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: electrical system
65 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 13, 2023
HEV lights came on stalled car and stated to turn engine off, barely made to a parking lot. Car was towed, in shop Dec 29, 2022 to Jan 10, 2023. knock sensor replaced, rusty spark plugs slots cleaned out, no communication with power train, case #20817405 June 16, case# 21597503 part A: Hev lights again chugging and stalling. Car towed in shop 22 days, returned 7-5-22.actuator 2nd time failure, knock sensor issue, clogged, emissions were cleaned: part b: Aug 14, to Oct 4 2023HEV system lights again, car stalled and died then towed : combustion cleaning 2nd time, spark plug corrosion replaced 2 time issue, 4 injectors replaced, recommend replace manifold (which I cannot pay for) dealer tech test drove 2 days and put 211 miles on car, more than we do in normal week driving to work and shopping In shop this time 52 days. This car has been taken in for all recall campaigns. Work done at same dealership every time. Is a sonata Hybrid SE I am attaching two files if you need more Please let me know. Your date entry below does not allow for each of the 3 times in shop total roughly 85 days four months Would like Hyundai to buy car back as no trade in value now and I cannot afford more rental fees and repairs and the balance due of $495.75 from 1st rental. Car just entering 6 year when first issue started.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The hybrid system failure. Chrck engine light is flashing. Abs system failure. Battery failure. Car can't go over 45mph, lost a job because of the issues. I'm afraid the car is going to blow up or catch fire. I'm afraid to drive it. The acceleration is barely there. It's like the car doesn't even wanna go. It sucks through gas like no other.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2023
Driving the car on the freeway, the battery light came on, and after that few other warning lights came on and I pulled over by then the car stopped and didn't turn on. It was scary since I was on the freeway. No other warning prior to that and the car was very well maintained even during the last recommended service everything was checked and no recommendation was made regarding the alternator. It was the alternator that caused the problem according to the dealer diagnosis.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
HEV light comes on and the car starts slowing down & beeping. Unsure what the issue is but this started once the car had more than 100k miles on it
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2023
I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata that has had 3 recalls. I purchased the car in 2019 and all three recalls have been issued after 2019. Since I’ve had the car I’ve never taken it to Hyundai to get the recalls taken care of . Until recently I took my car to get the recalls fixed and they told me they had already been taken care of . The gave me the dealers contact information and I’ve never taken my vehicle to them they claim to have serviced my car at 122000 miles and I only have 94000 miles in my car. I believe they used my vin number to summit they fixed the recalls when my vehicle was never at their dealer. I contacted Hyundai and have not received any call back . The recalls for my vehicle are very serious recalls that I need to get fixed . One of them is the malfunctioning of the trunk latch my trunk does not open or close right now. I have a 6 month old baby and I need to put her stroller in trunk and I’m unable to do so. Also my car vandalized twice they tried to steal it. I need the security update . I just don’t know who I need to contact to help me get this resolved .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2023
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Anti-Theft Upgrade Request and Complaint Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing this letter as an Autochthon American woman exercising my rights to conduct commerce and practice freedom of religion, seeking assistance and resolution for a distressing incident related to the theft of my conveyance. I believe that the faulty design system of my Hyundai, which was advertised as reliable, contributed to the unfortunate incident of theft. On [date of theft], my vehicle, a [make, model, year, color, license plate number], was stolen, and it has had a severe impact on my ability to conduct commerce, generate income, and practice my religious rights freely. The theft has left me under duress, causing immense stress and a crippling financial situation. The advertised reliability of Hyundai vehicles has proven to be far from the truth in my case, as well as the experience of many others. I am seeking assistance and action from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address this issue and improve the anti-theft measures in Hyundai vehicles. My inability to utilize my vehicle has significantly hindered my daily life, preventing me from engaging in productive work and fulfilling my religious obligations. I implore the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to thoroughly investigate this matter and take necessary measures to enhance the security and anti-theft features in Hyundai vehicles. I kindly request the following actions: 1. An investigation into the reported faulty design system contributing to the theft of my vehicle and its impact on others. 2. A prompt recall and implementation of an effective anti-theft upgrade for all affected Hyundai models to prevent similar incidents in the future. 3. Adequate compensation or support to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the theft and its consequences. I am aware of the National Highway Traffic Safety Adm
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2023
I have financed my Hyundai Sonata Sport 2017 in December of 2019. I have not had any issues until this current year of 2023. I have noticed that with every oil change that I receive that I would have to go back to the dealership or certified mechanic a month or two earlier. I personal checked for leaks but seen no signs of why I had to get constant oil changes. Recently, when driving on the highway speed limit at 70 mph and my car went to 60 mph. The engine light came on but no other warning. I stopped the car, check the oil level which was pretty low and topped it off. I let the car sit for a short while as I was only 5 mins away from home. Soon as I made it back, I check the oil level again which was in the line. Check for visible leaks. I figured my car shook as it did and idle at the speed do to a misfire with the spark plugs/coils which I had already replaced 2 months prior to the incident. I was able to use a car scanner from AutoZone to check for codes but there wasn't an engine light at all on the dashboard. There was only one code that did show which was P1326 but no engine light or flashing engine light. I then schedule an appointment for an oil change and to confirm that the engine light code was with Firestone Auto Care to analyze the issue. They did an overall check over on the car, checked for codes, and changed the oil in which they found no issues. With driving my car to test if there were any issues it completely shut down and did not want to start. They called me to tell me that the engine was locked. They tried turning the engine over multiple times, but nothing would start up. Due to not knowing what was going on with my vehicle I felt unsafe with driving it as it completely slowed down on the highway. As other cars where speeding by. It gave no indications prior to the incident that anything was wrong. I am waiting to see a Hyundai dealership to inspect my vehicle which they are booked until next month. My car is currently disabled.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2023
