This car is becoming more of a headache than it’s worth. Turned the car on, My car started shaking and my check engine light came on. then I got this message “A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata”

  8. 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.

  9. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2025

    e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.

  10. Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2025

    The camshaft position sensor internal rubber plug is faulty and it allows oil to leak into the sensor housing. Ruining the sensor and the brushes and housing. It causes the check engine light to come on the idle races and car takes off on its own. Can’t drive it because it’s to dangerous. Once it takes off then it goes into limp mode and you can’t pull out because of no power. 40000 miles. The internet is full of owners having the same problem

  11. 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

  12. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2025

    My Hyundai consumes oil and I have to put oil in it every two weeks! Also my ignition coils has had to be changed 4 times. Also check engine light just came on code saying catalytic converter or oxygen sensor changed oxygen sensor a couple months ago. I purchased it brand new and as soon as I got over 100,000 miles nothing has been going good since then please help also my paint on the top of the car is starting to peel. Will never buy a Hyundai again.

  13. Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2025

    Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult

  14. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2025

    The check engine light light is on now giving code p200a I was driving and the center console shut off and the engine died I had to pull over and start the car again it started but the check engine light light is on now for a p200a I’ve looked it up and everything I can find says there is a recall but my car isn’t in it so what can I do I don’t want to cause a fire or an accident because my car messed up o. Me

  15. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2025

    I keep having both my low beam headlight bulbs burning out and one of them started catching on fire. The driver side caught some type of electrical issue causing it to start smoking and eventually melted the connector and lightbulb housing

  16. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 14, 2025

    I can’t drive my car on the highway cause then it will shut off and say HEV system error and I have to shut my car off turn it back on then erase the code with my diagnostic tool. My oil light keeps popping up and whenever I slightly press on the gas pedal or go up a steep hill, it starts to rattle, been noticing my oil burns out fast and I have to replace it when it gets low.

  17. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2025

    Hello! I bought a car in the USA, I live in another country. Errors that appear in the car are similar to these: [XXX] Еrror appears then, the cogd I give more gas and let go of the pedal. When the engine is heated at different speeds. The scanner showed these errors: P1326 Ignition Control Module - Combustion Quality Input Signal; U0293 Lost Communication With Hybrid Powertrain Control Module; U1004; B2AAA. But the electricians do not know what the reason is and no one can help. So I go for one year with an error ((( Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  18. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2024

    The makes a weird shutter noise when accelerating and won't crank over 60. Loses power when turning or when going uphill. Sometimes has problem starting. Enging light came on twice blinking, once I changed the battery it went off and was working fine. Now it's back on again after a few weeks. Plus my oil tank still comes on and I've just received and oil change. I just bought the car in August of this year, dealership sold to me with a faulty battery.

  19. Electrical system, Dec 17, 2024

    HEV battery constantly states that the car needs turned off. Hyundai had to replace my engine as it just died and blew a hole in a pipe

  20. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2024

    The vehicle itself shakes when accelerating and will start to fail once 60mph is hit. It will also cut out when left turns are made...I have met 4 people with the exact same issues who received recalls but I am not sure why my car is not included. I was almost rear ended on the highway by a semi with my pregnant wife and 4 year old son in the car because of the engine failure.

  21. Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 6, 2024

    The engine light keeps going on and off and I reported to their dealer a couple times during the warranty but when they checked the car the light got off and they asked me to keep driving it until out of warranty and they ask me to pay for fix the same problem

  22. Electrical system, May 31, 2024

    driving on the side of the interstate, the hybrid battery indicator continuously dipped low. Minutes after continuing driving on the interstate around 50 to 60 mph, every light on the dash came on the vehicle stopped accelerating, and the warning light check HEV system shut engine off started flashing. The vehicle would no longer start again after this. the dealership said that the fuse was being oversupplied, which is what caused the system to fail. This exact situation is listed in a recall for 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Sonata hybrids. After reading the recall notice., my vehicle had this failure due to the exact reasons listed in the recall notice. due to the damage that was caused by this fuse that could not hold enough electricity my wiring harness also has to be replaced. This could be a three to $4000 out-of-pocket expense for me that should be covered under this recall, due to its exact nature of similarities. please assist me. I do not have the complete invoice due to the fact that the dealership is withholding that information until the repair is complete However, hyundai motor is also aware of this issue, and I am filing this complaint for this investigation to be moved with urgency

  23. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2024

    On 03/16/2024; while driving on I-90 the vehicle at approx 60-65 miles per hr, suddenly stopped, and had to be towed to Matthews Hyundai of Schenectady.

  24. Electrical system, Mar 11, 2024

    It has happened twice now that check Hybrid system turn of engine comes on. HEV ! And i have to call a tow truck because i cant drive the car.

  25. Steering, Electrical system, Dec 31, 2023

    Problem 1: I made a right turn at a red light. As I turned my power steering light turned on and my steering wheel locked up and I lost control of the vehicle. After stopping and turning off the vehicle, I restarted it. At this point I was able to regain control of the car. A few days later the same thing happened again as I made a right turn from a parking lot into the flow of traffic. One again I stopped the engine and restarted the car, then I regained control of the car. Problem 2 (May be related): My passenger side headlight was replaced a year ago. Recently the light went out again. I took the car in to a mechanic to repair it. It was repaired so I thought. Two days later the light went out again. The mechanic believes their may be an electrical issue. Problem 3 (May be related): My driver side brake light was replaced about a year ago as well. It has now gone out again. I have had my vehicle serviced twice by a Hyundai dealership at least twice since the first incident.