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, May 4, 2023
My engine seized up after burning every drop of oil dry. My last oil replacement was 5,200 miles prior, and Hyundais recommended mileage before replacement is 7,500 miles. I never got a single oil annunciator light.
Engine, May 2, 2023
Engine consumes way to much oil got oil changed and a week later it was almost empty when i checked. This has been an ongoing issue for many years already.
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2023
At the beginning of March 2023, I observed that the white paint on the roof top is peeling off. Since Hyundai sent a extended warranty at the end of last year I took it to the dealership when I went for fixing a recall (Anti-theft software upgrade). They said that they don’t do paint job and asked me to call Hyundai US. Hyundai US said that the dealership is supposed to coordinate with a body shop to get this completed and file a reimbursement to Hyundai US. My contact person in Hyundai US called Hyundai dealership in Kirkland, WA and responded saying, this is only a cosmetic fix, and I should focus on completing the 60K service mileage, including brake change. I see that the paint is starting to peel off in more places and I am concerned that in few months it’ll spread all over the car.
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.
Seat belts, Apr 27, 2023
Drivers Side front Seat Belt will not retract and is loose when the seat belt is in use while operating the vehicle
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
Engine is consuming lots of oil. There are recalls on Sonatas but mine is not included, although I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport with a 2.4L Theta Engine produced in Alabama which are engines that are having defects with oil consumption. 2-3 months I was trying to get car into a dealership for inspection of engine because I kept having to add oil. They would not provide a loaner & I could not afford a rental at time or go without a car. In October 2022, I had to I take car to Hyundai in Trenton, NJ because engine light came on & car was jumping. Spark plug in cylinder 4 blew from low oil. On report from dealership that's exactly what is written on it. They replaced spark plug & got approval to start oil consumption testing. Had to drive 1,000 miles. Returned car & was missing 3 quarts of oil. Had to drive another 1,000 miles, 3 quarts of oil missing again. They performed top engine cleaning saying that could help eliminate the problem. I drove 1,000 miles after cleaning & was still missing 3 quarts of oil. In January 2023, dealership told me they'd put request through for a new engine. I called 1 month later giving plenty of time to have a response. They didn't put request through. Said I need to do more testing & had to leave my car there for a few days with no loaner provided. Why didn't they tell me this 1 month prior & why has no one called me to inform me of this. I can not afford a rental, miss work & my child miss school. We missed a ton since dealing with this issue & I've put out over $1,000 on rentals, oil, damages, deductibles, etc since this started. I contacted a Hyundai case manager & they are still going back & forth with dealership 2 months later. My car is obviously burning a lot of oil & after 3 tests & 6 months I should not have to go through this. In the last 1 1/2 months, I've had to replace spark plug in cylinder 1 twice & cylinder 4 once & constantly have to add oil. My cars shows ALL symptoms of the current issue with engines.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Hyundai has an active recall and open service bulletins for an ongoing issue with Knock Sensors in 2017 Sonatas (my vehicle is a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport). Over the last 18 months... the vehicle has been in for service 6 times... 4 in the last 6 weeks... due to ongoing issues with the knock sensor causing the vehicle to go into "limp mode" and causing the vehicle to decrease speed to a max of 60mph. There is no pre-warning for when the sensor will trip and cause the issues... which means if a vehicle is on a highway traveling at a speed of 70mph or more, and the sensor trips... the vehicle will decrease speed down to 60mph maximum. The protocol I am aware of for the repairs... was a first step software update... 2nd step replacement of the sensor... 3rd step replacement of the engine. In 6 attempts to remedy the issue... Hyundai has refused to authorize the appropriate steps to complete the repairs and replace the engine, causing my vehicle to become a hazard on the highways without warning to myself as the driver, or other vehicles on the roadway. **Note, the most recent occurrence of this was 4/22/23.**
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