The check engine light started flashing Check hybrid system turn off engine massage appeared The gas pedal doesnt work and the car jumps The problem happened 4 times so far with me The same problem happened about 5 times with my uncle that drives 2016 sonata hybrid
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 23, 2023
Electric power steering failure, have taken to the dealer and they told me I need a new battery. I bought one and the problem is still happening. Used to reset after I restart the car but now it won’t.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 1, 2023
I took my car to a shop due to my car having a loud knocking noise coming from the engine bay and lack of acceleration as well as the oil light flickering on and off and once the mechanic inspected my vehicle he said metal particles were being deposited into my oil due to internal engine parts. After picking my car up all the lights on the dash cut on and the car completely had no steering, no brakes, no power but the radio still worked. I barely could turn the steering wheel nor could stop the vehicle due to this and thankfully could coast into an upgrade leveled hill and stop the car. Car would barely recrank or hold power nor would go above 40 mph. Only drove 5 miles to get the car back home safely. Drove back around 3:00 a.m. so there wouldn't be much traffic out in case of something like this happening. Could've been catastrophic!
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2022
The car lost all acceleration and my check hybrid system light came on. The car would not handle safely to drive. After 3 resets the car finally accelerated as normal. The codes clear themselves before the dealer can check them to give a specific issue. It is not giving the diagnosis for the hybrid issue in the diagnostic log.
Engine, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's son veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that her son was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was jerking while driving. The contact's son pulled into a gas station where he added oil in the vehicle. However, upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. The vehicle was towed the residence of the contact's mother. The vehicle was then towed to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that oil had leaked onto the spark plugs and cylinders. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2022
Electric power steering randomly fails while driving, causing a huge safety issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2022
As I am driving, at random times, typically at cruising speeds of about 40 mph or less, the STEERING wheel will lock up and I will be unable to STEER the vehicle until I turn the car off and back on again. There are typically some warning lights (i’ll try to attach the picture) that pop up and go away once the car is turned off and back on again. No dealership that I have taken it to has been able to diagnose the problem since it does not, to my disdain, occur under their watch (it is not reproduced). This issue puts both my life and EVERYONE in my proximity’s life at risk as I have NO CONTROL of the vehicle once it locks up. At this point it has occurred for over 2 years that I have had this car. There are some warning signs right before it occurs. First, there is typically a sudden change in the resistance of the steering wheel. Particularly, it will become harder to move the steering wheel left but then turning it right will have NO resistance. As soon as this occurs I start to panic because it indicates that ANY turn at that point will lock the steering wheel. It has occurred this way every single time. Sometimes it happens in the opposite direction and the right side becomes stiff and suddenly any turn in the steering locks it up. This is VERY dangerous and can potentially kill. This model needs to be recalled!
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 29, 2022
my check engine light has came up already three times within each month the codes that appear is P0014 / P1326 i have changed the oil many times and it still appears now my it to the point my car can't be driven it not let me drive it only at a certain limit
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 24, 2022
Hybrid system failed, lost power while driving on freeway going 65 m/h during rush hours, RPM gage went down to 0, most instrument light weee lit on dashboard. Speed went all the way down to 40 m/h pressing the gas all the way down. Hybrid system warning light was flashing. Could have been hit by other vehicles on freeway I had to put my hazard flashing signal and wait for the right moment to pull my car off the road and to emergency lane to stop. The first time car was towed to dealer. And dealer was able to confirm the Problem. The spent 2 weeks at dealer until the claimed they had to contact the manufacture and ended up replacing a wire harness they thought water got into it, paid over $600 for this fix. Few months later same problem they ended replacing some sensors due to a recall. A week later happened again all 3 time on the freeway. The check engine light was on few months prior to these issue and took to dealer multiple times since was still under warranty. But the problem kept coming back. They replace fuel injector then coil pack, the 3 time I was told the engine needs to be flushed and that not covered under warranty. Not long after that the major issues with the hybrid system 3 times
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 17, 2022
The check engine light came on and wouldn't accelerate normally. The speed was delayed and cutting back and wouldn't pass 40 mph. Upon taking it to a local shop it had to be taken to the buying location by road side assistance. After the service department checked into the problem it now needs a new engine. They stated there were metal shavings in the motor. This was transferred by a known problem in the 2.4 L motor that hyundai has put in their vehicles with problematic bearings. This happened within 2 months of buying this vehicle. We Can't drive it at all now so it's still at the shop.
