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: steering
173 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Seats, Jul 25, 2026
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
Steering, Air bags, Jun 11, 2026
The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.
Steering, Feb 14, 2026
While driving around 45 mph, the steering wheel locked up and car came to a hard stop. Luckily cars swerved to avoid me. This was the second time it happened. The first time I was in a parking garage and the steering wheel locked up. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel worked again. The dash showed no fault codes or engine light. I found out there is a service bulletin and took it in to the dealer. Once there, the confirmed it was the power steering and is covered by the service bulletin and extended warranty. However, because the bulletin requires the dealer to clear code to try and reproduce it, I have to pick up vehicle because they could not reproduce the fault code. So now I have to drive the vehicle knowing their is a service bulletin for the problem and have it happen again before it is fixed. There is an extremely high likelihood of injury considering you lose all power at wheel and car continues to move.
Steering, Feb 3, 2026
Was just driving and lost steering, basically very hard to turn the wheel. Traction control light and a red steering wheel light came on.
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.
Steering, Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle became sluggish and snagged while driving to the residence. The steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,011.
Steering, Nov 10, 2025
While driving my vehicle I have lost power steering twice completely. The first time I was in a five-story parking garage turning into a parking space, when power steering went out. The second time I was pulling into my driveway and the power steering went completely out. At other times my car would pull to the right just a little at one point or maybe even harder at other points. I never know when I'm going to have a problem sometimes I don't have a problem, car drives normal this problem has existed for the last 3 weeks. Like power steering sometimes is harder to turn to the left around a curve are a corner. When the steering goes out warning lights do come on one like a hazard sign one like engine light and others. I take really good care of my car my personal mechanic has called Hyundai so he could get information on how to fix my vehicle they have informed him that I have to bring it into them and would not tell my mechanic what the problem was. I would say the problem exists 20% of the time 80% of the time the card drives great no problems but while driving these things change.
Steering, Aug 17, 2025
- I was reversing from a car space, and do a K-turn, the steering wheel locked when moving forward. When the steering wheel locked, the red steering wheel light on the dashboard is on. I have to turn off the engine to reset the power steering. It's available for inspection upon request. - I cannot move the car in the parking lot. The other drivers in the lot do not know what happened. - I don't know exact step to reproduce the problem. - The 2015 Sonata may have a faulty EPS (Electronic Power Steering) motor, or a failed torque sensor. It would be helpful for Hyundai to confirm the 2017 Sonata model does not have these issues/recalls.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 14, 2025, crash
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2025
Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult
Steering, Mar 7, 2025
When turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel jerks and pulls to the left, gets stuck some and the jerk back into place when coming out a left turn or curve to balance steering wheel position. Searched for recall and took to Hyundai but they could not find anything. They say maybe purchase tires, rotate your tires and/or wheel alignment. I have done it all. They said they heard others say that but don't see a recall or know what would cause it. Went on Reddit, and others are having the same problem. Therefore, there is a problem this jerking issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jan 18, 2025
Experienced total loss of power steering when entering a parking lot. Was extremely hard to turn wheel to get into a parking spot. Red steering wheel icon with exclamation point was flashing on the dash. Shut off car, turned back on, and the light went off. Still had car towed, owner’s manual states to have it inspected by the manufacturer, don’t drive. Of course, Walser Hyundai Service Center in Coon Rapids could not duplicate the issue - so nothing was done. A C1102 code was detected meaning low voltage, however, when checking the battery and alternator, both tested good. Was told that there are 4 different parts to the steering, each one being very expensive to repair. Also, my display has been going out intermittently for the last year. Possible voltage too? My display did NOT go out when the power steering went out. ??? Computer Issue Maybe ??? Car already has 3 Extended Coverage issues - Power Steering, Fuel Filter Assembly, and Engine Failure, not to forget the excessive oil consumption problem (1-2 quarts per week). No recalls, just wait to see if it happens to you. Some of these issue are extremely dangerous, there should be recalls!!! They need to be fixed. I am now fearful to drive this car, it’s either going to kill me or someone else, especially if I lose the power steering at high speeds. Lost complete faith in Hyundai as a vehicle manufacturer, they do not stand behind their product.
Steering, Nov 26, 2024
Lost power steering in heavy traffic. Was able to move safely to a parking lot and stopped. A light came on with a steering wheel at the same time the power steering went out. Turned off vehicle and when started again no light on the dash and power steering was ok. After 2-3 more miles of driving lost power again with the light came back on. Was able to park safely. Started it the next day and all seemed ok but did not drive. 2 days later started ok and no light on dash, within 1 mile light came on then 10 seconds later the power steering stopped working. Was able to drive slowly to the mechanics and he confirmed that it needs a new module inside the steering wheel.
Steering, Nov 19, 2024
Steering makes nocking noise when turning the wheel. Steering has locked up while driving losing all control of steering the vehicle.
