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: power train
55 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 4, 2023
My engine seized up after burning every drop of oil dry. My last oil replacement was 5,200 miles prior, and Hyundais recommended mileage before replacement is 7,500 miles. I never got a single oil annunciator light.
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2023
Car completely lost all power train systems while in motion after repair at dealership for HSG. Car was able to be restarted after shifting into park after complete stop. All instructions in user manual for restarting vehicle while in motion were followed but not successful. The vehicle died again pulling into dealership and the tech began diagnosis.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2023
Total loss of power while driving occurred on 2 separate occasions driving the Hyundai Sonata. The dashboard lit up with multiple failures with no warning, and car lost all power. Both times were in peak traffic conditions and on one of the two instances, a very dangerous mountain road with very little time to react. Towed on 2 occasions to 2 different dealers with no clear cut fix for the car. These were very scary and dangerous incidents and I am afraid to drive this car to be honest. Hyundai has not done much to contact or reassure me that they were dealing with the situation.
Power train, Jan 16, 2023
Driving this passed saturday and my car was jumping when i would slow it down to decrease my speed. Once my car got to 5mph it’ll jump forward then it would stop. When i went to accelerate it would pick up no speed until 40mph then the engine light came on. I went to get a diagnostic from autozone and it was my power train system having an issue. I have no clue what that was. Went to make an appointment for hyundai NO appointments for a month! What happens if the car shuts down on me? or doesn’t brake when i press on it?
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2022
Driving on highway went to pass a vehicle and merge into the next lane, when car lost speed. Pulled over and tried to restart car, car restarted only to shut right back off. Put quart of oil in and shortly after there was a clicking noise when I got up to speed, I had to put two more quarts in as well as a cleaning additive. Cannot drive over 8 mph without car making noise
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.
Power train, Sep 5, 2022
at 75000 miles car started to be out of oil 2000 miles after the oil change. At 83000 miles motor went. Check engine lite went on and day later started blinking and car died on the highway. Just went dead. Mechanic tells me motor is shot please help
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2022
It's knock sensor issue code was showing since 85000 mileage, dealer just got rid of the code and said can drive safely. Then again at 101000 mileage knock sensor code and Hyundai dealer said software is updated can drive safely. Also it's engine oil burning faster that we keep on topup oil all time. Then at after 108000 mileage my car started overheating, & it's engine seized. Now Hyundai don't want to fix such problems. I don't know maybe it get fixed, then catches fire on highway can cause death.
Power train, Engine, Apr 28, 2022
APRIL 28, 2022 THE ENGINE. IT IS REPLACED AND STILL AT ANTWERPEN HYUNDAI IN BALTIMORE MD. AT GREAT RISK BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL FORWARD POWER AND REDUCE SPEED FROM60 MILE PER HOUR ON A BELTWAY WHERE THE TRAFFIC MOVES VERY FAST AND I WOULD QUICKLY GO DOWN TO 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BY 2 CERTIFIED MECHANICS BEFORE TAKEN TO ANTWERPEN WHERE THE 3RD DIAGNOSIS WAS PROVEN A NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. I AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER BUT THE SERVICE DEPT. AT ANTWERPEN WERE IN TOUCH WITH THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THEY APPROVED REPLACING THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO-(NONE) CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS BUT IT DID SAY CHANGE THE OIL. I DID CHANGE THE OIL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY 1200 MILES SINCE THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED. THE POWER FAILURE OCCURED TWO TIMES PRIOR TO THE FINAL TIME AND I TOOK IT TO JENKINS HYUNDAI IN LEESBURG FLORIDA (WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR) AND THEY CONTINUED TO REPORT NO PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM 1ST APPEARED WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS OF THE PURCHASE ON MAY 22, 2021. UPON RECEIVING THE CAR BACK AFTER ENGINE REPLACEMENT THE CAR WAS BLOWING BLACK SMOKE (LOTS OF IT) I TOOK IT BACK TO ANTWERPEN AND THEY FOUND THE TURBO WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED (BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD THEM -POWER CLEAN?