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 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle became sluggish and snagged while driving to the residence. The steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,011.
Engine, Dec 6, 2025
My car is blowing a large amount of white smoke due to the head gasket being cracked, I was quoted 2 grand to fix it. The car is not old enough to need a new head gasket, this is completely due to how the car manufactured and I have seen many other reports of this, there should be a recall and this should be fixed free of charge.
Air bags, Dec 5, 2025, crash
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a vehicle purchased from [XXX] on [XXX]. The vehicle was later involved in a collision that resulted in a total loss. According to the police report, I was not at fault. During this crash, none of the airbags deployed, which indicates a possible defect or prior undisclosed issue with the airbag system. The vehicle was sold with a warranty and was represented as safe and road-ready. The dealership also provided and managed the full-coverage insurance policy. However, the total-loss claim has been delayed and obstructed, and the dealership has not taken responsibility for ensuring the vehicle’s safety or functionality. There is significant concern regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to sale. Records show that Byrider cleared the vehicle’s computer on July 16, 2025, less than a month before purchase. This may have erased important diagnostic information, including any prior airbag-system faults. Clearing the computer in this manner raises questions about whether a known issue was hidden or whether mandatory diagnostic data was removed before the sale. At the time of purchase, I signed an airbag disclosure form in which Byrider stated: •They had “no knowledge of any reason why the airbag system would not operate properly,” and •They “cannot guarantee that the airbag system will deploy in the event of an accident.” Despite this disclosure, the fact that the airbags did not deploy in a crash severe enough to total the vehicle suggests a significant safety defect, potential misrepresentation, or a failure to comply with federal safety requirements. Airbag non-deployment in a total-loss collision indicates a system failure that poses a serious risk to consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 29, 2025
While driving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle entered "limp mode" The check engine light was blinking, I took the car to a very close autozone and the check engine light came on with code P1326 (pricture upload files), which is directly related to the known KSDS connecting rod bearing defect. This issue is part of Hyundai’s safety recalls and engine warranty extensions. After that, I called Hyundai directly (reference number for that call #XXX). A kind young woman informed me that my car had been through "Service Campaign 953" and successfully completed a "Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Update." Thanks to this, she explained that my car is under the "Hyundai TXXI warranty" and that, given the noise I was hearing along with the "P1326" code, it was very likely that my car qualified for a free engine replacement. She then scheduled an appointment for me at the nearest Hyundai dealership for the following morning. After more than two weeks of inspection, the dealer confirmed that the engine has internal damage and needs a complete replacement due to rod bearing failure. This is the exact defect addressed in Hyundai’s safety campaigns. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to cover the engine replacement because the vehicle exceeded its mileage limit, even though the engine failure is clearly caused by the known safety-related defect. The dealer acknowledged the problem and documented everything, but Hyundai is denying proper safety recall-related coverage. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, the vehicle is currently disabled and undrivable at the dealership due to the defect. Hyundai is only offering a buyback or a small cash settlement instead of performing the necessary safety repair. I am filing this complaint for many reasons but mainly because the refusal to replace the defective engine, despite the recall-related code P1326 and confirmed bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2025
e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.
Structure, Nov 27, 2025
1. Sunroof frame detached from car due to defective adhesive. (Antena tailfin also detached from car years earlier because of defective adhesive). Because of this the frame was bent causing the sunroof to disengage from car . 2. Sunroof disengaging while on Interstate could have causes an accident or harmed person in car. A recall was placed on 2016 HYUNDAI Sonatas due to sunroof. 3. Unknown 4. HYUNDAI hired an engineering firm. The firm ( which was paid by HYUNDAI) found in favor of HYUNDAI. 5. Unknown
Engine, Nov 24, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America’s handling of my engine-related safety issue, buyback process, and rental reimbursement. My vehicle was towed to Elder Hyundai for a suspected engine failure. Elder Hyundai informed me that my car was covered under an engine recall campaign and that they would submit a request for free repair. Shortly afterward, Hyundai Motor America notified me that they would not perform the repair and that I was being forced into the buyback process under a Settlement Agreement Release (SAR). Elder Hyundai refused to provide me a loaner vehicle because I was not proceeding with repairs, despite the issue being part of an engine recall. They also refused to give me the repair order report for my records and refused to let me retrieve my personal items from my vehicle unless I paid a diagnostic fee. Hyundai Motor America told me I was covered under them for this fee, yet Elder Hyundai still refused. Regarding transportation, I was initially told Hyundai does not reimburse Turo rentals due to concerns about “fake receipts.” Because of my budget and age, Turo was the only rental option I could afford. After escalating, a supervisor approved reimbursement for my Turo rentals, but as of today I have not received any reimbursement. I am a school teacher with a two-hour commute each day and I have [XXX] twin toddlers. I had to use rent and bill money to pay for the rentals based on assurances that reimbursement would be processed within a week. I submitted all receipts, but my new case manager claims he has no record of them, further delaying reimbursement. I completed and returned all SAR buyback documents on November 15th, yet I have received no update on payment or processing. This entire ordeal has put me at financial risk, including potential job loss and housing instability. Hyundai’s delays and mishandling of this safety-related case have severely impacted my livelihood. I ask that you please review HMA’s action INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after receiving oil changes on four occasions, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the contact was informed that the oil pressure sensor was leaking at the connector, and the oil pressure sender or the switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer after being driven for 1,000 miles, and the oil usage was documented. The contact stated that in 7 days, the engine had consumed one quart of engine oil in 167 miles driven. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a combustion cleaning was performed; however, 4,000 miles later, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,379.