Purchased a used Hyundai Sonata in June 2020 when it had almost 57,000 miles on it. Got the car regularly serviced and provided receipts to Hyundai on the national level as well as the local dealership. Received the following claim number - Hyundai Motor America Case#: [XXX]. [XXX]is with the Dealership in Dallas Texas and they car is with his dealership. Have also been dealing with[XXX] at Clay Cooley Hyundai Mesquite [XXX]. The engine does not work and needs to be replaced. Hyundai should be responsible for replacing the engine. The car has only around 76,000 miles on it. Hyundai Mesquite is threating to tow the car and possibly have it junked if it is not picked up. I cannot afford to pick up a car that does not operate. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 18, 2023
I purchased my vehicle in November 2022 from Honda Dealership. It was making a noise and “drove funny” I asked them about it and I was reassured the vehicle was in 100% working condition and they were not allowed to sell “bad cars”. So, I let it go. Since I purchased the car I have maintained regular oil changes and service on it— I just bought the car! I have been getting oil changes a lot sooner than I should, and every-time I take it to the shop they say it’s bone dry. Current: my car recently stopped working without any warning at all. I got a diagnosis from the mechanic that my engine failed due to pistons and rods. I did some research and found my car listed for a recall for campaign 953. And I am not the only sonata owner experiencing this problem.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 2, 2023
I was driving southbound on I429 approaching the Vineland Wintergarden (FL)exit. approximately .75 miles from exit, a bit of an uphill. I heard a ticking noise, then suddenly the car went silent. The screen lit up with every sensor flashing. It took me a few seconds to realize I was in potentially deadly trouble. The car began slowing from 70 MPH to maybe 25MPH as I crested the last hill. To add complications, that stretch is under construction and does not have any shoulder. I could see a wall of cars streaming ever closer in my rear view mirror. I believe my hazzard lights probably saved me from a crash before gliding the last 1/4 mile to the exit where I was able to finally pull over to safety.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
On February 11, 2022, I took my car to the dealership because my oil light came on. I was told I had no oil in the engine. So they said to get an oil change and that would take care of the problem. Nope. It has not taken care of the problem. My car burns oil. I have taken it to 2 different Hyundai shops. One just kept changing the oil and never submit the paperwork until I got really upset about bringing my car back a month after having the oil change. No help. I have called Hyundai customer service no help at all. In January 2023 I went to start my car and it started jerking and shaking and spitting out oil threw the tailpipe. The car would not move. My garage door was covered with oil. I had it towed to another Hyundai dealership they kept the car for a week and told me that it needed a new spark. New wires because it was covered in oil. I'm out of $3000.00 including all the oil changes and the work that was done. Oh yeah, I was told to bring the car back after 1000 miles. I brought it back in March 2023. They started the oil consumption test. I was told to bring it back on that Thursday the 5th. I took my car back and the dealership would not accept my vehicle. Wouldn't let me leave it for my service guy nothing. I called the next day for my service guy and they said he didn't come in today. I even filed with the BBB Auto Line. I found that information in my 2017 owners handbook supplement did not help closed my case. They didn't even call or asked me any questions. No help. Stuck with a car I have no confidence in. I don't know if the engine is going to blow because the oil gets low or if it's going to sketch on fire because theirs no oil in it.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 28, 2023
The check engine light started flashing Check hybrid system turn off engine massage appeared The gas pedal doesnt work and the car jumps The problem happened 4 times so far with me The same problem happened about 5 times with my uncle that drives 2016 sonata hybrid
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2023
Antana cover jest came off car on highway and almost hit a car behind me the car sward so it didn't get hit could have broke a windshield or cause the to hit a car in next lane
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coil pack and the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
Was driving home from work on highway started decreasing speed a like it was shutting off a got off exit all my lights on dash came on broke down in the road intersection of parking lot . There was no lights or warnings on my car till it started shutting down . Cylinder 2 misfire what the code came back as problem an all engine cylinders damaged . Was inspected by Hyundai when they looked car over they diagnosed the problem . My safety was put at risk along with others on highway I didn’t know what was happening an my car was slowing in speed trying to get off to the highway .
