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, Oct 28, 2025
I have just purchased this vehicle from Jones Nissan in Savannah, TN September 27, 2025 for my daughter's 18th birthday. I was told the car passed all inspections etc and was sold the car same day. We checked the oil before leaving and oil was good. Within 45 miles we came home and my husband checked the car and the oil was down half quart. We didn't think anything of it and he did complete oil change. Last night my daughter comes in and my husband checks her oil almost 3 quarts low. There are no leaks nothing we can find. This is absolutely absurd this was a car for my 18-yr old daughter to go to college and back. There are no lights that come on to tell you it is low or nothing. This is completely uncalled for and Hyundai needs to replace or correct this issue. This could cause her to be stranded or hurt if this motor was to lock up.
Engine, Oct 12, 2025
I noticed my oil was pretty much empty at one point. I don't know how long it had been empty but I had been driving the car for a long time. But I usually do my oil changes every 5000 miles so the fact that the oil was empty is definitely not a good sign. I did an oil change and replaced the drain plug in case that was the issue. I checked for leaks and there weren't any. After probably a couple thousand miles, the oil was out again. I took it to a dealership and the guy at the service desk said "I shouldn't tell you this, but a lot of them have that problem. You should get rid of it before the engine fails." Hyundai knows that it's an issue but they refuse to fix it or do a recall. It consumes oil like crazy and there's even a Facebook group called Hyundai oil consumption recall with about 5000 people in it. If the oil in the engine drains to empty, the engine could seize up and put people in danger. No warning lights have come on when the oil has run out.
Engine, Oct 11, 2025
MY 2017 Hyundai Sonata has excessive engine oil consumption. Despite multiple inspections and tests performed by Hyundai dealerships in 2023, as well as PCV replacement by a licensed independent mechanic, the vehicle continues to consume approximately 1 quart of oil every 60-100 miles. No warning lights appeared, but this persistent consumption created a safety risk ,as low oil levels can lead to engine damage or failure while driving, endangering myself and passengers, and others on the road. The issue has been confirmed through oil consumption tests at Hyundai dealerships, and it remains unresolved despite attempted repairs. The problem is verifiable and reproducible through oil level checks and documented service history.
Engine, Oct 5, 2025
Purchased the vehicle and immediately noticed a drip in the driveway. I was concerned so I started checking the dip stick. I booked a diagnostic appointment with a Hyundai Service Center. I wanted to be sure I purchased a quality vehicle. Upon what i thought was a complete diagnostic, a cracked oil pan was discovered. I agreed to purchase and pay out of pocket, everything else had checked out. I was told I could drive while I waited for the pan to come in, service was scheduled. The car never made it back. I continued to check the dipstick but while driving on a very busy interstate, the engine light went on and lost power. I barely managed to get to the breakdown lane. A complete safety hazard. I was towed to the closest garage where the owner suggested he see’s 3-4 of these a week. He would not touch it, have it towed to Hyundai. I paid for another diagnostic and now a flat bed tow. Key Hyundai of Salem NH accepted the vehicle. I paid another $498 to have an “engine tear-down” send a detailed finding report to Corporate. I called Corporate and filled my own case number. I was denied by Corporate, I was told I was a subsequent owner. The dealership didn’t match, I’m denied because the engine didn’t seize because of Rod issue. Well Hyundai is praying upon consumers. They knowingly initiated the KDS Recall and installed sensors to place a vehicle in “Limp Mode” so the rod isn’t the issue and they deny coverage. I paid a private mechanic verify cylinder 3 has low compression. Had the car not gone into “Limp Mode” the rod bearings would have failed.
Engine, Oct 5, 2025
HYUNDAI OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL. MY 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA BURNING OIL I CONSTANTLY SCHEDULE OIL CHANGES. WHEN WILL NOTICE FOR REPAIR BE SENT TO MY ADDRESS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS VEHICLE ALSO. SERIOUS ISSUE NEEDS TO TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
Engine, Oct 1, 2025
My car is needing an oil change almost every 3 weeks at this point. Mechanics say there is no leak and there may be a recall for GDI engines that are burning oil very fast. This is a reoccurring problem and would love to find out if I can get this recalled like I seen other 2017 Hyundai Sonatas.
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
We are the original owners of this vehicle. Over the past year we have been having to put quart(s) after quart(s) of full synthetic oil into this vehicle. There are no leaks anywhere that the mechanic can find and no burning of oil from the exhaust. We don't drive the vehicle many miles but have to put oil in at least every few weeks. The mechanic stated the last few times we have taken the car in to get looked at that it is a known issue with this make/model. He stated there was nothing he could do and we needed to contact the manufacture. We have tried on numerous occasions to make contact as well as the dealership has as well with no resolve.