Tires, Nov 19, 2025
Tire blew out at low speed near residential area on the tire sidewall in a square shape approximately 3inches wide and 3inches long on each side. The blown out square area is still attached from the outer tire area like an open flap. The sidewall failed four inches in from the outer edge and ripped open. These was an Arizonian Silver Edition, all-season tire with the markings of M+5 205 / 65R16 95H and DOT U93P XYT 2022
Engine, Nov 11, 2025
Engine is burning oil. Ticking sound when engine is idling.
Engine, Nov 11, 2025
My car started using a lot of oil,one day it just started jerking and lost speed had to change the spark plugs after that I was constantly putting oil in it and changing the spark plugs every 2 weeks
Steering, Nov 10, 2025
While driving my vehicle I have lost power steering twice completely. The first time I was in a five-story parking garage turning into a parking space, when power steering went out. The second time I was pulling into my driveway and the power steering went completely out. At other times my car would pull to the right just a little at one point or maybe even harder at other points. I never know when I'm going to have a problem sometimes I don't have a problem, car drives normal this problem has existed for the last 3 weeks. Like power steering sometimes is harder to turn to the left around a curve are a corner. When the steering goes out warning lights do come on one like a hazard sign one like engine light and others. I take really good care of my car my personal mechanic has called Hyundai so he could get information on how to fix my vehicle they have informed him that I have to bring it into them and would not tell my mechanic what the problem was. I would say the problem exists 20% of the time 80% of the time the card drives great no problems but while driving these things change.
Engine, Nov 7, 2025
We bought the car 9/27 was told the car past the dealer inspections. The cars oil was checked and i am sure it was changed and all prior to us. We drove it home and she has drove it to school. On 10/15 my husband did a routine oil check and it was over 2 qts low. He did a complete oil change and changed the pcv valve and as of yesterday it has used another 1 gt. This car was just bought 8900 and now i am assuming it needs rebuilt or new engine. I would like for this to be reimbursed. This is outrageous. When we reported the prob it had 149000 miles on it and Hydunai gives to 150000. I need this issue to be fixed
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the engine oil level was low after an oil change. The contact stated that three quarts of engine oil were added every two to three weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,606.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2017 Hyundai Sonata with the oil consumption defect Hyundai is well aware of. For years I have been adding a quart of oil every thousand miles and had my spark plugs replaced three times in two years now. Why am I not included in the recall so I can have the repairs done free of charge? The dealer wanted me to start having them monitor my oil consumption first which will cost me around seven hundred dollars for something they already know is defective. I submitted repair bills for the spark plugs to Hyundai around a year ago, but they would not reimburse. This is a safety issue as car starts to run badly with fouled plugs.
Engine, Nov 4, 2025
Having engine issues with Hyundai Sonata (2017) have taken to dealership for repairs since purchase of vehicle (used) in August 2019. Vehicle available for inspection. Safety of others as well as self by engine failure while refueling, causing driver to be unable to move vehicle. Engine problem confirmed at dealership in April 2025. Issue addressed with Hyundai National Consumer Affairs to seek adequate replacement of engine and components. On 14 May 2025, request was denied. Check engine lamp illuminated on 1 March 2021 the 1st time, 5 June 2023 for 2nd time and 21 April 2025 for the 3rd and final time.
Engine, Oct 28, 2025
I have just purchased this vehicle from Jones Nissan in Savannah, TN September 27, 2025 for my daughter's 18th birthday. I was told the car passed all inspections etc and was sold the car same day. We checked the oil before leaving and oil was good. Within 45 miles we came home and my husband checked the car and the oil was down half quart. We didn't think anything of it and he did complete oil change. Last night my daughter comes in and my husband checks her oil almost 3 quarts low. There are no leaks nothing we can find. This is absolutely absurd this was a car for my 18-yr old daughter to go to college and back. There are no lights that come on to tell you it is low or nothing. This is completely uncalled for and Hyundai needs to replace or correct this issue. This could cause her to be stranded or hurt if this motor was to lock up.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact engaged the hybrid function on the vehicle and the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took several minutes to respond. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle accelerated, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2025
I noticed my oil was pretty much empty at one point. I don't know how long it had been empty but I had been driving the car for a long time. But I usually do my oil changes every 5000 miles so the fact that the oil was empty is definitely not a good sign. I did an oil change and replaced the drain plug in case that was the issue. I checked for leaks and there weren't any. After probably a couple thousand miles, the oil was out again. I took it to a dealership and the guy at the service desk said "I shouldn't tell you this, but a lot of them have that problem. You should get rid of it before the engine fails." Hyundai knows that it's an issue but they refuse to fix it or do a recall. It consumes oil like crazy and there's even a Facebook group called Hyundai oil consumption recall with about 5000 people in it. If the oil in the engine drains to empty, the engine could seize up and put people in danger. No warning lights have come on when the oil has run out.
