2017 Hyundai Sonata

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: engine

399 reports, newest first. Show all

1. Engine, Feb 8, 2026

   My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a permanent and recurring DTC P1326 (Knock signal range/performance) from the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), indicating potential connecting rod bearing wear in the Nu 2.0L engine. The vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power, limited acceleration/speed) on the highway under load, with hard engine vibration, tinkling/knocking noise from under hood, and significantly reduced MPG. These symptoms create a serious safety risk: sudden loss of power at highway speeds (e.g., 50+ mph) makes it difficult to maintain speed, merge, or avoid hazards, increasing crash risk or stranding in traffic. In rare cases, bearing wear can lead to engine seizure or failure. The problem first appeared summer 2024 at approximately 115,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminates (cristmass tree), and limp mode triggers during highway driving. I have an OBD scan showing confirmed, pending, and permanent P1326, plus related hybrid communication codes (U0293, U1004) likely secondary to the protection mode. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times (four visits) by a Hyundai dealer. Each time they scanned the code, performed basic checks, but stated “engine is working normal, no road vibration, nothing” and did not resolve the issue. The code returns immediately after clearing. I replaced the knock sensor, engine mounts, spark plugs, ignition coils myself—did not fix it. Dealers did not perform the full bearing clearance test or follow TSB 22-01-023H (Service Campaign T6G) procedure as required for this known issue (related to Recall 209 and Campaign 966). The component (engine/connecting rod bearings) is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. No police, insurance, or other parties have inspected it beyond the dealer. This matches a widespread known defect in 2011–2019 Sonata Hybrids (bearing wear triggering P1326/limp mode).

2. 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”

3. Engine, Feb 6, 2026

   Car just sputtered and then the engine stopped working in cyclinder 2

4. Engine, Feb 4, 2026

   My car stayed with up to date oil changes and everything. One day I noticed it was leaking oil and had to stay on top of adding oil. When took to a mechanic they said my motor was blown and needed a new one. I took very good care of this car and it’s crazy that I need a new motor after babying the car.

5. Engine, Jan 24, 2026

   My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise and metal debris in the engine oil—primary indicators of the Theta II engine defect (NHTSA Campaign 17V578). These symptoms indicate imminent engine failure, posing a significant stall and crash risk. On or around 8/20/25, I took the vehicle to Earnhardt Hyundai-San Tan. I informed the technician of the oil burning and metal shavings. They refused to perform the recall repair and charged a $200 diagnostic fee for an inspection related to a federally mandated safety recall. Under federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301), recall remedies must be provided at no cost to the owner. Furthermore, components were not reassembled correctly during the inspection. The vehicle is now leaking oil onto my driveway and has been rendered inoperable. It has not been driven since I picked it up on August 25, 2025. I am requesting that Hyundai be compelled to perform the recall remedy and reimburse the unauthorized diagnostic fee.

6. Engine, Jan 19, 2026

   The 2017 Hyundai Sonata has had an ongoing engine malfunction defect that is causing engine knocking, stalling, and smell and rapid depletion of oil. The continuous issues are concerning especially when the car is not driven on a regular basis as it is utilized as a second vehicle. This has been a noticeable issue for quite sometime now. I have taken the car to the Hyundai dealership on multiple occassions after notably heavy oil consumption in a short time period in between scheduled oil changes. I am told by the dealership that it is evident that the engine is rapidly processing and burning oil inappropriately from a possible manufacturing defect recall related to connecting-rod bearing failure that was issued by Hyundai for various Hyundai models. The damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of fire.

7. Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 19, 2026

   My vehicle has a documented excessive oil‑consumption defect. After a 1,000‑mile oil‑consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23‑EM‑008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America declined to cover the repair and refused to escalate my case. This level of oil consumption is consistent with known Theta II engine defects that have led to engine seizure, stalling, and fire in other vehicles. I am reporting this as a safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure while driving.

8. Engine, Jan 19, 2026

   Please see the attached paperwork and I have more if needed. I am not receiving any help from the local Hyundai dealership in which I purchased the car, and I have reached out to the main Headquarter. This is the 2nd Hyundai I purchased, and I was not made aware of the oil consumption issue.