Engine, Sep 28, 2025
I Purchased my 2017 from Hyundai motors of America in 2017. I am the only owner. I Took the care in for a recall for Campaign 953: ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT to have a a knock sensor placed on the engine to monitor the vehicle for signs of engine failure in 2022. The car has been showing signs of engine failure since the knock sensor was placed on the vehicle and Hyundai claimed that the knock sensor was bad and replaced in. Last week while I was driving the car ok the interstate at 70 miles per hour, the engine stopped running completely while driving. The check engine light did not illuminate until after the vehicle’s engine stopped running. The vehicle lost its ability to accelerate while driving. I was almost hit by a semi as I tried to guide the disabled vehicle to the emergency lane. I took the vehicle to one of the Hyundai dealerships for an inspection. The inspection shows engine failure due to internal failure. The knock sensor from campaign 953 failed to detect any engine problems. I Called hyundai motors of America and was given a case number (41539529). Even though the dealer reported to Hyundai motors of America about the engine failure, Hyundai motors of America is refusing to fix the vehicle due to mileage even though there is an extended warranty through campaign 953. This company is a fraud!! The company wants me to pre-approve authorization payment for them to replace my engine at my expense regardless of the recall, and their negligence!! They are placing people lives at risk.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 18, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE is experiencing symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure covered under Hyundai’s KSDS extended warranty program. June 22, 2019: KSDS software (Campaign 953) installed, qualifying the vehicle for Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for bearing failures. August 2022: Campaign 208 engine recall performed. Hyundai’s record shows Aug 15, 2022, while Wright Way Hyundai’s service history shows Aug 13, 2022 (discrepancy unresolved). March 2025 (100,238 miles): Vehicle went into limp mode with tailpipe smoke and loss of power. It was towed to Wright Way Hyundai, which kept it for several days but returned it with “no issue found.” The smoke continued. June 5, 2025 (103,996 miles): Oil change performed. August 27, 2025: Oil light illuminated, dipstick showed no oil. Vehicle now exhibits severe drivability issues consistent with bearing damage. Hyundai has incorrectly tried to reframe this as an oil-consumption issue and directed me to pay $600 for a combustion chamber cleaning. My issue is not oil consumption — it is a bearing-related failure already covered by warranty. Hyundai’s obligations include a no-cost inspection/diagnosis for connecting rod bearing failure, yet I have been denied that process. Despite repeated written requests, Hyundai continues to attempt phone communication instead of email, even addressing me by the wrong name in correspondence, which suggests reliance on standardized or generic responses. I have exclusively maintained the vehicle at Wright Way Hyundai, following Hyundai’s service schedule. I am resorting to filing this complaint because after weeks of email correspondence, Hyundai’s corporate agent refuses to help and the manager insists on only calling by phone — which I will not answer out of concern they will attempt to mischaracterize or dismiss my complaint verbally. This failure poses a safety risk because the vehicle has lost power suddenly and requiring restart.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2025
To whom it may concern, I have own my vehicle since Jan 2018, which was purchased from the dealership's owner w/less than 10k miles. Maintenance has been performed iaw Hyundai's recommended schedule. However, yesterday, I was informed that my vehicle needed a new engine and other replacements totaling $13,934.89. This is OUTRAGEOUS. How can a well kept vehicle w/106445 miles, need such replacements? Thus your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that there was no oil in the engine, even though the contact had recently added oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Engine, Sep 16, 2025
I am constantly seeing my oil light coming on. I have placed at least three quarts of oil in the last month while driving around only 1,200 miles. I took vehicle to mechanic who explained this is known issue with the vehicle I own.
Engine, Sep 13, 2025
Oil consumption, lossing one quart of oil per week, I drive 250 miles per week.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 11, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is defective. Oil pressure failed testing, oil contamination was found on the oil pressure sensor and connector, and the vehicle has experienced excessive oil issues. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has gone into limp mode on the highway, which caused a sudden loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The car also shakes, misfires, and loses power unexpectedly, which could lead to stalling or loss of control at highway speeds. I do not feel safe driving the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Multiple Hyundai dealerships have inspected the car. One confirmed low oil pressure and oil contamination at the sensor. Previous visits dismissed the oil warning and charged me for oil replacement instead of identifying the underlying defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealers multiple times. I also have two inspection reports from the same dealer just two weeks apart with contradictory findings the first showing no oil issue, the second confirming oil contamination and failed oil pressure. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The oil warning light and check engine light have both come on. The vehicle has gone into limp mode, and symptoms have included shaking, misfiring, rough idling, and loss of power. These issues began months ago and have continued despite repeated service visits.
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
Engine, Sep 5, 2025
Engine is burning up full tank of oil in a few days there are no oil leaks coming from the car. The car has been expected and worked on by multiple mechanics. The engine lights keeps coming on.