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Jul 28, 2022
My steering wheel is locked it’s hard to turn left or right. I go to school in a different city so I drive back and forth from school to home. While I was turning into the parking lot to park my steering wheel just locked while I was trying to park i almost hit someone’s car in the process. I had to turn the steering wheel with both hands tightly to one side for the steering wheel to move. I was so scared
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2022
The power steering system appears to be failing. There is no indication of the failure prior to failing. When making turns the power steering would randomly stop working, all emergency lights would turn on, and the steering would become extremely difficult to control. This becomes an extreme safety issue when I’m driving around other vehicles. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and they explained that the power steering is electronic, therefore power steering fluid will not fix the problem. Also, there’s an electrical issue with the windows as well. The passenger window can no longer can be controlled by the driver. Lastly, the AC has failed as well. It blows out only hot air. I’ve taken my car to the manufacture dealership and they assessed my vehicle for the AC problem, but they stated that it’s working fine. This is not true because I’ve continued to have problems with the AC, even after many failed troubleshooting attempts. To summarize my report, I have a total of 3 issues in order of importance, power steering, power windows/electrical, and air conditioning unit. My car is available immediately for inspection upon request. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 28, 2022
The vehicle is available upon requested inspection. Since I bought the car in 2019 it has made a rattling sound like the engine is knocking. Not a severe knocking, however, it does make a clicking/rattling sound in idle, occurs more rapidly while accelerating, then sounds like a muffled diesel while the engine’s torque is dropping when shifted into neutral coasting on the road. Oil has been changed in its due time. Between 3k - 7k as scheduled. Independent service provider didn’t think it was normal and recommend I check for recalls. I asked Hyundai dealership representative and said it’s a normal sound. Other vehicles I’ve driven don’t sound like this. Even an older ‘96 Buick sounded smoother running. Nothing has failed, caused an injury or accident. Engine light has recently come on. Temperature is hotter, according to the gage, than we’re it has typically sat for the past couple years. The potential risks increased, not knowing what can happen, when the temp rose and engine light comes. . . . . . . . . . . This, aside from previously stated concern, alarm activates (mostly during the rainy cloudy weather) when manually unlocking the car. Having to relook and unlock to silence alarm.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2021
WHEN I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELARETE AND THE CAR TURNED OFF. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON TO TURN ON THE CAR AND I SAW SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC IT WAS THE STARTER. WE PUT A NEW STARTER , THE CAR DIDNT STAR AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE HOOD AGAIN. I DECIDED TO SEND THE CAR TO HYUNDAI DEALER. AFTER TWO WEEKS THEY STILL DIDN'T CALL ME TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I AM STILL WAITING FOR.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 8, 2021
BACK BRAKE LIGHT BULB HAS BEEN CHANGED 10 TIMES THEY GO OUT REPEATEDLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2020
WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE, ABS, TPMS, TRACTION CONTROL, AIR BAG, ELECTRONIC STEERING & EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. & AT THAT SAME TIME THE SPEEDOMETER & TACHOMETER BOTH DROPPED TO 0, THE DIGITAL DISPLAY OF THE ENGINE TEMP GUAGE, GEAR SETTING & OTHER ONBOARD DISPLAYS WENT DOWN WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER BUT ONCE THE CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK THE SHIFTER LOCKED & I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO CHANGE GEAR SETTINGS.
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2020
I OWN A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA AND THIS WEEK THE TRUNK RELEASE WOULD NOT OPERATE. IN CHECKING THE RELEASE MECHANISM I DISCOVERED A PLASTIC PART IN THE TRUNK RELEASE MECHANISM HAD BROKEN. THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS THAT BROKEN PART DOES NOT ALLOW THE TRUNK TO OPEN MANUALLY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK. IF A CHILD OF ADULT PERSON WAS ACCIDENTALLY OR PURPOSELY PUT IN THE TRUNK THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ESCAPE. ATTACHED ARE A COUPLE PHOTOS SHOWING THE TRUNK RELEASE MECHANISM WITH THE YELLOW MANUAL SAFETY RELEASE AND A PHOTO SHOWING THE BROKEN PLASTIC PART. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED BY TEH MANUFACTURER.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 3, 2020
CAR GIVES WARNING MESSAGE TO "IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF THE CAR TO PREVENT DAMAGE ".... THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HYUNDAI DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE A FIX, AND DOESN'T THINK ITS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU ARE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH NO PLACE TO MOVE OVER TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. *TR