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.
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle Safety Complaint - 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport Engine Failure Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety concern regarding my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport, which I believe poses a risk to my safety and the safety of other road users. I have experienced the following issues with my vehicle: First Issue: Excessive oil consumption Must add a quart a week with minimal driving. Engine consumes an abundance of oil. Serious risk of internal engine damage & risk of the engine failure. Noticable oil covering spark plugs. I have to clean oil off the spark plugs weekly. Second Issue: Flashing check engine light Loss of power, engine stalling, misfiring, diminished ability to acclerate from a stop, and smelling gas. This is a traffic hazard, risk of life to occupants of vehicle, possible engine fire risk, and complete engine failure. Upon research, this is a MASS issue with owners of 2017 Hyundai Sonata's with a Theta II 2.4-liter engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter engine for Hyundai Sonata Hybrids has been recalled. However, Hyundai is very aware of the engine issue with non-hybrid 2017 Hyundai Sonata's. We have taken this to a AAA shop and the code issued was "catastrophic engine failure." I then took it too a Hyundai dealership and they said it was fine. I opened a case with Hyundai US and after months of back and forth, I get the same response, take it to the dealer. Frankly, I am getting nowhere with Hyundai. I feel they have recalled so many vehicles and their dealerships are so overwhelmed they are avoiding acknowledgement of this issue for non-hybrid models as long as possible putting the safety of Americans at risk. There a millions of consumers who have put their faith in the safety of Hyundai's engine for my make and model with this Theta II 2.4-Liter engine. Hyundai is 100% aware of these issues and hasn't issued a recall. Dealerships are flooded with vehicles and wait lists are long. American families need safe and reliable transportation.
Power train, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
While driving the vehicle on the highway, the check engine light began flashing and the car immediately lost almost all power. We had enough power to pull off of the highway off-ramp where the vehicle began jolting before stalling on a side road. We started the car back up and had just enough power to drive into the hospital parking lot next to the side road, where we had it towed to the Hyundai dealer across the highway. That Hyundai dealer identified the Intake Manifold Runner as the culprit via engine fault code P200A00. This Hyundai dealer was also concerned with oil consumption as the car's oil was low even though it had been maintained according to Hyundai standards. They did an oil consumption test, but argued that it was normal, while refusing to repair or replace the Intake Manifold Runner, & only cleaned the Intake Manifold Runner, for which they charged. They gave us the car back and it continued to consume oil to the point where the dipstick was reading below the low line. The car also continued to jolt and have low power. This same Hyundai dealer told us to add oil to the engine and have it towed to them, which we did. They then claimed the car had too much oil, blamed us for it, and continued to refuse to investigate the issue any further. They gave us the car back after a lot of confrontational back and forth on their part where they agreed to change the oil and do another oil consumption test at no charge. A few weeks later, the check engine light came back on, the car lost power, and we called the same dealer back. The dealer refused to help us, so we took it to another dealer who found the same P200A00 fault code and replaced the entire Intake Manifold Runner under warranty without any questions asked, and at no charge. When we were still dealing with the first Hyundai dealer, we opened a case on them through Hyundai corporate, but corporate did nothing and did not care about the issue. Hyundai Corporate and one of their dealers ignored 21-EM-008H.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
The hybrid system failure. Chrck engine light is flashing. Abs system failure. Battery failure. Car can't go over 45mph, lost a job because of the issues. I'm afraid the car is going to blow up or catch fire. I'm afraid to drive it. The acceleration is barely there. It's like the car doesn't even wanna go. It sucks through gas like no other.
Power train, Engine, Sep 29, 2023
The car is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The engine has a knocking, tapping sound. Found out today the intake manifold is bad, which we all know is a very bad thing to go wrong. The engine has a very bad misfire. The car only has 53k miles. I own an 09 Sonata with 154k and I have never had a problem. This is why I continued with Hyundai. Also, the steering seems to tense up regularly. I am very worried about driving this vehicle. I have read hundreds of complaints regarding the excessive oil consumption. I feel you need to express the importance of these concerns to Hyundai
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.
Air bags, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was concerned for his safety while operating the vehicle. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and the contact was advised take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2023
I own a 2017 Hyundai sonata base, I got the car at around 168k miles and it’s now sitting at around 180k the car burns oil like crazy, I had taken it to the Hyundai dealership in Gaithersburg, MD and they declined the oil consumption test under warranty since the extended warranty is only until 150k, then they tell me if my engine seized and was towed to a local dealer only then they would likely replace it due to its failure. That the engine would only be covered if it seized. This makes me nervous due to it could seize at any time or place, when I start my car I can hear a bad bearing and then it goes away after oil has been started to be moved around the engine more, a few seconds after starting the car. At last gave another call and same answer, if it siezed they believe Hyundai would replace it. Even when the oil is low no oil light appears, so I have to check it almost every time I go to drive as a full time student and full time employee this issue is really annoying. I just hope it if siezes it’s covered and I can get a rental to make it to work and university.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2023
Driving the car on the freeway, the battery light came on, and after that few other warning lights came on and I pulled over by then the car stopped and didn't turn on. It was scary since I was on the freeway. No other warning prior to that and the car was very well maintained even during the last recommended service everything was checked and no recommendation was made regarding the alternator. It was the alternator that caused the problem according to the dealer diagnosis.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2023
The oil is leaking into the engine. My catalytic converter has failed as a result of the oil consumption issue.
Power train, Engine, Sep 21, 2023
Burning over a quart of oil every 500 miles.
