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: engine
399 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jul 1, 2023
Extremely high oil consumption. Defective, faulty engine. Smoke from tail pipe on acceleration.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Engine Recall from Hyundai, I brought it to Hyundai Route 1, South Brunswick, NJ, they claimed Hyundai needed to have it done, the recall mail I received was from Hyundai itself, their engines are catching fire, their engine oil levels are going dangerously low in a really short time, please help me get to a resolution to this issue or give Hyundai a citation for their irresponsible actions.
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated with the check engine warning light blinking before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able pull over on the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed by the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced engine damage as listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine) and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 107,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 24, 2023, crash
I purchased the vehicle in December and the same weak it began leaking oil the window won’t roll down and the car shuts down by itself. It caused me to have an accident and the dealership has repaired it 14 times with the same issue. They are forcing me to drive an unsafe vehicle I need to report this vehicle as unsafe
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
At roughly 133,800 miles, the oil warning light began to appear, but sporadically. I took the car to my local Valvoline who relayed that the dip stick was basically dry. My last oil change was at 131,439 miles. Valvoline added 4 quarts of oil at 133,893 miles. That was on 01/03/2023. I have had one oil change since then. My current mileage is roughly 137,000 - I have had to add 5 quarts of oil and the dip stick still reads low. There are no signs of an oil leak, no excessive exhaust (blue or otherwise), or any visible leaks under the hood.
Engine, Jun 15, 2023
Very high oil consumption, increasing as more miles added.
Engine, Jun 8, 2023
The motor in the car is shot it's a 2017 sonata with 153000 miles on it I thought there was a recall on the engines
Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Excessive oil consumption. 1 quart every 700-800 miles
Engine, May 27, 2023
- Car is consuming high amounts of engine oil. - The oil pressure warning light comes on within 1500 miles of oil change. - This may lead to engine failure and stall.
Engine, May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence with the hazard lights activated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Engine, May 13, 2023
Excessive oil consumption
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2023
Car is burning an excessive amount of oil. After getting the oil changed I needed to add additional oil. Car is driving sluggish and won't pick up speed. In 2023 the car bucked, check engine light came on and the car failed to drive over 60mph. I took to Firestone to be repaired and they fixed the knock sensor. After a few weeks, the car bucked, check engine light came on and car would not drive over 60, they also informed me the car used too much oil since I drove it last, there was a service bulletin for the oil consumption and to take to Hyundai. Took to dealer for repair, they said engine consumption is fine. After a few days cars started becoming sluggish not picking up speed. I checked the oil - it was empty.
Engine, May 8, 2023
The engine is burning about 3 quarts of oil every 500 miles of driving. It is causing carbon to gunk up the spark plugs every month and a misfire will happen at random. I tried contacting the dealer and even though they have several complaints, they said they won’t do anything. I have brought it to several mechanics and they say the manufactured engine needs to be replaced.
Engine, May 2, 2023
Engine consumes way to much oil got oil changed and a week later it was almost empty when i checked. This has been an ongoing issue for many years already.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
Engine is consuming lots of oil. There are recalls on Sonatas but mine is not included, although I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport with a 2.4L Theta Engine produced in Alabama which are engines that are having defects with oil consumption. 2-3 months I was trying to get car into a dealership for inspection of engine because I kept having to add oil. They would not provide a loaner & I could not afford a rental at time or go without a car. In October 2022, I had to I take car to Hyundai in Trenton, NJ because engine light came on & car was jumping. Spark plug in cylinder 4 blew from low oil. On report from dealership that's exactly what is written on it. They replaced spark plug & got approval to start oil consumption testing. Had to drive 1,000 miles. Returned car & was missing 3 quarts of oil. Had to drive another 1,000 miles, 3 quarts of oil missing again. They performed top engine cleaning saying that could help eliminate the problem. I drove 1,000 miles after cleaning & was still missing 3 quarts of oil. In January 2023, dealership told me they'd put request through for a new engine. I called 1 month later giving plenty of time to have a response. They didn't put request through. Said I need to do more testing & had to leave my car there for a few days with no loaner provided. Why didn't they tell me this 1 month prior & why has no one called me to inform me of this. I can not afford a rental, miss work & my child miss school. We missed a ton since dealing with this issue & I've put out over $1,000 on rentals, oil, damages, deductibles, etc since this started. I contacted a Hyundai case manager & they are still going back & forth with dealership 2 months later. My car is obviously burning a lot of oil & after 3 tests & 6 months I should not have to go through this. In the last 1 1/2 months, I've had to replace spark plug in cylinder 1 twice & cylinder 4 once & constantly have to add oil. My cars shows ALL symptoms of the current issue with engines.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Hyundai has an active recall and open service bulletins for an ongoing issue with Knock Sensors in 2017 Sonatas (my vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport). Over the last 18 months... the vehicle has been in for service 6 times... 4 in the last 6 weeks... due to ongoing issues with the knock sensor causing the vehicle to go into "limp mode" and causing the vehicle to decrease speed to a max of 60mph. There is no pre-warning for when the sensor will trip and cause the issues... which means if a vehicle is on a highway traveling at a speed of 70mph or more, and the sensor trips... the vehicle will decrease speed down to 60mph maximum. The protocol I am aware of for the repairs... was a first step software update... 2nd step replacement of the sensor... 3rd step replacement of the engine. In 6 attempts to remedy the issue... Hyundai has refused to authorize the appropriate steps to complete the repairs and replace the engine, causing my vehicle to become a hazard on the highways without warning to myself as the driver, or other vehicles on the roadway. **Note, the most recent occurrence of this was 4/22/23.**