-THE TURBO. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO PAY TO REPACE THE TURBO. HOWEVER UPON CLOSER INSPECTION THE CATELETIC CONVERTOR WAS RUINED BECAUSE OF ALL THE OIL THROWN . THEY AGREED TO PAY FOR THE CONVERTER BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE LABOR (?) IT TOOK 2 WEEKS (WHILE I HAD TO PAY FOR MY TRANSPORTATION) TO COMPLETE.I WAS TO PICK UP THE CAR ON THE 27TH OF APRIL,2022 AND I DID. IT IS STILL BLOWING LOTS OF BLACK SMOKE. ANTWERPEN SAID DRIVE IT FOR A FEW WEEKS AND THE SMOKING WILL STOP. I DROVE 13 MILES AND THE CAR START TREMBLING- ALL OVER SHAKING. NO FLAT TIRE. THE ENGINE IS RUMBLING AND SHAKING THE CAR. ANTWERPEN SAID DON'T BRING IT IN. LET ME DO SOME LOOKING AROUND AND I ([XXX]) WILL CALL YOU BY 2 P.M. TODAY (5/28/22 I AM AFRAID OF I INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2021
Recall on my 2017 Hyundai Sonata was repaired 9/13/2019, purchased the vehicle with financing on 7/16/2021. On 8/18/2021, had vehicle towed back to the dealership and explained the issue. Engine knocking, tire pressure and engine lights on, frequent stalling, turning off, smell of gas and something burning, loss of power to the engine, car could not accelerate to 60 MPH. The dealership had my car till 9/20/2021, power train warranty was denied and voided, no loaner car was given, was not offered any reimbursement for car rental by dealership and Hyundai corporate. Although car is included in Theta class action lawsuit. I was correct about issue with engine, but the dealership replaced engine with used parts. No later than five days after having my car back, the engine and tire pressure lights came back on, car is tugging, and the engine noise is louder. I don’t believe that they replaced the engine with OEM parts.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while merging onto a highway at 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 MPH and shifted into limp mode. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that the failure was linked to a software update. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Power train, May 3, 2021
AFTER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE IN DECEMBER 2020, NOTICED STARTING IN JAN 2021, THAT VEHICLE DID NOT STAY IN PARK AND ROLLED BACK UP TO 5 FEET FROM WHERE PARKED. PICTURES FROM PARKING LOT, 3/6/2021 ROLLED BACK 5 FEET FROM WHERE IT PARKED. MILEAGE ON 3/6/21 WAS 96858. ON 4/15/21 WE HAVE VIDEO WITH THE NOISE THAT IT IS MAKING WHEN IN PARK AND ROLLS BACK (UNABLE TO ATTACH HERE). MILEAGE ON 4/15/2021 WAS 97881. CAR WAS PARKED IN A HANDICAP SPOT AT A RESTAURANT. THE AMOUNT OF ROLLBACK COULD CAUSE SOMEONE WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE TO BE CRUSHED OR KILLED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, NOT ONLY ON AN INCLINE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE; THERFORE, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2020
MY CAR WON'T TURN ON WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY. IT STAYS SILENT NO CLICK OR ANYTHING INDICATING ITS TRYING TO TURN ON. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT RANDOMLY DOES THIS AND RARELY IT TURNS ON WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION.
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2020
WHEN STARTING CAR, IT STARTS SHAKING REAL HARD THEN CUTS OFF. IT DOESN'T AT TIMES. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 7, 2019
I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A SCAM DEALERSHIP. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS AN ENGINE RECALL IN JANUARY UNTIL IT TURNED OFF AND ON JUST ONE WEEK AFTER LEAVING THE LOT. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM, OBVIOUSLY, THEY SAID IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. I THEN TOOK IT TO COLLEGE PARK HYUNDAI TO HAVE THEM UPDATE THE KNOCK SENSOR AND DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. AFTER AN EXTENDED ROAD TEST, IT WAS DECIDED THAT MY PROBLEM WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. YET I TOOK IT TO OTHER DEALERSHIPS, AND PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE SAYS THE SAME. MY DASH CAM HAS RECORDED THE MOMENTS WHEN THE CAR STUTTERS AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE BEFORE TURNING BACK ON A COUPLE SECONDS LATER. IT HAS HAPPENED ON CURVES AND I HAVE NEARLY DROVE OFF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO THIS. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS REACHING ABOUT 60MPH. I LIVE IN MD BUT WORK IN VA. I'M PAYING HIGH INTEREST FOR A CRAPPY LEMON CAR. I EVEN CONTACTED CORPORATE HYUNDAI, AND THEY JUST LAUGHED AND CALLED ME STUPID FOR BUYING A USED CAR...