Engine, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and inspected the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was extremely low, even though the vehicle had recently received an oil change three weeks prior to the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
The engine has started to burn oil from the inside of the motor was first noticed May 8th after the oil sending unit was replaced on the March 17th 2023 I thought it was faulty took to the dealership and all the oil had burned out in it. Dealership filled it up went about 1k miles and the oil light came on again too it back to the dealership they decide to do 2 oil composition test on the car. The care failed both times and under the 1k mile mark. Told Hyundai about and put in a claim they entered the wrong mileage on my car so it was denied for recall. I was told to continue to keep just adding oil for every 1k miles I have done this since July 1st 2023 and still is doing it an the engine keeps just burring the oil in the engine
Engine, Sep 10, 2023
I have been notified in the last three oil changes to my 2017 Hyundai Sonata that it's missing oil. Today, I went to an oil change even before the oil change was due (the car noted it was not due for another 819 miles or 3 days). There, they told me the car has an engine oil leakage and that it barely had engine oil. I told them, the car didn't even light up as needing oil. They told me to visit a local Hyundai dealer to have it checked ASAP, as they have serviced various Hyundai Sonata and Elantra models with the same issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
HEV light comes on and the car starts slowing down & beeping. Unsure what the issue is but this started once the car had more than 100k miles on it
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2023
I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata that has had 3 recalls. I purchased the car in 2019 and all three recalls have been issued after 2019. Since I’ve had the car I’ve never taken it to Hyundai to get the recalls taken care of . Until recently I took my car to get the recalls fixed and they told me they had already been taken care of . The gave me the dealers contact information and I’ve never taken my vehicle to them they claim to have serviced my car at 122000 miles and I only have 94000 miles in my car. I believe they used my vin number to summit they fixed the recalls when my vehicle was never at their dealer. I contacted Hyundai and have not received any call back . The recalls for my vehicle are very serious recalls that I need to get fixed . One of them is the malfunctioning of the trunk latch my trunk does not open or close right now. I have a 6 month old baby and I need to put her stroller in trunk and I’m unable to do so. Also my car vandalized twice they tried to steal it. I need the security update . I just don’t know who I need to contact to help me get this resolved .
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
The car has an oil consumption problem as noted by dealership when following through with oil consumption test. The car has had several instances of stalling upon starting , car shakes and has no power. Yesterday I was 50 miles from home and car attempted to stall and it was 105 degrees outside. I am becoming afraid of this car. No, thankfully no fatalities at this time or I would not be sending in a claim if I were a fatality. There has been no attempt to fix the car which is still under warranty. Is the warranty not valid? One reason to buy the vehicle was for the warranty. I have records for oil consumption test.
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.
Power train, Engine, Aug 15, 2023
On 12/26/22, I was on a road trip and the car began vibrating violently on the PA turnpike. The car was losing power and would not accelerate. I was forced to stop on the highway with my kids in the car. Hyundai repaired the cylinders in the engine and then it began burning excessive oil, 1 quart ever 1000 miles. For months, I drove this car and as the oil got lower, the car hesitated while driving and ran very rough. On 7/4/23, transmission overheated and once again, car lost power on the road and left me stranded with my kids. Engine is burning excessive oil and causing other issues with car. Was not fixed when car died the first time and has now left me limping along and stranded twice. Car has been at shop since 7/5/23. Engine approved, but dealer can’t get parts. Hyundai won’t approve transmission until engine is replaced, leaving me to drive an unreliable car again when transmission and engine both have known issues. It’s unsafe to continually be stranded by a car that clearly has a bad engine. Would have been more cost effective for Hyundai to replace car at this point and still being given runaround by corporate.
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.
Engine, Aug 7, 2023
The car just shut down, while driving. An wouldnt restart or even roll over.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
MY 2017 HYUNDAI IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL FOR EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION AND I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY IT IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE TO ADD OIL EVERY WEEK TO MY CAR AND HAVE TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS. I WOULD SIMPLY LIKE TO KNOW WHY MY 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL AS WELL AS HOW I CAN GET IT INCLUDED SINCE IT IS ONE OF THE SONATAS WITH THE EXCESS OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2023
This is my second report and no one helped me. I have a safety issue and I am driving an unsafe car Hyundia refuses to help me.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2023
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Anti-Theft Upgrade Request and Complaint Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing this letter as an Autochthon American woman exercising my rights to conduct commerce and practice freedom of religion, seeking assistance and resolution for a distressing incident related to the theft of my conveyance. I believe that the faulty design system of my Hyundai, which was advertised as reliable, contributed to the unfortunate incident of theft. On [date of theft], my vehicle, a [make, model, year, color, license plate number], was stolen, and it has had a severe impact on my ability to conduct commerce, generate income, and practice my religious rights freely. The theft has left me under duress, causing immense stress and a crippling financial situation. The advertised reliability of Hyundai vehicles has proven to be far from the truth in my case, as well as the experience of many others. I am seeking assistance and action from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address this issue and improve the anti-theft measures in Hyundai vehicles. My inability to utilize my vehicle has significantly hindered my daily life, preventing me from engaging in productive work and fulfilling my religious obligations. I implore the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to thoroughly investigate this matter and take necessary measures to enhance the security and anti-theft features in Hyundai vehicles. I kindly request the following actions: 1. An investigation into the reported faulty design system contributing to the theft of my vehicle and its impact on others. 2. A prompt recall and implementation of an effective anti-theft upgrade for all affected Hyundai models to prevent similar incidents in the future. 3. Adequate compensation or support to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the theft and its consequences. I am aware of the National Highway Traffic Safety Adm
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2023
Several weeks ago, the trunk would not open. The latch was determined to be defective. I paid for a repair and replacement at a local garage. I had discovered there was a recall but phone calls to the dealership service department were not returned. I paid $149.79 for the part and part of $150.00 labor charge to replace the trunk latch. Can I get a reimbursement for this part replacement and labor to repair?
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was stiff and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was also diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer declined the engine replacement due to Service Campaign 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) not being performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that she had not received notification of the Service Campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 106,238.