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
Excessive amount of oil burning. Was told that this vehicle had a engine recall, and I am trying to see what I can do about it before it blows up.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
.Car is using or burning alot of oil. After oil change. It went 2800 miles on the oil change and the cars oil light come on. Checked oil and nothing on the dip stick. Headlights randomly shut off at night. Had the wiring checked and didnt find any issues
Engine, Aug 22, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?\n' + 'The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata is defective. It burns oil excessively, fouls spark plugs and ignition coils, and causes continuous misfires. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection.\n' + 'How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?\n' + 'The engine misfires cause my car to shake violently while driving, lose power unexpectedly, and turn on the check engine light. This creates a risk of stalling or losing control while driving at highway speeds, endangering myself and others. I no longer feel safe driving the car.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?\n' + 'Yes. Multiple independent mechanics have confirmed that the misfires and repeated spark plug/coil failures are caused by the engine itself, not just normal wear. Hyundai dealers acknowledged the excessive oil consumption and advised combustion cleanings, which did not resolve the issue.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?\n' + 'Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Hyundai dealerships (including McGrath Hyundai) and independent service centers (Pep Boys, AAMCO, and others). All noted ongoing oil-related issues and repeated failures tied to the engine.\n' + '\n' + 'Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?\n' + 'Yes. The check engine light has come on repeatedly over the last two years. Symptoms include rough idling, heavy shaking, loss of power, and repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures (monthly or more often). The problem began within the first year of ownership and has persisted ever since despite repairs.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited check engine light came on at approximately 103,000 miles of use. This happened last week. The code it was pointing to was a faulty Fuel Pressure Sensor. Could also be combined with faulty fuel pump, but the primary code indicates the sensor. I will be taking it in to the Hyundai dealership shortly. The main reason I’m reporting this is because of my previous experience owning a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe that had to have the engine replaced three times all under warranty. There ended up being a class action lawsuit because of several owners experiencing the same proglem. While this may not be the same case, I am Leary of engine problems like this. I take very good care of my cars with regular maintenance, so I’m reporting this just in case others are experiencing the same problem.
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
I have recently acquired this vehicle. There has been zero unrecorded recalls, and I have been told that there is an active recall on the engine in this vehicle. I am inquiring this. The car has recently been taken to my mechanic and he has told me this plus the car engine is using a excessive amount of oil. I have heard that it is possible to have the engine replaced due to the recall I am inquiring about that. On the date of the incident that has occurred. I am putting the date of the purchase of the vehicle order that is on the Pohanka buyers order.
Engine, Aug 6, 2025
The engine was eating up oil and failed. I have regularly had to get oil changes within 1000 miles of each other. Kept oil in my car like spare gasoline to top off every 4-7 days. Took my car in immediately when the check engine light came on to which the dealership said I have been negligent in my oil changes. The check engine light never came on prior, and I had an oil change the day before it did come on. It put my safety at risk because the engine could have just burst at any moment, and to my knowledge nothing was wrong since I was regularly putting oil in or getting an oil change. Yes the issue has been confirmed by the dealership. There was no warning other than the low oil light continuously coming on. I took it into the dealership last Spring to which they said there was no issue.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 5, 2025
I am leasing a 2017 Hyundai Sonata from Car City in Michigan. In May 2025, the vehicle received a brand-new engine replacement due to previous problems. I picked the car up on [XXX], and on the same day, the vehicle began malfunctioning. It would not accelerate properly, jerked and stalled, and multiple warning lights — including the check engine light — came on immediately. This made the car unsafe to drive. I contacted the dealer, but they told me to wait until Monday to get it looked at, leaving me with a dangerous and unreliable car. The vehicle had already been in the shop for over two months for the engine issue, and I had only driven it for six months beforehand. I believe the repair or replacement engine is defective or was not properly installed. This creates a serious safety hazard. A car that stalls while driving puts everyone at risk. I am filing this complaint so this issue can be investigated and addressed if others are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Aug 4, 2025
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata has been burning excessive amounts of engine oil over an extended period. The issue started approximately 10,000 miles ago but has worsened recently, requiring frequent oil top-offs between regular oil changes. The oil consumption is abnormal and not consistent with normal wear. This excessive oil burning poses a potential safety risk, including possible engine failure, stalling, or fire hazard due to low oil levels if not monitored carefully. The vehicle has not yet experienced a complete failure but the risk concerns me. The problem has been observed consistently during normal driving conditions. I have not yet had an official inspection or oil consumption test performed by a dealer, but I intend to request one. There have been no warning lights related to the oil burning issue, but the oil level drops rapidly and noticeably.
Power train, Engine, Aug 1, 2025
Constant losing oil, constant changing of spark plugs, car shaking, can't pick up speed