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: structure
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jan 16, 2026, crash
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2026
The vehicle’s dashboard continuously displays a “hood open” warning even though the hood is fully closed and securely latched. The hood has been physically inspected and confirmed to be closed, yet the warning persists. The issue appears to be related to a faulty hood latch sensor or switch, which is part of the hood latch assembly. The warning is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual condition of the hood. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, as it may represent a defect in the hood latch sensor system on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata that could affect multiple vehicles and pose a safety risk.
Structure, Nov 27, 2025
1. Sunroof frame detached from car due to defective adhesive. (Antena tailfin also detached from car years earlier because of defective adhesive). Because of this the frame was bent causing the sunroof to disengage from car . 2. Sunroof disengaging while on Interstate could have causes an accident or harmed person in car. A recall was placed on 2016 HYUNDAI Sonatas due to sunroof. 3. Unknown 4. HYUNDAI hired an engineering firm. The firm ( which was paid by HYUNDAI) found in favor of HYUNDAI. 5. Unknown
Structure, May 9, 2025
My car was recalled because of the paint chipping. I had it fixed however it is still chipping in more spots. I'd like it fixed considering I have paid over $27,000 and still owe $12,000 more. It would be nice to still have a decent car after I finally pay it off. I'd appreciate the help.
Structure, May 7, 2025
Hood latch won’t latch and hood opens while driving.
Structure, Apr 24, 2025
My paint is peeling and bubbling all over the car. The paint is chipping in multiple places.
Structure, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2025
Fault code in the Automatic Braking System C24020 C17410 White body paint bubbling and peeling off the car for no reason. Passenger door roof frame and trunk. Hood previously repaired
Structure, Dec 31, 2024
The car's paint is peeling all over. The roof was repainted in 2018, the hood and side door in 2024 and now the the roof supports on each side and trunk are peeling . While driving a big piece of white paint flew to my windshield blocking the driver's view. It stuck under the wipers when used to remove it. Hyundai is aware and has recalled the paint but delays fix and then fixes in tiny areas so that you have to continue coming back for repainting. Now they do not want to pay for repairs stating the recall expired. It expired because of their delay and not painting the entire car. Hyundai should paint the entire car when there is a paint defect.
Structure, Jun 17, 2024
The cap on the shark fin antenna came loose in normal service and cannot be secured. If this part were to fly off at highway speeds it would pose a safety issue to following vehicles since it becomes a projectile capable of causing significant damage. This problem is similar to that documented in KIA TSB SA272 which Hyundai does not recognize, although both manufacturers share similar component designs.
Structure, Jun 5, 2024
The rear passenger door will not open from the inside or the outside. This is a safety hazard in that an occupant cannot get out of the car in an emergency. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. In doing research about this issue, the problem is well documented on Hyundai internet forums since 2021 so there is no reason this shouldn't already be considered a safety recall. The dealer was contacted and advised that since this is not showing as a manufacturer issue or a NHTSA safety issue, there is nothing they can do.
Structure, Engine, Mar 17, 2023
UNKNOWN I’ve had to replace the knock sensor twice in my vehicle in less than 2 months, my paint on my car is also peeling off really bad.
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
Car has 41,019 miles. The paint is peeling off the car. This issue seems to be widespread and effects both Kia & Hyundai. Mine 1st appeared Jan. 31, 2023 on the driver's side hood above the headlight. Paint color is W8, Quartz White Pearl (this color seems to have the most problems). Hyundai was notified immediately, 02-01-2023, but have gotten no response. There is a Facebook page concerning the issue (KIA and Hyundai Defective Paint Class Action Group) and you can see how widespread the problem is. The paint is obviously defective or Hyundai did something wrong in applying it. This simply is not a coincidence and Hyundai should be accountable!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 26, 2022
Ever since I have had my car there has been a wind sound like some this is dragging under my car! Been to dealership multiple times and they tell me that’s how these cars sound! Now oil is disappearing right after and oil change! They say my oil pan bolts were stripped out! Well the Hyundai dealership is the only people that have done my oil changes! Tried to charge me for that! I get an engine diagnosis check done and they tell me nothing is wrong with my car! Before I could make it home engine light was on! Took it back now they saying engine manifold! Want to charge me for that! Now car won’t go over 20 mph! White car paint has chipped from the front roof and hood of car! Driving I see multiple white vehicles with paint chipped in the same areas of the vehicle! Call corporate they know about the the issue. They want to spot paint the car! If you spot paint it doesn’t fix the growing areas of peel up! There is no reason a 2017 and newer models should have huge metal spots for paint peeling already! Only on white Hyundai Sonatas mainly! I have called corporate about every issue with my car and they seem to not care!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2022
I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata white paint began peeling off. even washing the car or driving at high speed resulted in peeling. paint began peeling off of the roof, hood and trunk of the car and sides as well.
