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.
Steering, Dec 27, 2022
Was pulling out of a parking space started driving and power steering completely failed second time this has happened in 2 months
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!
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 26, 2022
The car lost all acceleration and my check hybrid system light came on. The car would not handle safely to drive. After 3 resets the car finally accelerated as normal. The codes clear themselves before the dealer can check them to give a specific issue. It is not giving the diagnosis for the hybrid issue in the diagnostic log.
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
2017 Hyundai Sonata with Theta II engine received knock sensor detection software update 7/30/19. Engine knock increased substantially during August and September of 2022 with periodic, partial loss of power at idling and significant oil consumption. Dealership initiated oil consumption testing 9/24/22. On 11/2/22, vehicle fully stalled with blue smoke from exhaust during slow-speed turn in normal driving conditions. Owner and child in vehicle were uninjured. Dealership unable to replicate stall or identify error codes. Dealership's 11/11/22 oil consumption test identified excessive oil consumption. Dealership cleaned combustion chamber. Vehicle experienced partial stall 12/15/22 at moderate speed in normal driving conditions. Dealership performed final oil consumption test 12/20/22 and reported normal oil consumption (.25 quart in 1,000 miles).
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
Yesterday when turning right on to my street making right turn very slow as children going home from school my steer ing lock no control. Car stopped within a few feet but unable to restart or take it out of drive. I tried several times turning the key nothing happened. But finally able to get it out of drive and start the car. With that the power steering worked I slowly drove it home about ten houses from intersections. Lucky no one hurt when I turned on to my street. Looked up problem with the electric steering for this cat and reports from your agency referenced similar problems but for some reason no recall issued by manufacturer. Call dealer can do nothing without mfg doing recall. How possible.? Your agency is to protect. What's more dangerous then having your steering going completely out while driving.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2022
Driving on highway went to pass a vehicle and merge into the next lane, when car lost speed. Pulled over and tried to restart car, car restarted only to shut right back off. Put quart of oil in and shortly after there was a clicking noise when I got up to speed, I had to put two more quarts in as well as a cleaning additive. Cannot drive over 8 mph without car making noise
Engine, Electrical system, Nov 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and the oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's son veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that her son was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was jerking while driving. The contact's son pulled into a gas station where he added oil in the vehicle. However, upon starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. The vehicle was towed the residence of the contact's mother. The vehicle was then towed to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that oil had leaked onto the spark plugs and cylinders. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Nov 13, 2022
2017 Hyundai Sonata. 53k miles. Steering becomes sticky and hard to turn. It is most concerning on the highway when at speed it is difficult to keep the car going in a straight line. It takes extra force to turn the wheel just a little. Once its forced, it can turn too much if not careful and will swerve into the next lane. It then does not freely return to center without manually doing so. I will not let my wife drive the car. I have read other reports of this problem and it is a serious issue. I have not brought the car to any dealer or repair shop. This is clearly a safety recall issue and must be dealt with before someone gets seriously hurt or killed.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when he moved the vehicle in his driveway, there was a puddle of oil seen underneath where the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on various occasions and that he had to add oil twice per week as the oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer after being made aware of an unknown engine recall. The contact then made a local dealer aware of the failure and the unknown engine recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Steering, Nov 4, 2022
The system malfunction would be the power steering. As I turned the car on and then proceeded to go in reverse out of my driveway, my steering wheel locked up as I made a left. A red steering wheel with exclamation mark popped up on my dashboard and steering wheel was locked. I believe the outcome would have been extremely unsafe If it would have happened on the road, because I had no control of steering
Steering, Engine, Nov 4, 2022
The steering wheel began making a clicking and crunching sound in June 2022. Happening inconsistently the issue was not looked into right away. In October 2022 the issue escalated with the power steering disengaging completely when the wheel was making the noise. The steering wheel becomes so hard and immovable, locking all most. The steering wheel waning light comes on and hydroplane slippery warning as well. The engine also shudders and turns off sometimes when cold and warm.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2022
Electric power steering randomly fails while driving, causing a huge safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2022
Trunk latch recall - was told the Hyundai dealership couldnt get me in for over a month to fix it
Steering, Oct 30, 2022
1.loss of power steering vehicle is available for inspection.2. Person that was operating vehicle when it lost power steering didnt have the strength to handle steering could of led to an accident causing personal injury or property damage.3. Problem occured twice code in vehicle was C1290 call dealer wouldnt look at vehicle untill 2 weeks when looked at was told code wasnt active and was told code was in history then told it wasnt in history then told even it was in history they wouldnt do anything, Gave me vehicle back after a week at dealer told it was ok two days later same issue almost hitting bldg wall same code C1290 dealer refusing to look at MY vehicle.4. Vehicle looked at by southshore hyundai valley stream NY.5. Nothing prior lights and code showed up when incident qccured first time Oct 8 2022 second time Oct 29 2022
Steering, Oct 27, 2022
The power steering stop working and the wheel it's hard to manuver. Very difficult to make turns
Steering, Lane departure, Oct 26, 2022
I purchased a brand new Hyundai Sonata SE in 2017. After 1.5 years, I took a 3-4 hour road trip from Houston to Longview, TX. During that trip, my steering wheel locked and I could not turn the wheel as my traction and steering wheel light lit up on my dashboard. To remedy the problem, I had to turn the engine off and back on. There was no accident but there could have been since I was driving amongst other vehicles on the interstate. This was the first of many scary incidents with my locked steering wheel. I've reported and submitted this complaint to Hyundai but they have done nothing to remedy the problem. The Hyundai dealership explained they cannot do anything unless there diagnostic machine can detect the problem. I explained that it normally happens while I'm driving and that there are several online and Youtube reviews of other 2017 Hyundai Sonata vehicle owners with the same issue. I also showed the traction and steering wheel lights that come on when the steering wheel locks. Still there was nothing they could do. The vehicle is getting increasingly worse as I now must turn it off and on three times before the steering wheel unlocks. This is a danger to myself, my children, pedestrians, and other drivers. The steering wheel locks unexpectedly and without warning. I facilitate large groups and happen to mention my issue with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata today. They were alarmed about the dangers to myself and others while driving the 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE. I explained that it was previously reported to Hyundai and NHTSA but nothing was done to remedy the problem. The group encouraged me to report it again. I'm doing so with little to no confidence that mentioning it will do anything. It may take someone or people being killed or seriously hurt before anything is done. I can't afford another vehicle and need it for transportation. Otherwise I would have purchased another brand of vehicle.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the roadway and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2022, crash
Airbags did not deploy when involved in a 30mph front end collision. Driver sustained injuries from seatbelt and whiplash.
