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
764 reports, newest first.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 9, 2024
I was traveling on [XXX] Baton Rouge La. and Gonzales La. at 70 mph when I lost power to my vehicle , an alarm sounded saying it was the Hybrid control system failure, putting my safety at risk as I had to maneuver off the interstate and onto the shoulder during heavy traffic . I called State Farm insurance to get my vehicle towed to Ralph Sellers Hyundai in Gonzales La. where it is being repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Engine, Dec 29, 2023
In winter of 2018, my husband and I purchased a certified pre-owned 2017 Hyundai Sonata, and from the moment we drove it off the lot, it had an oil consumption problem. Then, in 2023, the spark plugs began failing. Each time this happens, the whole car shakes and stops running. We found out that Hyundai and Kia engines from 2009-2022 have major problems and that there are many class-action lawsuits against the manufacturer. We contacted both the dealer and Hyundai corporate to find out how we could fix the engine. We have small children and just wanted to repair our family car. The dealer refuses to fix it. They told us that it's Hyundai's problem. Hyundai acknowledged that we are eligible for a new engine but that until a certain rod fails and the whole engine implodes, they can't do anything about it. We have this in an email from corporate. We recently welcomed a new baby and had to buy another car because we felt this Sonata was not a safe choice to drive our children around. The solution to this problem should not be driving around in an unsafe car until it completely stops working. I'm hoping that the NHTSA can help me by sending out an inspector who can attest that this is a safety issue.
Engine, Dec 25, 2023
CAR IS LEAKING OIL AND BURNING OIL ..HAD OIL CHANGED RECENTLY AND IT IS BELOW THE FULL MARK
Engine, Dec 23, 2023
Se consume el aceite en periodo de 8 días, Se quemas las bujias El carro tiembla Sale en pantalla el botón amarillo del motor que hay falla Ya me ha pasado varias veces ando con mis dos hijos menores de edad en autopista y ya he quedado varada en varias oportunidades y esto me está generando un gran riesgo estoy hubicada en jacksonville florida
Engine, Dec 22, 2023
Excessive oil consumption Engine light stays on. Noise in Engine GDI 2.4
Exterior lighting, Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the headlights were very dim while driving at night. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was provided a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle inspected. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the defect was a manufacturer defect that only the manufacturer could resolve. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine, Dec 18, 2023
On February 27, 2023 we went to the Hyundai Dealer because our engine was leaking oil and we were told by Pep Boys that the Rear Main Seal was leaking. The Dealership scheduled us a service appointment three wks later, on March 23, 2023, when they replaced the valve cover gasket and the high pressure fuel pump gasket. On Jul 15, 2023, 2.5 months later, we return to dealership because our engine was leaking oil again and had leaked into the spark plugs tubes. They replaced the valve cover gasket again. Two weeks later on July 28, 2023, we went to the Dealership because the engine light turned on and the engine was misfiring while driving. They did nothing but added 3 quarts of oil because our oil was low despite us changing our oil 1 month prior (June 28, 2023). On September 25th, we returned to the dealership because our engine light turned on and our engine was violently shaking while making noise. At this point, we were frustrated and did not feel safe driving the car. We pleaded with the Service Manager to replace the engine from all the issues we have been experiencing including having to constantly add oil or change oil every 2.5 months. They held on to our car for 1 wk and gave us a rental. After inspecting our vehicle they replied that there was no engine issue detected so the Manufacturer will not replace the engine under the warranty. They only replaced the spark plugs and charged us with the service, parts & rental costs. It is now Monday, Dec 18, 2023, 1 wk before Christmas, and our engine light turned on once again while driving with our toddler in the vehicle. The engine not only misfired but did not allow us to accelerate beyond 30mph during high traffic hours on a road with a 50mph limit. The next service appointment available is 10 dys away, Dec 28, 2023, and they are asking us ~$400 to service the car. We feel helpless with the dealership/manufacturer, they are refusing to replace the engine. We fear that they are waiting for the warranty to expire.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after having an oil change, the engine seized. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the engine seized. There was an abnormal knocking sound heard. After the failure, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized. There was a leak at the valve cover. Additionally, the crankshaft had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 165,051.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
First time I took my vehicle to the shop for over consuming oil they replaced the oil and cleaned all the parts. A few months after this my car would not accelerate properly and had a loud knocking noise in the engine and check engine light came on. After taking it to the dealer I was told I would need to replace the whole engine. I have proof of proper care done on the car but since I am second owner it is not covered in the original warranty. My car could have stalled and resulted in me and my family injured at the least. Hyundai knows about these issues and needs to recall the engines.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2023
The vehicle has twice been disabled while driving due to “lost communication with hybrid module powertrain control module.” This breakdown is a significant safety hazard as the car loses power and coasts to a stop without any warning. The second time was on a 65 mph highway. Neither time has had any warning before the malfunction lights appeared. The first time occurred on 10/7, and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Nothing was done besides clearing the trouble codes and test driving with the car, which returned at the end of October—the second time the breakdown occurred about a month later on 12/3. This second time, I removed the code myself on the roadside so as not to be in more danger, and I am currently awaiting an update from the dealership’s service department on their next steps after initially being told to just have it towed in again. Losing power without notice is incredibly concerning. I want to report this safety issue and determine my next steps to resolve it, as this has dramatically impacted my trust in the vehicle and its safety.
