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.
Structure, Engine, Oct 29, 2021
I have a car that was purchased that currently has numerous recalls. the automakers have asked me numerous times to bring the car in and pay out of pocket for diagnostic but has yet to fix anything. I am concerned with the safety of the car liked to performance issues that car and maybe linked to the engine recall that is pending.
Engine, Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic who indicated that no oil was present in the engine. Oil was added to the engine but later while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,179.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the trunk failed to open without warning. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed contact about repairs and reimbursement. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who repaired the rear latch assembly and rear latch. The failure mileage was 19,717. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2021
dealership has failed to fix the issue since aug 2021 this is my business ar im out of business because of this
Tires, Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata equip with Kumo Solus 215 55 R17 tires. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered the steel belt were exposed on the front driver side tire. The tire was replaced and the problem was remedied. The same failure had later occurred on the front passenger side tire. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 23,000. Tires are under warranty.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 14, 2021
My trunk latch malfunctioned and my trunk will no longer close. I brought my vehicle to the Hyundai dealership and they advised me the latch has indeed failed there was nothing they could do to fix it, as the recall is still marked "incomplete" and they have no parts to fix the trunk latch. I am unable to drive my car with the trunk open, as it makes me unable to see out of the back window.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 13, 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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the trunk latch was fractured. The failure first occurred when the trunk would not open and the contact had to force it open. The trunk latch then fractured, and the trunk would not close on its own. The contact had to tie down the trunk door for it to close. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that parts were not available and to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after opening the trunk, it failed to close. The contact tied the trunk closed with a rope. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The dealer was able to close the trunk and informed the contact not to open the trunk. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Oct 11, 2021
Engine oil found to be low at multiple oil changes. So started checking levels 1000 miles after oil change and found oil to be low already at that point. The last check, only 1300 miles after oil change, found vehicle to be down 1.5 quarts. Available for inspection upon request. Because we are checking and replacing the missing oil at the early timeframes of 1000 miles instead of at 7500 miles, no one is in immediate danger (beyond my bank account). The service center has been monitoring the issue for some time. They checked seals, gaskets, and replaced them to be sure they were not the issue. The oil levels still decrease. Upon speaking to a Hyundai rep, he (the manufacturer) claims there is no issue but I should get a diagnostic check up at dealer. I am scheduling one this week. Issues with the local dealer is they charge too much, suggest repairs that are not necessary, and have extended service wait times of at least 3 hours even though I have an appointment. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or actual failures. I am trying to prevent reaching that stage. I do know that my engine is the same one they recalled from earlier models. Those engines were having high oil consumption issues which help lead to more serious safety issues with time. I am wondering how the same engine, with apparently the same issues, was allowed to continue to be used.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2021
Steering wheel sticks at about 6:00 position, it takes an extra effort to move the steering wheel to the left or right. While this is occurring I experience dangerous and excessive lane travel. I hear a faint crack coming from the steering column at about the 6:00 position and then it feels like the steering wheel is loosening up again. It seems this problem is worsening and happening more frequent as time goes on. I have had the vehicle to the Hyundai dealership to be looked at and they stated that they could find nothing wrong. This occurs both on the highway and while driving around town at all speeds. I have searched the internet for recalls associated with this problem, but no recall, but a lot of complaints on line from other Hyundai vehicle owners experiencing this same issue. I do not enjoy driving this vehicle with this steering problem occurring all the time.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2021
Recall on my 2017 Hyundai Sonata was repaired 9/13/2019, purchased the vehicle with financing on 7/16/2021. On 8/18/2021, had vehicle towed back to the dealership and explained the issue. Engine knocking, tire pressure and engine lights on, frequent stalling, turning off, smell of gas and something burning, loss of power to the engine, car could not accelerate to 60 MPH. The dealership had my car till 9/20/2021, power train warranty was denied and voided, no loaner car was given, was not offered any reimbursement for car rental by dealership and Hyundai corporate. Although car is included in Theta class action lawsuit. I was correct about issue with engine, but the dealership replaced engine with used parts. No later than five days after having my car back, the engine and tire pressure lights came back on, car is tugging, and the engine noise is louder. I don’t believe that they replaced the engine with OEM parts.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 2, 2021
On a dark or dimly lit road the low beam headlights create a sharp boundary looking through the windshield with headlight illumination on the lower area and darkness on two thirds down from the top of the viewing area. It is as if the windshield has a line horizontally across it two thirds down in the field of view. The line bounces when the car bounces and dark upper portion can not be properly viewed through to see the road ahead. It is a safety issue due to poor visibility. The dealer has said a few times there is no issue and no reported issue. All they could do was adjust the headlights an inch. It didn't help. I don't drive it at night unless I have no choice and only very short distance. It got much worse recently. I won't sell this car to anyone, its not safe.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2021