9. Engine, Jan 10, 2026

   Manufacturer has refused engine replacement under federal KSDS recall settlement without providing causation proof. Owner has maintenance records. Request NHTSA compliance review.

10. Engine, Jan 8, 2026

    Manufacturer is refusing recall engine replacement alleging neglect without proof of causation. Vehicle has documented maintenance. Denial appears improper under recall compliance law.

11. Engine, Jan 2, 2026

    Cylinders in the engine are misfiring causing car to shake. Pistons in the engine are having trouble keeping the air compressed so psi to continue to decrease causing the misfire.

12. Engine, Dec 29, 2025, fire

    My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport Limited 2.4 has a known engine defect causing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was at an authorized Hyundai dealership for the oil consumption test and had been approved for a new engine replacement. Prior to the repair, I completed $2,300 in maintenance, specifically an oil combustion cleaning and spark plug replacement, which the dealership said was required to perform the oil consumption test. While the vehicle was in the dealership’s custody, it caught fire on 12/19/2025 at World Hyundai Matteson. No one was injured, but the car was destroyed. This occurred while the vehicle was under warranty repair, creating a serious safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to document the fire and the associated safety issue with this engine defect.

13. Steering, Engine, Dec 19, 2025

    My car steering is locking up while driving on highway and regular roads. Resulting almost in not being able to control and crash. I also had a recall for my engine which was already replaced and now having same issue with oil burning and not leaking.

14. Engine, Dec 17, 2025

    Car consuming EXCESSIVE Oil. Oil changes went from lasting 6-7k miles, to less than 4k miles, to less than 2k miles within a year. Checked for leaks, nothing found. Here is the breakdown, I added more oil when the oil lights would flash on. : 12/06/24 FULL OIL CHANGE Mileage: 80,735 6/11/25 FULL OIL CHANGE 86,164 miles 10/6/25 1 qt  89,000 miles 10/10/25 FULL OIL CHANGE 90,121 miles 1 qt 11/30/25 91,550 miles 1 qt 12/11/25  92,700 miles Hyundai is AWARE that this is an ongoing issue - they should legally be required to fix this whether a car has a warranty or not. Bad for the engine and engine replacements aren't cheap

15. Engine, Dec 6, 2025

    My car is blowing a large amount of white smoke due to the head gasket being cracked, I was quoted 2 grand to fix it. The car is not old enough to need a new head gasket, this is completely due to how the car manufactured and I have seen many other reports of this, there should be a recall and this should be fixed free of charge.

16. Engine, Nov 29, 2025

    While driving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle entered "limp mode" The check engine light was blinking, I took the car to a very close autozone and the check engine light came on with code P1326 (pricture upload files), which is directly related to the known KSDS connecting rod bearing defect. This issue is part of Hyundai’s safety recalls and engine warranty extensions. After that, I called Hyundai directly (reference number for that call #XXX). A kind young woman informed me that my car had been through "Service Campaign 953" and successfully completed a "Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Update." Thanks to this, she explained that my car is under the "Hyundai TXXI warranty" and that, given the noise I was hearing along with the "P1326" code, it was very likely that my car qualified for a free engine replacement. She then scheduled an appointment for me at the nearest Hyundai dealership for the following morning. After more than two weeks of inspection, the dealer confirmed that the engine has internal damage and needs a complete replacement due to rod bearing failure. This is the exact defect addressed in Hyundai’s safety campaigns. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to cover the engine replacement because the vehicle exceeded its mileage limit, even though the engine failure is clearly caused by the known safety-related defect. The dealer acknowledged the problem and documented everything, but Hyundai is denying proper safety recall-related coverage. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, the vehicle is currently disabled and undrivable at the dealership due to the defect. Hyundai is only offering a buyback or a small cash settlement instead of performing the necessary safety repair. I am filing this complaint for many reasons but mainly because the refusal to replace the defective engine, despite the recall-related code P1326 and confirmed bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

17. 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.

