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, Aug 23, 2021
The trunk latch has broken
Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2021
The headlights and brake lights are constantly blowing and not working. Just recently my light bulbs were switch in august and the driver side will only work with the high beams on and my car is available upon request for inspection… I’m unable to see if i don’t have on the high beams and I’m pretty sure it’s blinding the other drivers. It haven’t been to the dealer since they were able to repair the brake light defects and there were no warning signs prior to the issue.
Engine, Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she would frequently add engine oil every 1,000 miles due to an excessive oil consumption. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled while at a red light as the oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and she was informed that the oil needed to be changed more frequently to prevent further failures. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received a recall notification for 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2021
Trunk latch
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2021
Important: This is hybrid vehicle. With the cruise control set to maintain a constant speed and while descending a long hill, the vehicle speed is maintained using dynamic braking by charging the battery. But if the grade is long - such as on CA 101 just north of San Luis Obispo, (locally referred to as the Questa Grade) there will come a time when the battery “gas gauge” reaches 100 % at which time the dynamic braking ceases and without warning the vehicle’s speed gradually increases and can reach excess speeds. If you are not paying attention to the speedometer the speed can become excessive in a hurry.
Steering, Aug 10, 2021
On two occasions my steering wheel locked up completely. Fortunately at the times I was only maneuvering my car at low speeds and I was able to stop the car in time. I was only able to regain steering after shutting off the engine and restarting. Both times the lockups occurred immediately following a “hard over” steering wherein the steering wheel was held against a stop. i.e.,the wheel could turn no further. After rebooting the startup, the steering returned to normal. I’m a little reluctant to try this maneuver again but I’m sure that the lockup could be repeated.
Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2021
* Taillights (Brake lights) * Bulbs are burning out continuously and I am afraid is going to cause a fire since they get so hot. I have replaced them on both sides at least 10 times over the last year * No * No
Steering, Jul 29, 2021
On numerous occasions, the steering wheel feels loose after starting but then begins to work normally. On 7/27/2021, as I was backing out of the driveway, there was excessive steering wheel motion where the wheels did not turn at all even though the steering wheel was turned in each direction about 10 degrees. Then the power steering completely stopped working at all, and I had to steer the car to the curb with extreme effort since the power assist was completely gone. Several dash warning lights were illuminated including the traction control light. After turning the car off, and then back on, the steering was back to normal. I have continued driving the car for the last three days and the problem has not recurred. But I am very nervous about the safety aspect of this and don't enjoy driving the car anymore. I am the original owner of the car and it only has about 28000 miles on it.
Engine, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an abnormal amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating without warning. The contact stated that the oil level and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,946.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 11, 2021
Trunk latch failed. Trunk would not open, even when used emergency trunk release. Eventually, latch broke and trunk would not close. Two potential safety issues: 1. Emergency trunk release would not work, negating ability for someone trapped in trunk to open it; 2. Exhaust fumes entering cabin through open trunk.
Steering, Jun 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality was restored. The contact stated that the traction control and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 10, 2021
The trunk will not open by any means and the emergency release does not work. If anyone gets in the trunk, they cannot get out especially with the Hybrids which do not have fold down back seats Federal mandate states the trunk must have an operational emergency release, but with the trunk latch issue, the emergency release does NOT work
Steering, Jun 9, 2021
Was driving on a busy road. Turned the corner and went to accelerate and once I hit 45 my steering locked up, couldn't turn or adjust my vehicle at all. I had my 3 kids in the car and was lucky we could get to the side of the road. Shut off the car and started it up and seemed fine. Then later that day i was driving on highway going 65 and my steering locked up and I couldn't drive. Lucky it was early morning and no traffic because I was able to get to the side of the road. This needs to be recalled before someone loses their life!
Steering, Jun 4, 2021
The power steering on 2017 Hyundai Sonata's will randomly stop working while I am driving. It started as an every month occurrence and now has become more than weekly occurrence. The steering locks up and two light indicators illuminate on the dashboard. These two lights are not on prior to the random power steering failure. My family's safety is at risk every time this occurs as are those on the road near my vehicle. I purchased this vehicle from my 88 year old grandmother. This extreme safety problem would have killed her had it happened when she was driving. I have taken the vehicle to a local dealership who seemed to be aware of the notorious problem on 2017 Sonata's but they explained that they are unable to reproduce the failure in their shop, so they are unable to fix the problem.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while merging onto a highway at 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 MPH and shifted into limp mode. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that the failure was linked to a software update. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 25, 2021
While driving the engine light comes on and blinks rapidly and the car drops from the speed of 65 to 15 or below in second. The code was p1326 with is the knock senor. I changed it and the code went away. Weeks later the code returned while driving again with me and my 3 little babies in the car again. Same issue engine light came on blinking speed drop rapidly. Read this is an occurring issue with this car and it must be taken in to the dealer for fixing.Dealer refused to check out the issue.