My steering wheel has been locking on me for about a year several times I’ve almost crashed with my children in the car It seems to be getting worse and staying locked longer I used to be able to just turn the car off and turn it on and it go away back to normal but now it’s getting worse I did take it to a dealership and they cannot find anything wrong with it I’m reading so much bad reviews on this car and what it’s doing not safe at all I don’t even drive on the highway anymore I’m too scared I should not have to live like this
Engine, Sep 29, 2021
its been recalled and check engine light on since July 2021. The Hyundai is not addressing it properly and behaving very irresponsible when i spoke to their customer service. They assign the case manager and he never called or contacted me through email. Also their appointment availability is 30+ days and they will diagnose only after 7 days after the appointment. Till then no loaner or any sort of arrangements to the owners. Moreover the vehicle is very much under warranty. I am able see the following problems 1. Check engine light 2. Engine vibration and noise - sometime 3. reduced engine power 4. sometime burning smell Campaign #NHTSA Recall #DescriptionSafety RiskRemedyStatusCampaign Date Recall 208 2017-2018 SONATA (LF), 2016-2018 SONATA HYBRID, 2016-2017 AZERA, 2018-2020 ACCENT, 2017-2018 SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID TRUNK LATCH ASSEMBLY Recall IncompleteAug 11, 2021 Recall 209 2017 SONATA HYBRID (LF HEV) & 2017 TUCSON 2.0L NU ENGINE Recall IncompleteSep 22, 2021
Steering, Sep 28, 2021
3 times steering has locked up while driving. Had to turn vehicle off and back on to get it working again. Have not driven since last incident as it is too dangerous. Will tow to mechanic to have it looked at. Have read many complaints from other owners with same problem. Hyundai has not issued recall for this problem and not admit it is a problem. This is serious and could cause death or serious injury.
Steering, Sep 28, 2021
When steering right in a corner of a traffic light the car loss the Electric Power Steering and it became very hard to steer the car. The Electric Power steering light and the Traction Control light went On. I drove straight to a safe location where I pulled over, the steering wheel was very hard to turn. I shut down the car to check the car manual.After approximately 5 min, I started up the car again, I noticed the electric power steering came on again and the ESP & TC lights were not visible any more. I drove home to park the car. The failure did not show again.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that over the years upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal clicking noise would emit from the engine as the check engine warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. Since owning the vehicle, the contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers where she had been given different diagnoses and has had multiple repairs performed on the vehicle; however, the failure would return soon after each repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2021, fire
While being driven, the check in engine light came on. Next the battery light came on followed by the other lights on the dashboards. It then became difficult to accelerate and smoke began to come from under the hood. Then flames were noticed by a man passing and he began to point to the bottom passenger side of the car. The car was pulled over and more flames began. The passengers exited out of the driver side and the car was soon engulfed.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that as she attempted to place her groceries into her vehicle, the trunk failed to open as needed. The contact was finally able to open the trunk; however, the trunk failed to shut with the trunk warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle an independent mechanic who was able to make a temporary repair to the trunk latch. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, upon speaking with the manufacturer, the contact was notified that the parts were not yet available. The contact also mentioned that the passenger’s side air bag was exposed; however, no airbag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) associated with the VIN after an emissions test. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk latch would not latch properly to securely close the trunk. The contact's son repaired the trunk latch. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Steering, Sep 7, 2021
The steering collar has locked up while driving home and on the street 4x's since Mid August. I was lucky that I was strong enough to get it to turn and I was able to turn the car off and back on and the steering wheel went back to regular control. This is a serious issue that Hyundai will not do a recall on. My family and I could be in the car and this could have happen. The biggest problem is that this can not be confirmed by any one there is not diagnosis code for a steering collar. The waring lights come on at the same time once the wheel locks up on you. You have to stop the car turn it off and turn it back on so it can work properly once it happens.
Steering, Sep 6, 2021
The steering wheel continuously locks up when pulling out of the driveway or a parking spot. It has gotten to the point where it was completely locked and my car is now unable to be driven. It also has locked while driving on the road twice prior to that. No warning signs popped up before the situation happened. Usually when it would happen, I would turn the car on and off, and the issue would be resolved, but now I’m unable to drive my car as it has completely locked. I brought the car in prior to this to the Hyundai dealership in Puyallup, WA, and they advised that the MDPS column needs to be replaced which will cost $3,000. I asked them if they have received any complaints about this, and they stated that they haven’t, yet when I look online I see hundreds of Hyundai owners stating that they have had similar issues with their power steering. Clearly the cars need to be recalled immediately has this is a safety hazard for many Hyundai owners.
Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 1, 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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure and the trunk could not be opened as stated in the recall. The failure mileage was 53,394. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Aug 31, 2021
I went to my dealer today and they reported that My car in fact did not have a safety recall set for my car. therefore there were no repairs to list or update..I attached the supporting document that my dealership printed out for me today..
Steering, Aug 24, 2021
Power steering failure on 07/27/2021 as reported in complaint number 11427000. It took until 08/24/2021 to have the vehicle checked at Ricart Automotive in Columbus Ohio. The problem could not be duplicated at the dealer and no error codes were found. The car is not considered safe to drive by the owner, since I do not know when or under what conditions the power steering will malfunction again. 28000 miles, original owner.