18. Engine, Nov 24, 2025

    I am filing a complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America’s handling of my engine-related safety issue, buyback process, and rental reimbursement. My vehicle was towed to Elder Hyundai for a suspected engine failure. Elder Hyundai informed me that my car was covered under an engine recall campaign and that they would submit a request for free repair. Shortly afterward, Hyundai Motor America notified me that they would not perform the repair and that I was being forced into the buyback process under a Settlement Agreement Release (SAR). Elder Hyundai refused to provide me a loaner vehicle because I was not proceeding with repairs, despite the issue being part of an engine recall. They also refused to give me the repair order report for my records and refused to let me retrieve my personal items from my vehicle unless I paid a diagnostic fee. Hyundai Motor America told me I was covered under them for this fee, yet Elder Hyundai still refused. Regarding transportation, I was initially told Hyundai does not reimburse Turo rentals due to concerns about “fake receipts.” Because of my budget and age, Turo was the only rental option I could afford. After escalating, a supervisor approved reimbursement for my Turo rentals, but as of today I have not received any reimbursement. I am a school teacher with a two-hour commute each day and I have [XXX] twin toddlers. I had to use rent and bill money to pay for the rentals based on assurances that reimbursement would be processed within a week. I submitted all receipts, but my new case manager claims he has no record of them, further delaying reimbursement. I completed and returned all SAR buyback documents on November 15th, yet I have received no update on payment or processing. This entire ordeal has put me at financial risk, including potential job loss and housing instability. Hyundai’s delays and mishandling of this safety-related case have severely impacted my livelihood. I ask that you please review HMA’s action INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

19. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after receiving oil changes on four occasions, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the contact was informed that the oil pressure sensor was leaking at the connector, and the oil pressure sender or the switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer after being driven for 1,000 miles, and the oil usage was documented. The contact stated that in 7 days, the engine had consumed one quart of engine oil in 167 miles driven. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a combustion cleaning was performed; however, 4,000 miles later, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,379.

20. Engine, Nov 11, 2025

    Engine is burning oil. Ticking sound when engine is idling.

21. Engine, Nov 11, 2025

    My car started using a lot of oil,one day it just started jerking and lost speed had to change the spark plugs after that I was constantly putting oil in it and changing the spark plugs every 2 weeks

22. Engine, Nov 7, 2025

    We bought the car 9/27 was told the car past the dealer inspections. The cars oil was checked and i am sure it was changed and all prior to us. We drove it home and she has drove it to school. On 10/15 my husband did a routine oil check and it was over 2 qts low. He did a complete oil change and changed the pcv valve and as of yesterday it has used another 1 gt. This car was just bought 8900 and now i am assuming it needs rebuilt or new engine. I would like for this to be reimbursed. This is outrageous. When we reported the prob it had 149000 miles on it and Hydunai gives to 150000. I need this issue to be fixed

23. Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2025

    The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the engine oil level was low after an oil change. The contact stated that three quarts of engine oil were added every two to three weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,606.

24. Engine, Nov 4, 2025

    I am the original owner of a 2017 Hyundai Sonata with the oil consumption defect Hyundai is well aware of. For years I have been adding a quart of oil every thousand miles and had my spark plugs replaced three times in two years now. Why am I not included in the recall so I can have the repairs done free of charge? The dealer wanted me to start having them monitor my oil consumption first which will cost me around seven hundred dollars for something they already know is defective. I submitted repair bills for the spark plugs to Hyundai around a year ago, but they would not reimburse. This is a safety issue as car starts to run badly with fouled plugs.

25. Engine, Nov 4, 2025

    Having engine issues with Hyundai Sonata (2017) have taken to dealership for repairs since purchase of vehicle (used) in August 2019. Vehicle available for inspection. Safety of others as well as self by engine failure while refueling, causing driver to be unable to move vehicle. Engine problem confirmed at dealership in April 2025. Issue addressed with Hyundai National Consumer Affairs to seek adequate replacement of engine and components. On 14 May 2025, request was denied. Check engine lamp illuminated on 1 March 2021 the 1st time, 5 June 2023 for 2nd time and 21 April 2025 for the 3rd and final time.