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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2022
For the past several months, my vehicle has been burning oil. The oil lamp would only come on when the oil was completely gone and that would happen at least a month before I was set to get another oil change. This morning my check engine light came on for the first time and I was barely able to make it to work without my car stalling. I have not been able to have it checked because it just happened and I'm not even sure it will start when I leave work today. After just a short search online, I have found that other vehicles of the same year, make, and model have been recalled for similar things happening. Unfortunately, my car was not included in that recall even though I am experiencing the same issues.
Engine, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he would frequently replenish the engine oil due to rapid oil consumption. The failure worsened over time and oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that an oil consumption test needed to be performed. After the oil consumption test was performed, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was then informed that the dealer had placed an application to the manufacturer to have the engine replaced; however, the application was declined, and he was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2022
Steering wheel and response was "intermittently" grinding and non-responsive. This situation has occurred sporadically over the course of the fall of 2021. On December 17, 2021 while on the way to work, the steering system "froze" while I was driving and put me in a very dangerous and hazardous situation. Dash warning lights indicated a red steering wheel symbol with a cross-line and the orange anti-skid symbol at the time of the incident. I immediately stopped the car and turned it off. Upon re-start, all dash warning lights were off and the steering seemed to work normally. I next carefully and slowly drove the car to my local car repair shop. They could not duplicate the problem, but felt certain it was the electronic power steering module that was failing intermittently. My local shop strongly recommended I have the vehicle towed to the Hyundai dealership for evaluation and repair. I had the car towed to Huffines Hyundai in Plano, Texas on Dec. 21, 2021. After three weeks in at the Huffines Plano Service Shop, the service manager called and stated they are unable to duplicate the problem and to "come pick up your car". I have called and created an incident report with Hyundai National Help line, but to date, no resolution has been offered other than "come get your car". This is clearly a driver and road safety issue. When the steering failed, I could not turn the wheel at all. The car was out of my control. Stopping was the only thing I still had control of, and even this was dangerous as I was on a very busy 6-lane divided thoroughfare. This electrical (or mechanical) failure put me and all other drivers around in a dangerous situation. Clearly, I am not comfortable retrieving this car and putting it back on the road. Please Advise my next best step(s)
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the gear shifter would not shift into (D) drive. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer and gauges inadvertently moved up and down. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with oil valve sensor leakage. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that due to a previous accident repair, the trunk latch was not aligned which was the cause of the mechanic not being able to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2021
The engine is stalling and shut off at a traffic light. Using oil on a weekly basis. Gas mileage is not efficient at all. No warning the oil pressure is low. The latch on trunk had to be replaced weeks after I purchased the car but I had to replace it cause it would not shut. And now there is a recall.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact stated that on one occasion the trunk failed to open. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect. Vehicle has been repaired.
Steering, Dec 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer reset the steering sensor however, the steering wheel felt loose. Additionally, the steering wheel inadvertently moved to the right and was stiff while making left turns. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but denied the claim since the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
Air bag and antilock brake lights came on. First dealer replaced the air bag control module. Secondary issue then identified a defective air bag. Both have not been replaced. I asked for the old parts and was told I could not have them. They were sent back to be rebuilt.
Steering, Dec 13, 2021
The electrical steering system lock up. If I cannot steer it a big safety problem for me and other drivers Will call dealer today (not sure if it must be towed) No inspection yet Yes I did get a waring lamp light but the streeing wheel could not be moved ( light came on after staring car
Exterior lighting, Dec 10, 2021
I have owned this car since 11/2018. I have NEVER replaced as many headlight bulbs in my life as I have for this vehicle. Mostly the low beam. Almost every three months. I'm looking to replace the wiring soon hoping to remedy this issue. Ridiculous.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed seized on the floorboard. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH while driving. The contact veered to the side of the roadway, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
Engine, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact mentioned that multiple attempts were made while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed by triple AAA. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was drove smoothly afterwards however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2021
WHEN I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELARETE AND THE CAR TURNED OFF. I PUSHED THE START BUTTON TO TURN ON THE CAR AND I SAW SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC IT WAS THE STARTER. WE PUT A NEW STARTER , THE CAR DIDNT STAR AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE HOOD AGAIN. I DECIDED TO SEND THE CAR TO HYUNDAI DEALER. AFTER TWO WEEKS THEY STILL DIDN'T CALL ME TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I AM STILL WAITING FOR.