Engine, Nov 28, 2023
I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata I bought brand new. My car started burning oil where I was having to put oil every time I put gas which is weekly. I did the oil consumption test where I drove it 1000 miles 3 times and it burned 1.75qts, 2 qts, and 2.75 qts. They are saying it needs a new engine.
Engine, Nov 23, 2023
About a year ago during an extended freeway drive I noticed my engine started to sound different. I checked the oil and found it was a quart low which had never happened before. I filled the oil to its proper level and continued driving. About 100 miles later I decided to check the oil again and found it had used about 1/4 quart. Later my check engine light came on and it showed a code related to failed exhaust sensors. Since then I have had to check and fill the oil every 100 miles or so and now carry 5 quarts of oil in the trunk. I also noticed that my exhaust leaves an oil mark on the ground if I leave the engine running for a couple of minutes. I checked for oil leaks and didn't find any. My miles per gallon reading is also down. Seems to use most oil during freeway driving. I worry the engine could fail at any time and have been forced to restrict my driving to short local trips. I had the knock sensor installed per Hyundai's recall. Hyundai refuses to cover an oil consumption test.
Engine, Nov 19, 2023
My Hyundai engine is burning through oil like crazy. Only at 84,000 miles, and everytime I get my oil changed (every 3,000) it is completely dry. This is a known problem with Hyundai, and there needs to be a recall on these vehicles. It is costing me a fortune, and the risk of having my engine fail/catch on fire is not something I want to be worried about everytime I drive my vehicle. Something needs to happen to get this issue resolved.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 13, 2023
HEV lights came on stalled car and stated to turn engine off, barely made to a parking lot. Car was towed, in shop Dec 29, 2022 to Jan 10, 2023. knock sensor replaced, rusty spark plugs slots cleaned out, no communication with power train, case #20817405 June 16, case# 21597503 part A: Hev lights again chugging and stalling. Car towed in shop 22 days, returned 7-5-22.actuator 2nd time failure, knock sensor issue, clogged, emissions were cleaned: part b: Aug 14, to Oct 4 2023HEV system lights again, car stalled and died then towed : combustion cleaning 2nd time, spark plug corrosion replaced 2 time issue, 4 injectors replaced, recommend replace manifold (which I cannot pay for) dealer tech test drove 2 days and put 211 miles on car, more than we do in normal week driving to work and shopping In shop this time 52 days. This car has been taken in for all recall campaigns. Work done at same dealership every time. Is a sonata Hybrid SE I am attaching two files if you need more Please let me know. Your date entry below does not allow for each of the 3 times in shop total roughly 85 days four months Would like Hyundai to buy car back as no trade in value now and I cannot afford more rental fees and repairs and the balance due of $495.75 from 1st rental. Car just entering 6 year when first issue started.
Engine, Nov 12, 2023
Was serviced by Hyundai in March 2023 to for oil sensor light but was really the oil was being burnt inside the engine Hyundai ran 2 oil consumption test in May 2023 and June 2023 which the car failed both. Service manger sent paperwork to Hyundai letting them know that engine was faulty because paperwork was summited with the wrong mileage the replacement of the engine has not happen. So Service manger has asked me to continue driving 1k miles and checking if engine is still burning oil which it still is I continue to write the service manger and sending pictures I can not drop my car off because we only have one car and they rarely have loaners and we are in bankruptcy so renting a car with a debt card is expensive trying to let people aware that this is a problem that Hyundai knows they have on these Sonata since 2015
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.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
Engine has a serious oil consumption problem. The engine has consumed 12 qts last 5,000 miles, or roughly burning 4 qts per 1,500 miles! Twice already it has rendered the engine dry despite frequent oil checks. Car also has routine oil changes every 3-5,000 miles. The safety concern is that the engine seizes in the middle of traffic. Also, because of the rapid nature of oil consumption, it requires travelling with emergency oil replacement supplies within the cabin. Fear is a collusion in the back (especially if stalled!) that could result in a fire, fueled by the supply of oil in the car. We keep at least a gallon (4 quarts), more if we are travelling anywhere more than an hour. We are a one car family and the safety issue is real. This is an ongoing problem since at least April of this year. Engine needs replacement.
Engine, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the instrument panel flashed and then the vehicle became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart and remained on the side of the road. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2023
My engine oil consumption is more. I have driven 70 miles the oil comes from full to low level
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.
Engine, Oct 9, 2023
Persistent oil loss - requires constant refilling
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
Engine has been burring oil from the car went to get an oil change on 9-17-2023 last night engine light came on 10-04-23 there was no oil in the engine and dipstick was dry this has been happening now since March of 2023 Hyundai has been made aware of this problem by there own service team. The odometer read on the day of the oil change 9-17-23 131,571 miles last night when I add oil it was at 132,448 miles this is less than a 1k miles at 877 miles my engine burn 5.1 qts of oil.