Steering, May 24, 2021
I had just left my house and was just a few miles down the road turning onto the main highway. The steering wheel jerked and then The steering wheel locked up like it had no power steering and I could not turn the wheel. Three lights came on on the dashboard, an exclamation point, a steering wheel and the traction lights all came on. It was a sunny day and there was no rain the pavement was not slick. I had to pull over on the side of the road and let my husband drive my vehicle. We had to take it in to the dealership and they said it was a sensor in the steering column and the entire steering column would have to be replaced at a cost if $2000.00. This is not a driver error this is a manufacturer error and it is not covered under any warranty. My car only has 67,500 miles on it and this should be recalled for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata‘s. After researching online about steering issues with the Hyundai Sonata’s I discovered that the 2015 Hyundai sonata’s have been recalled for the steering and so have the Hyundai ELANTRA’s. I called the Hyundai corporation and they said that there had to be a class action lawsuit for the 2017 models to get a recall. This could have been extremely dangerous had I been on a busier street. Hyundai needs to step up and recall this.
Steering, May 24, 2021
I had just left my house and had stopped to turn on main road. My steering wheel jerked a little and then when I went to turn it was extremely hard to turn. I pulled over to let my husband try and he had a hard time. The steering wheel light and an exclamation point came on and the traction lights came on but it was not even raining. We took the car to the dealership and they said it was a sensor in the steering column. It would cost $2000.00 to repair it. My car only has 67500 miles on it. They said the 100000 mile power/Tran warranty does not cover the steering column... I search online about steering issues with the Sonata and it seems very common. The 2015 models have a recall fir this issue. Had I been on a very busy street this could have been extremely dangerous because I could not control the steering of my car at all. I called the Hyundai Corporation and they said sorry there has to be a class action lawsuit with hundreds of names for a recall to be issued. They said to keep my records and if the model is recalled then they will reimburse me. We are in a pandemic and I don’t have the extra 2000 lying around to spend on a manufacturing safety error.
Engine, May 12, 2021
THE THEA-ENGINE IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER DIAGNOSTICS DETERMINED THE ENGINE INDEED NEEDS TO BE REPLACED; THEY ADDED THE RODS AND BEARINGS DID NOT CAUSE ISSUE SO THEY WILL NOT COVER COST. THE BIG LIE IS THAT THE, "RODS AND BEARINGS WAS NOT PART OF THE ORIGINAL EVALUATION DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON THE ENGINE. IT WAS ADDED TO REMOVE THE CONNECTION THAT CAUSE PRIOR RECALLS. IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AND MILLIONS OF UNSUSPECTING AUTO PURCHASERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE. THIS COMPANY HAS BEEN MAKING CARS SINCE 2011 WITH FAULTY ENGINES, "STAY AWAY" THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED
Structure, May 11, 2021
THE TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AT FIRST, THEN IT WOULD NOT OPEN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WOULD NOT CLOSE. IT HAS TO BE TIED DOWN TO STAY SHUT. IT CAME OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. HAD TO HAVE THE LATCH REPLACED.
Steering, May 7, 2021
MY STEERING KEEPS LOCKING UP WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE TO STOP MY CAR, PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN MY CAR OFF. THEN RESTART MY CAR IN ORDER FOR IT TO UNLOCK. I HAVE ALMOST CAUSE SOME WRECKS. MY CAR IS NOT THAT OLD TO BE HAVING THIS ISSUE. WHEN I WENT ON YOUTUBE TO SEE WHAT I CAN DO TO FIX IT, I FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
Power train, May 3, 2021
AFTER TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE IN DECEMBER 2020, NOTICED STARTING IN JAN 2021, THAT VEHICLE DID NOT STAY IN PARK AND ROLLED BACK UP TO 5 FEET FROM WHERE PARKED. PICTURES FROM PARKING LOT, 3/6/2021 ROLLED BACK 5 FEET FROM WHERE IT PARKED. MILEAGE ON 3/6/21 WAS 96858. ON 4/15/21 WE HAVE VIDEO WITH THE NOISE THAT IT IS MAKING WHEN IN PARK AND ROLLS BACK (UNABLE TO ATTACH HERE). MILEAGE ON 4/15/2021 WAS 97881. CAR WAS PARKED IN A HANDICAP SPOT AT A RESTAURANT. THE AMOUNT OF ROLLBACK COULD CAUSE SOMEONE WALKING BEHIND THE VEHICLE TO BE CRUSHED OR KILLED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, NOT ONLY ON AN INCLINE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE; THERFORE, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
Steering, May 2, 2021
AS I WAS BACKING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT WITH THE EXCLAMATION MARK CAME ON.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2021
HAD OPEN RECALL ,, AN ECM UPDATE AND WILE HYUNDAI IN COLUMBIA CT. AND AFTER IT WAS DONE THE CAR WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK , NOW I'M LACKING ACCELERATION FOR MILES PER GALLON HAS DECREASED 50% BURNING GAS QUICKLY PLUS IS BURNING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL A WEEK, BUT THERE'S NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS AND AIR FILTER STILL THE POWER HAS DECREASED 30%. I NOTICED THAT DECREASE IN POWER WHEN ENTERING ON TO A HIGHWAY AND I TRIED TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC BUT IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT FIRST UNTIL IT STARTED BUCKING AND THEN IT'S FINALLY GETTING SOME MOMENTUM. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHANGED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSIST! STILL AT THIS TIME THE PROBLEM IS UNKNOWN TO ME