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
Manufacturer Recall Number 209 NHTSA Recall Number 21V727000 Incident date: June 15, 2021 While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel, oil could be seen spraying out the back of the car onto traffic which put other drivers/vehicles at risk of an accident. We pulled over into a dirt parking lot, noticed a puddle of oil underneath the car, and then lifted the hood to see oil sprayed all over the engine compartment. I had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it remains in their possession as of today which in my opinion is too long to wait without a car, 6 months later from the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure June 16th and they informed me that the vehicle did not qualify for any recalls or warranty programs. The vehicle VIN later showed up on the recall campaign in September. Hyundai USA offered to replace the engine at no cost which I am thankful for that so far. However, after the engine replacement, I was told the car would not start, and will require a new battery module and hybrid battery, and that I must pay 40% of the parts and labor at $2776. I believe these parts suddenly failing are directly related to the engine failure incident, and should be part of the recall campaign. My car has yet to be repaired due to backordered parts. I've submitted rental car fee receipts of over $3500 to date without reimbursement because I'm told that it is their policy to only review rental receipts for reimbursement after the repair ticket is closed, with no possibility of interim reimbursement. The Hyundai case manager has told me there is nothing more that they can do, not willing to discuss with another department or Manager, no escalation path forward, and that all I can do is file this complaint with the NHTSA per the recall campaign notification.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2021
My Steering Wheel Would Lock Up On Me Sporadically & my EPS & ESC Malfunction Indicator Light Will come on & don’t illuminate, but once I cut the car off & cut it back on my steering wheel will go back to normal & the warning lights will go off. My car have done this multiple times out of the blue but this particular time it just did it again my warning indications light doesn’t illuminate even after turning the car on & off. I can’t drive because my steering wheel is very hard to steer. It’s nearly impossible to get a service appointment with Hyundai and my car is just sitting. Also, multiple people have had this same problem with the steering with this vehicle. Consumer stated power steering had problems and locked up. *JB
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2021
Bought car 8/30/20 on 9/29/20 engine light came on and went into limp mode. Friend came and 1st thing we done was checked oil. 2qts low. Car had 2 codes that came up. Car had 42090 miles. There's now 52200. Car has burned oil since I got it. Been checked by place referred to & states burning oil. afraid to drive now. hear ticking/knocking in motor too.
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the trunk failed to open with the key fob or while depressing the trunk release button inside the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location to be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test and the repair because the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact received a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
Engine, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to two separate independent mechanics where the second mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle did not qualify for any recalls or warranty programs. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2021
I was driving and the steering wheel completely locked up. I was unable to turn. I had to turn the car off then back on in order to reset the computer. No warning lights prior to this. When it happened the light on my dash with a steering wheel and exclamation mark appeared. Very dangerous and appears to be a common issue. Vehicle has not been driven since. Where’s the recall? Does someone need to die first?
Air bags, Nov 11, 2021
Air bag and traction warning lights came on at the same time. Dealer scanned and said the air bag control module was defective. After replacing the module the dealer informs me that the passengers front air bag is defective. Failure of these parts would cause the air bags to not deploy in an accident. The car is still at the dealer at this time.
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
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the oil filter was fractured. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the oil filter and the oil was refilled however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The dealer informed the contact that they would perform an oil consumption test and she would need to bring the vehicle back every 1,000 miles. The dealer’s report was sent to the manufacturer and the manufacturer opened a case. The manufacturer informed the dealer that the case was closed and advised the dealer to complete an engine cleaning. The engine cleaning was completed; however, the dealer informed the contact that she would need to complete another oil consumption test. The dealer diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that they had sent another report to the manufacturer and the manufacturer had requested pictures of the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
As I am driving my steering wheel locked up. I am in lunch hour rush and my steering wheel is locked up. Very unsafe. When I research it, there are a lot of complaints on the steering wheel. Please fix it.