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)
Engine, Mar 25, 2023
Excessive oil consumption and Engine locked while driving on the highway. I couldn’t drive my car and it was towed to a mechanic. The cost for a new engine and labor is $7970.
Engine, Mar 18, 2023
The engine is consuming (burning) the engine oil at a excessive rate. Engine oil has to be added almost every 1000 miles. Talked to multiple mechanics and learnt that it is a common problem with Hyundai. Constantly checking the oil level and topping off is not what we expected when I bought the car.
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.
Engine, Mar 14, 2023
bought the car used with 60K miles. Learned quickly it was consuming 1 qt of oil per month. I checked with Hyundai Corporate Customer Care and my local dealership. Dealership said needed to burn 1qt per 1000 miles before they would submit anything to corporate for possible warrantee issue. Monitored consumption. Now up to about 2 qts per month. Took it to the dealership and they said now beyond warranty mileage. They performed a computer update recall. Now the computer detects something going on the engine and forcing car into Limp Mode. Been on the phone with Corporate Customer Care and the dealership. They will do nothing. Customer care says to go to dealership. Dealership says to call Customer Care. There doesn't seem to be a way to talk to any decision makers to appeal for common sense and discretion instead of 100% by the book policy protocal. The dealership said the computer update recall cannot be reversed. So now I have a vehicle with an engine problem and in Limp Mode and Hyundai will do nothing. So discusted with Hyundai quality and customer service. I will never by a Hyundai again.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 10, 2023, crash
The car was involved in a front end collision going about 35 mph. The Collison was enough to bust the radiator and likely total the car. The entire front end is heavily damaged. There was a driver and front seat passenger in the vehicle at the time of Collision. The seat belts did not lock nor did any airbag deploy.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 6, 2023
I was headed to pick up the kids to take them to practice, but when they went to open the trunk to put their sports gear in it, it was "stuck". It had worked the previous night so I was very confused. After several tries, we finally got it to open and shut. We then went to the park to kill time and I went to open the trunk again, it wouldn't open. We tried everything, and after 30 minutes, it decided to open. However, it then would not shut. We couldn't leave the park with it open so had to have help come and strap it closed. The kids missed their practices and I was alone in a parking lot with two kids until help could arrive.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 5, 2023
Trunk latch will not release by using electronic release button on drivers side interior compartment, manual release button located on trunk, nor manually using key on trunk key slot.
Engine, Feb 22, 2023
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the girlfriend's residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he needed to pay out of pocket for the diagnostic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement). The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
Car has been consuming insane amount of oil.The oil warning light hardly ever comes on and when it does it is always in between the oil changes. It doesn't even make it to the next scheduled oil change before the light finally comes on. When I check it when the light is on it is bone dry. Because of this I have started checking it every couple hundred or miles or so and every time it's bone dry and I have to add at least two quarts of oil, if not a total of five courts. I informed the dealership about this last year they performed the oil pressure check and told me that it was fine. I insisted that oil must be leaking somewhere, they checked and said that there was no oil leak. Last week my car started sputtering, and then the engine light came on. It did this in the past and it needed a new starter. They replaced that but this time, they check the engine and they say that I need a new engine. I told them I'm not surprised because every time I check there's never any oil in there in the warning light never goes off. Yet they have told me in the past that it does not have a problem? I am currently waiting to see if Hyundai will honor their warranty. This is a hazard if they cannot tell if there is a faulty sensor or oil leak but the car continuously is consuming oil to the point that it's dry and the owner is not notified. I have kept up the oil changes and this is all happening in between the schedule changes. This can cause fire, vehicle disablement in the middle of driving and other safety issues. If you look at other reports, this is common across the Sonatas yet Hyundai has not issued a recall regarding the oil consumption.