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Purchased a used Hyundai Sonata in June 2020 when it had almost 57,000 miles on it. Got the car regularly serviced and provided receipts to Hyundai on the national level as well as the local dealership. Received the following claim number - Hyundai Motor America Case#: [XXX]. [XXX]is with the Dealership in Dallas Texas and they car is with his dealership. Have also been dealing with[XXX] at Clay Cooley Hyundai Mesquite [XXX]. The engine does not work and needs to be replaced. Hyundai should be responsible for replacing the engine. The car has only around 76,000 miles on it. Hyundai Mesquite is threating to tow the car and possibly have it junked if it is not picked up. I cannot afford to pick up a car that does not operate. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 18, 2023
I purchased my vehicle in November 2022 from Honda Dealership. It was making a noise and “drove funny” I asked them about it and I was reassured the vehicle was in 100% working condition and they were not allowed to sell “bad cars”. So, I let it go. Since I purchased the car I have maintained regular oil changes and service on it— I just bought the car! I have been getting oil changes a lot sooner than I should, and every-time I take it to the shop they say it’s bone dry. Current: my car recently stopped working without any warning at all. I got a diagnosis from the mechanic that my engine failed due to pistons and rods. I did some research and found my car listed for a recall for campaign 953. And I am not the only sonata owner experiencing this problem.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 2, 2023
I was driving southbound on I429 approaching the Vineland Wintergarden (FL)exit. approximately .75 miles from exit, a bit of an uphill. I heard a ticking noise, then suddenly the car went silent. The screen lit up with every sensor flashing. It took me a few seconds to realize I was in potentially deadly trouble. The car began slowing from 70 MPH to maybe 25MPH as I crested the last hill. To add complications, that stretch is under construction and does not have any shoulder. I could see a wall of cars streaming ever closer in my rear view mirror. I believe my hazzard lights probably saved me from a crash before gliding the last 1/4 mile to the exit where I was able to finally pull over to safety.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
On February 11, 2022, I took my car to the dealership because my oil light came on. I was told I had no oil in the engine. So they said to get an oil change and that would take care of the problem. Nope. It has not taken care of the problem. My car burns oil. I have taken it to 2 different Hyundai shops. One just kept changing the oil and never submit the paperwork until I got really upset about bringing my car back a month after having the oil change. No help. I have called Hyundai customer service no help at all. In January 2023 I went to start my car and it started jerking and shaking and spitting out oil threw the tailpipe. The car would not move. My garage door was covered with oil. I had it towed to another Hyundai dealership they kept the car for a week and told me that it needed a new spark. New wires because it was covered in oil. I'm out of $3000.00 including all the oil changes and the work that was done. Oh yeah, I was told to bring the car back after 1000 miles. I brought it back in March 2023. They started the oil consumption test. I was told to bring it back on that Thursday the 5th. I took my car back and the dealership would not accept my vehicle. Wouldn't let me leave it for my service guy nothing. I called the next day for my service guy and they said he didn't come in today. I even filed with the BBB Auto Line. I found that information in my 2017 owners handbook supplement did not help closed my case. They didn't even call or asked me any questions. No help. Stuck with a car I have no confidence in. I don't know if the engine is going to blow because the oil gets low or if it's going to sketch on fire because theirs no oil in it.
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
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coil pack and the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
Was driving home from work on highway started decreasing speed a like it was shutting off a got off exit all my lights on dash came on broke down in the road intersection of parking lot . There was no lights or warnings on my car till it started shutting down . Cylinder 2 misfire what the code came back as problem an all engine cylinders damaged . Was inspected by Hyundai when they looked car over they diagnosed the problem . My safety was put at risk along with others on highway I didn’t know what was happening an my car was slowing in speed trying to get off to the highway .
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 27, 2023
Hello, I would like to file a complaint my name is [XXX] I am having a translator help me to write this. I was taken advantage of by a bad car dealership who sold me a dangerous car that smokes leaked oil does not stop and locks up they said the car was safe they also did not explain the contract to me. They want me to drive unsafe vehicle 1000 miles. They won’t give me a loaner car. They won’t give me my money back or a replace my car I feel unsafe and I don’t want to do business with them ever again. I want my money back. They took advantage of me because I didn’t know any better. Translators notes : regarding purchase of vehicle: He purchased a used car, 2017 Hyundai Sonata/ at McGrath City Hyunda. He does not know English The dealership took advantage of him he doesn’t speak English and is a first time car buyer, they made him sign a contract selling him an unsafe vehicle, without explaining what arbitration is the car is unsafe. . He had immediate problems with the oil and smoke coming out of the car within the first week and went back to have an oil change they charged him money. The following week the same issue occurred with smoking and stalling of the car. He brought the car in for service and they tried to charge him almost $500 for a new gasket. I told them this is not right and I would report them to consumer affairs they said they would repair it 10 days later the same issue occurred and he brought it in again they put oil in the car and he had problems again. When he brought it back they said they need to keep the car to have it serviced and they would not provide him a loaner car. He is renting a car and spending a lot of money and he is making payment on the loan for the car. The dealership is forcing him to drive an unsafe car 1000 miles in order to have an engine replaced not care about his safety. They told him he has to drive the car for 1000 miles in order to have a warranty take effect he is scared to drive it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 25, 2023
Excessive oil consumption and Engine locked while driving on the highway. I couldn’t drive my car and it was towed to a mechanic. The cost for a new engine and labor is $7970.