Steering, Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed a failure code on the OBD scanner but was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V190000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Steering, Engine, Oct 3, 2024
My engine burns oil like crazy. At least 1 qt every 1,000 miles or less. Took to dealership and was given a hard time about it having an issue. Now my power steering light keeps randomly coming on. I'll feel the steering start to get hard to steer. Thought I needed belts so I replaced both serpentine & water pump belt but it still happens. When my power steering light comes on and steering wheel locks up, I have to put the car in park & rev the engine to get the light to turn off. Mechanics said all pulleys are in good shape so not sure what's doing it. My lights also start to flicker when power steering light comes on. I have a new altenator and battery so it's not caused from that. I have no idea what's causing it but it's extremely dangerous!!
Steering, Oct 1, 2024
The power steering on the vehicle keeps locking on its own! The dealership say they can’t do anything because once you turn the car off for a certain amount of time it stops and goes back normal. Not safe for driving happens on highway can cause deadly accidents
Steering, Jul 16, 2024
When you start the car and take off.... the power steering goes away. Very difficult to steer car. Its happened a few times now in a short period of time. When you turn off the engine...and restart, The steering comes back. I see there are many people on the internet that have the same problem. Someone is going to get in an accident and get killed if this is not address immediately. I see down below in the form to fill out it has a date. The last one was on
Steering, Jun 13, 2024
Complete steering column replacement is required (COLUMN & SHAFT ASSY-STEERING 56310-C2700). When turning all the way, like to turn 90 degrees or enter a parking space, the steering wheel locks. Car must be turned off and restarted. Sometimes you have to do this a couple of times for the steering wheel to unlock. Hyundai dealer agrees that the steering column has to be replace, unsafe to drive vehicle. It is June and have been waiting six months for Hyundai to provide the part. Hyundai USA corporate says they don't know when the part will be available, they will not provide a date, could be next year according to some employees at the Hyundai dealer. Hyundai says it is not a manufacturing defect, even though there are many comments on line, and previous models have issued recalls for this same defect.
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
On [XXX] at [XXX], my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport lost power steering while I was driving 60 mph on [XXX] in San Leandro, CA. The MDPS warning light came on and my steering wheel became very tight and difficult to control. I remained calm and maintain control of the steering with both of my hands and got off the freeway safely. I parked at the nearest exit and turned off the engine. I waited a few seconds, then restarted the engine and the MDPS warning light disappeared and the power steering came back. The MDPS malfunction happened on local street before, but that was my 1st MDPS malfunction experience while I was on freeway and it was very scary and dangerous. I reported the incident to San Leandro Hyundai dealership on 5/31/2024 because Hyundai is aware of this malfunction and extended the MDPS warranty to 15 years. The mechanic from San Leandro Hyundai acknowledged the issue and found a fault in the MDPS. However, the dealership refused to repair or replace the MDPS because the dealership claimed the part (56310-C2700), steering column & shaft assembly, is not covered by the extended warranty. San Leandro Hyundai dealership knew there was a problem, but disregarded driver safety on highway. Please see MDPS warning light from my pictures and I have video recording of the incident if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 14, 2024
While driving the power steering stopped working and it was difficult to safely navigate the vehicle to a safe location. It was determined that the power steering module (PSM) stopped working and needs to be replaced. This will cost approximately $850 because the PSM is located in/under the dashboard and a lot of the steering column has to be removed as well as the driver’s side airbag. The cost will be upwards from $850 depending on how many hours it takes to disassemble and reassemble the car to fix the PSM. There are many complaints on Hyundai’s PSM, so why hasn’t a recall been issued?
Steering, May 6, 2024
tHE POWER STEERING (WHICH IS ELECTRIC) JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS SINCE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. HAPPENS SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.
Steering, Apr 29, 2024
Power steering stops working while driving. Feels like steering wheel locks up while driving, extremely dangerous and frightening. It's a intermittent issue and hard to duplicate at the Hyundai dealership. This is a known issue and Hyundai is making it difficult to people to get their cars fixed and safe again because their mechanics cannot duplicate the issue at will at the shop. This excuse is not acceptable. This serious issue is legitimate and will cost someone their life.
Steering, Apr 22, 2024, crash
I was pulling into a street parallel parking space and the wheel suddenly locked and became hard to turn- causing my to side swipe another vehicle. Almost a week later my daughter was driving onto a highway on ramp and the wheel wouldn’t turn. She took her foot off the gas and drifted into the shoulder brakes.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2024
My son was driving the car, and completely out of nowhere it seized to have any compression and steering/accelerating became disabled. I have been given an estimate up to $7,000 for an engine rebuild due to this happening. I have reached out to Hyundai and they denied my claim due to car being out of warranty. This should have never happened when the car has been well maintained,even with the motor burning through oil faster than it should be, which I have always kept a close eye on. This car is defective and unsafe.