Steering, Oct 15, 2022
2017 Hyundai Sonata’s electric power steering is having an undiagnosable issue. Mechanics cannot figure it out only speculate since Hyundai has no remedies for this issue. The axle has been replaced and suspension inspected and the issue persists. Crunch when turning left usually a hard left at or more than 180 degrees. Vehicle has resistance if not kickback or tension when turning left, but turning right has little to no resistance at all. You could be parked, driving, or backing up and the vehicle makes hard crunch noises to the left. Also, when the sounds and issue becomes frequent (its intermittent) the steering wheel will kick to the right and lock up. There is a traction control light that comes on and a red steering wheel light with an exclamation point that pops on. If you turn off car and turn back on the issue and lights go away. This is extremely dangerous. It has happened to myself and my husband 3 separate occasions, different times of day, different temperatures and roughly a speed under 20 mph. The jolt and locking up of steering wheel is someone’s death waiting to happen. Extremely unsafe to drive.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2022
Car was bought in march of 2022 and has had major oil problems since . The oil needs to be changed / filled every 2 weeks . Was taken to a proper mechanic shop where it was stated the car is consuming large amounts of oil and it’s burning leaving the oil level bone dry .mechanic stated the oil most likely was leaving through the tail pipe / exhaust on a blue kinda of smoke .
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2022
2017 Hyudai Sonata. Paint peeling off roof right above front window - paint is listed as W8 - white color. It has about 44k miles. Numerous complaints about the paint on the internet and hyundai forums.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
My car was consuming a lot of oil. Hyundai dealership of Spartanburg,SC performed several oil consumption tests. Later I was advised to do an engine cleaning which was about $300. That didn’t resolve the issue. I was then told a piston was broken and couldn’t be fixed to just “wait till the engine blows out” and the motor company will pay for engine replacement. I use this vehicle to transport my four young daughters and fear when and where my engine will go out on us!
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2022
As I am driving, at random times, typically at cruising speeds of about 40 mph or less, the STEERING wheel will lock up and I will be unable to STEER the vehicle until I turn the car off and back on again. There are typically some warning lights (i’ll try to attach the picture) that pop up and go away once the car is turned off and back on again. No dealership that I have taken it to has been able to diagnose the problem since it does not, to my disdain, occur under their watch (it is not reproduced). This issue puts both my life and EVERYONE in my proximity’s life at risk as I have NO CONTROL of the vehicle once it locks up. At this point it has occurred for over 2 years that I have had this car. There are some warning signs right before it occurs. First, there is typically a sudden change in the resistance of the steering wheel. Particularly, it will become harder to move the steering wheel left but then turning it right will have NO resistance. As soon as this occurs I start to panic because it indicates that ANY turn at that point will lock the steering wheel. It has occurred this way every single time. Sometimes it happens in the opposite direction and the right side becomes stiff and suddenly any turn in the steering locks it up. This is VERY dangerous and can potentially kill. This model needs to be recalled!
Steering, Oct 10, 2022, crash
While driving the electric power steering locked and I couldn’t turn while driving. Hit curb and someone’s personal property. I was so frustrated because there wasn’t anything I could do. The steering locks up and you can’t move it.
Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The GDI 2.0L and 2.4L engines consume outrageous amounts of oil. Oil has to be added to the vehicle five times between Full Synthetic oil changes totaling almost $100 for just oil to refill the engine. For those who don’t check their oil level often, the dipstick will appear empty. That can lead to engine seizing, an overall decrease in power, and the breaking down of parts due to metal-on-metal impact. The engine also goes through several spark plugs at once. The amount of carbon deposit on the spark plugs is outrageous as well. The electrodes were completely burnt as if they had never been replaced since manufacturing.