Engine, Oct 11, 2025
MY 2017 Hyundai Sonata has excessive engine oil consumption. Despite multiple inspections and tests performed by Hyundai dealerships in 2023, as well as PCV replacement by a licensed independent mechanic, the vehicle continues to consume approximately 1 quart of oil every 60-100 miles. No warning lights appeared, but this persistent consumption created a safety risk ,as low oil levels can lead to engine damage or failure while driving, endangering myself and passengers, and others on the road. The issue has been confirmed through oil consumption tests at Hyundai dealerships, and it remains unresolved despite attempted repairs. The problem is verifiable and reproducible through oil level checks and documented service history.
Engine, Oct 5, 2025
Purchased the vehicle and immediately noticed a drip in the driveway. I was concerned so I started checking the dip stick. I booked a diagnostic appointment with a Hyundai Service Center. I wanted to be sure I purchased a quality vehicle. Upon what i thought was a complete diagnostic, a cracked oil pan was discovered. I agreed to purchase and pay out of pocket, everything else had checked out. I was told I could drive while I waited for the pan to come in, service was scheduled. The car never made it back. I continued to check the dipstick but while driving on a very busy interstate, the engine light went on and lost power. I barely managed to get to the breakdown lane. A complete safety hazard. I was towed to the closest garage where the owner suggested he see’s 3-4 of these a week. He would not touch it, have it towed to Hyundai. I paid for another diagnostic and now a flat bed tow. Key Hyundai of Salem NH accepted the vehicle. I paid another $498 to have an “engine tear-down” send a detailed finding report to Corporate. I called Corporate and filled my own case number. I was denied by Corporate, I was told I was a subsequent owner. The dealership didn’t match, I’m denied because the engine didn’t seize because of Rod issue. Well Hyundai is praying upon consumers. They knowingly initiated the KDS Recall and installed sensors to place a vehicle in “Limp Mode” so the rod isn’t the issue and they deny coverage. I paid a private mechanic verify cylinder 3 has low compression. Had the car not gone into “Limp Mode” the rod bearings would have failed.
Engine, Oct 5, 2025
HYUNDAI OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL. MY 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA BURNING OIL I CONSTANTLY SCHEDULE OIL CHANGES. WHEN WILL NOTICE FOR REPAIR BE SENT TO MY ADDRESS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS VEHICLE ALSO. SERIOUS ISSUE NEEDS TO TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
Engine, Oct 1, 2025
My car is needing an oil change almost every 3 weeks at this point. Mechanics say there is no leak and there may be a recall for GDI engines that are burning oil very fast. This is a reoccurring problem and would love to find out if I can get this recalled like I seen other 2017 Hyundai Sonatas.
Engine, Sep 30, 2025
We are the original owners of this vehicle. Over the past year we have been having to put quart(s) after quart(s) of full synthetic oil into this vehicle. There are no leaks anywhere that the mechanic can find and no burning of oil from the exhaust. We don't drive the vehicle many miles but have to put oil in at least every few weeks. The mechanic stated the last few times we have taken the car in to get looked at that it is a known issue with this make/model. He stated there was nothing he could do and we needed to contact the manufacture. We have tried on numerous occasions to make contact as well as the dealership has as well with no resolve.
Engine, Sep 28, 2025
I Purchased my 2017 from Hyundai motors of America in 2017. I am the only owner. I Took the care in for a recall for Campaign 953: ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT to have a a knock sensor placed on the engine to monitor the vehicle for signs of engine failure in 2022. The car has been showing signs of engine failure since the knock sensor was placed on the vehicle and Hyundai claimed that the knock sensor was bad and replaced in. Last week while I was driving the car ok the interstate at 70 miles per hour, the engine stopped running completely while driving. The check engine light did not illuminate until after the vehicle’s engine stopped running. The vehicle lost its ability to accelerate while driving. I was almost hit by a semi as I tried to guide the disabled vehicle to the emergency lane. I took the vehicle to one of the Hyundai dealerships for an inspection. The inspection shows engine failure due to internal failure. The knock sensor from campaign 953 failed to detect any engine problems. I Called hyundai motors of America and was given a case number (41539529). Even though the dealer reported to Hyundai motors of America about the engine failure, Hyundai motors of America is refusing to fix the vehicle due to mileage even though there is an extended warranty through campaign 953. This company is a fraud!! The company wants me to pre-approve authorization payment for them to replace my engine at my expense regardless of the recall, and their negligence!! They are placing people lives at risk.