Structure, Jun 27, 2022
"Shark fin" antenna cover blew off the car while I was traveling down the freeway. If it had hit another car or caused someone to swerve to miss it, it could have caused damage to the other car. Others have had this problem. You can see that by googling the problem. No warning. Hyundai wants $1000 to repair it--$350 for the part and $600 for labor.
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 6, 2022, fire
The Hyundai was started, feint knocking was heard. Progressed louder as vehicle accelerated, engine then stalled, check engine light and oil pressure light turned on and traction control disengaged as the vehicle erupted into a rolling blaze
Structure, Mar 17, 2022
Paint Peeling Off - It's a 2017 Hyudai Sonata. It has about 55K miles. All of a sudden the paint started peeling off. The car is white. I did a bit of research and there a numerous complaints about the paint. Here is a reference of one of the websites that report the issue. https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2017-sonata-paint-chipping.646195/
Structure, Engine, Feb 16, 2022
On January 8, 2022, I called McGrath City Hyundai and Genesis of Oak Park to ask about any recent recalls on my vehicle due to my engine leaking out oil after putting in new oil. Prior to that, I had a mechanic look at it in case the oil change place made a mistake on their end and found they were not at fault. So after the Hyundai dealership told me there was 2 recalls that she can see from her end based on my VIN, 1 for the engine and the other for the trunk, we set up an appointment to try and repair the vehicle because at this point the vehicle was not drivable and we had to get it towed. We also had no prior knowledge that there was any recall due to the fact we bought the vehicle in May of 2020 from a dealership called Toyota of Lincoln Park. After bringing in paperwork to Hyundai in person for proof we have been maintaining the car and after waiting weeks for our car to be fixed, we are being told they cannot fix the engine due to the fact that the recall was from 2018 and the previous owners did nothing to resolve the issue. We were also told that the dealership that sold us the vehicle cannot look up recalls from other vehicles and only can do it with Toyota. The car had already almost failed on the expressway and could have caused an accident had we not pulled off to the exit. And we were fortunate enough to get it to our home. The engine wasn't locked up and we feel now it might be while in the hands of Hyundai. Hyundai has denied the claim to have it serviced due to it being a 2018 recall and all we want is the car running again. We cannot afford to get another car and it is our only means of transportation.
Structure, Nov 7, 2021
Paint on the roof top started to bubble and peel right off. Any sort of chip in the paint will cause sheets of paint to come off. In my research, this is not the first time people have complained about Hyundai’s paint.
Structure, Engine, Nov 6, 2021, fire
Vehicle caught fire while undergoing warranty repairs
Structure, Engine, Oct 29, 2021
I have a car that was purchased that currently has numerous recalls. the automakers have asked me numerous times to bring the car in and pay out of pocket for diagnostic but has yet to fix anything. I am concerned with the safety of the car liked to performance issues that car and maybe linked to the engine recall that is pending.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after opening the trunk, it failed to close. The contact tied the trunk closed with a rope. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The dealer was able to close the trunk and informed the contact not to open the trunk. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 11, 2021
THE TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AT FIRST, THEN IT WOULD NOT OPEN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT HAS TO BE TIED DOWN TO STAY SHUT. IT CAME OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. HAD TO HAVE THE LATCH REPLACED.
Structure, Mar 24, 2021
PAINT IS PEELING OFF IN LARGE SHEETS ABOVE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT HAPPENED DURING HIGHWAY TRAVEL AT SPEED OF 65-70 MPH. NO DENTS OR SCRATCHES WERE VISIBLE PRIOR TO PEELING PAINT. THIS WILL COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE BODY OF THE CAR DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION.
Structure, Feb 19, 2021
PAINT BEGINS TO FLAKE AND CHIP OFF AFTER COMMUTE OR SMALL INFRACTURE ON BODY OF CAR. THE PAINT CAN COMPLETELT COME OFF WITH JUST 1 PEEL. THEY DIDNT LET THE PAINT SET ALL THE WAY WHEN COMING OUT OF PRODUCTION.