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, Mar 5, 2024
When making minor steering corrections, driver inputs require more than normal force, until the resistance suddenly gives way. The car then responds to drivers input, causing a need for the driver to correct in the opposite direction. The result is a car which seens to weave from side to side as the driver attempts to stay within lane. The side to side movements become particularly dangerous when traveling aside large vehicles. Multiple internet conversations concerning this steering problem can be found. The service manager at the local dealer states he is aware of the problem but will do nothing about it as no recall has been issued.
Steering, Feb 14, 2024
Power steering failed as I was pulling in parking lot, with my son , have not brought to dealer yet costly to fix been told by mechainic,no warning whatsoever ever on gauges, luckily it didn’t happen on highway that I had just gotten off of 65mph could have been worse
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jan 21, 2024
I was stopped at a red light. Once light turned green I went to make a left-hand turn. My vehicles power steering shorted out, almost causing me to hit a pedestrian and child.
Steering, Jan 2, 2024
Power steering failure almost resulted in a fatality. Could not steer away from a pedistrian
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 31, 2023
Problem 1: I made a right turn at a red light. As I turned my power steering light turned on and my steering wheel locked up and I lost control of the vehicle. After stopping and turning off the vehicle, I restarted it. At this point I was able to regain control of the car. A few days later the same thing happened again as I made a right turn from a parking lot into the flow of traffic. One again I stopped the engine and restarted the car, then I regained control of the car. Problem 2 (May be related): My passenger side headlight was replaced a year ago. Recently the light went out again. I took the car in to a mechanic to repair it. It was repaired so I thought. Two days later the light went out again. The mechanic believes their may be an electrical issue. Problem 3 (May be related): My driver side brake light was replaced about a year ago as well. It has now gone out again. I have had my vehicle serviced twice by a Hyundai dealership at least twice since the first incident.
Steering, Nov 7, 2023
I have been having issues with the Power Steering, I often get the wheel sensor and stability sensors activate making it very hard to steer my vehicle, I have taken to the repair shop to unlock, but comes back after a week. this is a problem and feel very unsafe driving as it has locked while I am driving, having me to pull over to turn off my car to clear the sensors. this issue has been happening more often, and has become a financial burden as the dealer charges a fee for running analysis on the vehicle.
Steering, Nov 5, 2023
Steering wheel froze/would not turn, and Shift selector and Ignition key were also frozen on Three occasions. Once while backing out of parking space, and Twice after being parked. Vehicle is available for inspection. Frozen steering wheel while in motion could have caused accident. Car was inspected by Dealership, but Service Representative stated " could Not determine problem unless it was happening at time of their inspection" and " they are having this problem on other Hyundai models." Only inspected by original Dealership. No prior warning to any of the three incidents.
Steering, Oct 11, 2023
Steering has locked up on me, usually when coming out of a parking space. Makes a clunking noise at times when turning. Only way to reset is to turn engine off and on again. Has been giving me trouble for a number of months now. Had 2 different Auto Repair services look at it, and they say it may be electrical or something more serious. Both recommend to take it to Hyundai dealership where I got it. I am awaiting a service call from the Hyundai dealership, and from all these other reports, I think the cost of the repair should be covered under a recall. Very unsettling to drive when the steering does not work properly.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2023
Steering wheel has electrical issue and only works if you turn it to the left. Also check engine light comes on for emissions problem and oil burning faster than usual as well as the fuel.
Steering, Engine, Aug 16, 2023
On July 13, 3023, I was driving the vehicle and the pwwer steering light illuminated, but the light did go out. I took the vehicle to Stew Hansen Hyundai in Urbandale, Iowa, indicated the entire power steering column has got to be replaced. The parts hace been on back order, and as of today, August 16, the service center is still waiting for the parts to be delivered. The vehicle has slightly over 69,000 miles and 6 years. It's not covered under the warranty, Because that part is covered by the 5 year 50,000 warranty, so I have to pay an estimated $3,400. hundred dollars. I did share with the service agent that I received a power steering 15 years, 150,000 warranty extension notification, and provided him a copy, but waa told that was only for a specific part, and it did not apply to my repair, because my repair is for the entire power steering column. The reason why I'm paying this is because in June 2022, at 60,000 miles the vehicle's engine had to be replaced. That too took over two months to be fixed and returned to me, but repair as covered under warranty. Also, I'd be happy to share the information, but my vehicle is still in the shop for repair, depending on when the parts are received.
Steering, Aug 11, 2023
As reported by many others, electric power steering column locks up. Happens at least once a week. Turn car off and then start again issue cleared.
Steering, Jul 10, 2023
I have been having issues with my electric power steering rack and pinion when turning left it binds occasionally. I was backing into my driveway 7/10/2023 and my steering rack bound up and locked, triggering steering control warning light, and abs light. Other models of Sonata and previous years have recalls on this problem and I this should be included with those active recalls.
Steering, Jul 5, 2023
I noticed that the steering column was making a noise right after Hyunda replaced the defective motor. Car was leaking fluids and engine light came on. Benson Hyundai had the car towed. I mentioned that the steering did not feel right and I was concerned. They evaluated and said the mid steering shaft needed to be replaced. I noticed this was an issue with earlier models but did not see anything with the 2017 model. Thought it would be worth inquiring as the dealership is so nasty to deal with and don’t seem to have answers when I go to them.