Power train, Oct 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SPORT DURST HYUNDAI (4507 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, DURHAM, NC 27707, 919-251-5996) TO BE REPAIRED PER MANUFACTURER RECALL SERVICE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 953. AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AGAIN, BUT THE SAME FAILURES RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Engine, Sep 29, 2019
CAR LOSES POWER IN SITUATIONS WHERE YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE LIKE PASSING AND MERGING. WE JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE 8/3/2019. THIS IS BERY DANGEROUS. AFTER THE CAR JERKS AND LOSES POWER, THEN IT SUDDENLY COMES BACK FULL THROTTLE. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY ANOTHER CAR AS IOST POWER WHILE MERGING INTO 55MPH TRAFFIC. THE CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP AND WE ARE AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IF NOT CORRECTED SHOULD CAUSE THESE CARS TO BE TAKEN OUT OFF THE ROAD.
Power train, Sep 13, 2019
IF THE VEHICLE IS LEFT IN DRIVE AND TURNED OFF IT WILL ROLL BACKWARDS. I GOT OUT OF THE DRIVER SEAL AND THE WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND TURNED THE VEHICLE BEFORE SHE GOT BECAUSE SHE WAS ON THE PHONE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED IN THE ROAD WAY, THANKFULLY NOTHING HAPPENED TO ANYBODY. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEWER MODELS DO NOT DO THIS.
Power train, Sep 5, 2019
MY VEHICLE IS UNDER 70,000 MILES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL ON THE ROAD ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE IS MAKING A GRINDING/CLICKING NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS. THE DEALER IS NOT HONORING THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
Power train, Jul 16, 2019
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL ON 06/27/19 STATING THAT I NEEDED TO BRING MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE COMPUTER UPDATED TO PROTECT THE ENGINE FROM EXCESSIVE CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE. I WENT IN TO HAVE THE SERVICE DONE ON 7/1/19. WHEN I CAME TO PICK IT UP THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE UPDATE MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE AND THAT MY CAR AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE COULD GO INTO WHAT THEY CALLED SAFE MODE. HE EXPLAINED WHAT THAT WAS AND I TRULY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CAR HOME. I NO LONGER FELT SAFE DRIVING IT. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER CARE BY PHONE, CORPORATE BY EMAIL AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THEY CAN ONLY DO SOMETHING IF THE CAR MALFUNCTIONS. I HAD SCHEDULED A TRIP TO MONTGOMERY THE DAY AFTER I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN TO TAKE MY 80+ YEAR OLD PARENTS TO SEE MY SISTERS NEW HOME. I ENDED UP HAVING TO RENT A CAR BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE ON ENDING UP STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY PARENTS. THERE IS APPARENTLY A HARNESS THAT THEY CAN PUT ON IF THE CAR MALFUNCTIONS AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DO NOT JUST DO THAT IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE PROBLEM THAT COULD OCCUR. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN MY VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT I WILL HAVE TO RENT A CAR EVERY TIME I HAVE TO TRAVEL. I FEEL TOTALLY HELPLESS IN THIS SITUATION.
Power train, Jun 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD HYUNDAI OF NORTH AURORA (209 HANSEN BLVD, NORTH AURORA, IL 60542, (877) 781-4106) AND NAPLETON'S VALLEY HYUNDAI (4333 OGDEN AVE, AURORA, IL 60504, (630) 851-2500) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 15823638. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,494.*BF CONSUMER STATED THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY OTHER MONTH. CAR FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL AT THE RED LIGHT WHEN YOU PUSJH ON GAS PEDAL. NOES NOT GO FOR A FEW SECONDS. CAR STARTS EVERY TIME AND RUNS OTHERWISE.*JB
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 23, 2019
CAMPAIGN 953 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE AND IT WAS COMPLETED ON 03/19/2019. THE VEHICLE DOESN'T ACCELERATE PAST 20 MPH, JERKS AND HESITATE. I CONTACT THE HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND I WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, WILL NOT PROVIDE ME A LOANED VEHICLE AND WILL NOT COVER A RENTAL. MY WIFE JUST GAVE BIRTH TO OUR SON ON 03/21/2019 AND WE WERE DEPENDING ON THIS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT THE BABY FROM THE HOSPITAL TO OUR HOME. I WAS BASICALLY FORCED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER COMPANY, BECAUSE THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE COULD NOT GIVE ME A DATE OR AN APPROXIMATION OF WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL BE FIXED. I STILL OWED $3500 AND STILL PAYING INSURANCE FOR IT. I NEED HELP.
Power train, Mar 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE GEAR WOULD SHIFT INTO SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, AND BACK INTO FIRST GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL STAR HYUNDAI (3950 CENTURY CT, PITTSBURG, CA 94565, (925) 778-7878) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE FOR THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,900.