Steering, Jun 28, 2023
While turning right my steering wheel locked up. I was able to turn it enough to get on the side of the road, I turned it off and turned it back on and it was fine for about a week and then it started to lock up again. I tried turning it off and turning it back on but it has continued to lock up every time and I am unable to drive it without it being a danger.
Steering, Jun 5, 2023
I’ve had my 2017 Hyundai Sonata for approximately 1 year, purchased through a Carmax dealership. With no explanation, while making a left hand turn the steering wheel locked for about 1-2 seconds and all lights related to the steering and braking system appeared on the dashboard, they instantly disappeared and my steering wheel was usable again. This same incident happened an hour later making a right hand turn, as well as a third time going straight over a speed bump: This issue is intermittent, occurring fairly rarely, however it’s terrifying and extremely dangerous to drive the car now. The vehicle is full on power steering fluid and hasn’t been in any accidents. I’ve talked to numerous people with this same issue. This will kill somebody if it isn’t addressed as a recall. Most people can’t afford to have intermittent problems diagnosed, due to most auto shops / dealerships not being able to help unless there are warning lights on the dashboard. Please help
Steering, May 28, 2023
The power steering fails. It has happened several times while backing up and while slowly moving forward. The car loses all power steering and the steering wheel catches.
Steering, May 27, 2023
The steering wheel completely locks up while driving/turning. It almost as if the power steering has gone out and it's near impossible to turn the steering wheel. On several occasions while backing out of our driveway, the steering COMPLETELY locked up. On few other occasions, it locked up while driving and making a turn. 2 times it locked up randomly while just driving switching lanes at 25Mph. Resolution is to stop the vehicle, turn it off, wait a minute or two and turn it back on to reset the power steering and then it works until it happens again. There are hundreds of reports that can found online for this issue happening to this year and model car (2017 Hyundai Sonata). This is clearly an issue. This is EXTREMELY dangerous as I don't have to explain what happens when steering wheel gets locked up while driving. This has happened SEVERAL times now and dealer was no help when we initially took it in as they could not "replicate" the issue as it is intermittent. Please look into this issue with Hyundai. This is unacceptable. Will action only be taken when lives are lost because of it? Is that the cost to have this issue looked in to? Thank you
Steering, May 15, 2023
Steering column randomly locks up and the car can’t be driven.
Steering, Apr 30, 2023
Since Aug 2021 I started to feel the steering is very tight. Even with a small move car steers very quickly. I have to hold the steering with both hands. Before that it was very easy to drive, even with one hand. Since then, every time when I went to Hyundai dealerships for regular maintenance I brought up about this. I was taking to Hyundai dealership in Kirkland, WA and Renton, WA. They checked and said that they don't feel it. I called Hyundai US and they assigned a case number and assigned a person to work with me. She suggested that I go back to the dearlership to ask them to inspect once again. When I went to the dearlership on March 27th, 2023, they said that the warranty has expired. When I called Hyundai US, she talked to the dearlership and now they are asking me to complete the 60K service mileage, including brake change before they can look at this issue. I am concerned about the safety. In many forums on the internet, I read that car steering jams right in the middle of the highways, leading to accidents.
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)
Steering, Feb 11, 2023
In October 2022 my power steering failed as I turned into the drop off circle at my child's school. The traction light and another hazard light came on and function did not return until vehicle was restarted. I know experience clicking sounds coming from steering system when ever I turn 90 degrees or more. My vehicle barely has 44000 miles and clearly is experiencing the same manufacturing defect that hundreds of owners have reported here. There need to be an emergency recall to prevent anyone from getting hurt or even worse. Steering is a necessary function when you have such a massive piece of machinery to control. If Hyundai ignores this issue it is clear they are ok with having weapons out on the road that were supposed to be quality vehicles. Once you can't control a vehicle it becomes a weapon and since this issue seems to correct itself although it leaves defects afterwards people can't determine when it will happen again. I need my car and have children. Hyundai be the company you advertise as, this is showing you have no concern for your customers safety.
Steering, Feb 10, 2023
Power Steering failed on 4-lane highway. Is available for inspection. I was able to slow down and hard-steer to shoulder of road with cars whizzing by. Problem has not been confirmed by dealer or service center because it just happened a few hours ago. All shops are closed. No, the problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any others. Warning light came on with steering wheel icon before it failed. I had no idea what icon meant until I came home and googled it to learn it is "Electric Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light". Also the warning light icon of car on wavy lines came on (Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator".) Meanwhile I'm terrified, this has never happened before. After a few minutes I cranked the car, turned steering wheel back and forth. Warning lights turned off. I slowly drove it on home, keeping to far right in case I had to leave road again. After I got home, I did thorough research to find out what had happened and I see there have been numerous reports of 2017 Hyundai Sonata EPS cases reported. Why hasn't Hyundai issued Recalls on the 2017 EPS problems? This is a serious safety issue. People could die. There needs to be a Recall on this car and Manufacturer should pay to have this issue remedied as soon as possible in order to prevent death or serious injury in these cars.
Steering, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The traction control and an unknown warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a number to another dealer. The contact was informed to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 23, 2023
Electric power steering failure, have taken to the dealer and they told me I need a new battery. I bought one and the problem is still happening. Used to reset after I restart the car but now it won’t.
Steering, Jan 20, 2023
Power Steering, on two occasions the power steering malfunctioned. One while starting to leave a parking lot, the other happened while driving. This can cause an extremely safety hazard driving in traffic. As far as know there has been no recalls addressing this problem. I did some research and found this same incident has happened with others with this vehicle. It seems that a safety recall should be initiated to correct this malfunction.