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.
Seat belts, Sep 27, 2025
Front two seat belts are difficult to latch to buckles. Even when they are buckled while the car is in motion they tend to unlatch by itself.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 18, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE is experiencing symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure covered under Hyundai’s KSDS extended warranty program. June 22, 2019: KSDS software (Campaign 953) installed, qualifying the vehicle for Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for bearing failures. August 2022: Campaign 208 engine recall performed. Hyundai’s record shows Aug 15, 2022, while Wright Way Hyundai’s service history shows Aug 13, 2022 (discrepancy unresolved). March 2025 (100,238 miles): Vehicle went into limp mode with tailpipe smoke and loss of power. It was towed to Wright Way Hyundai, which kept it for several days but returned it with “no issue found.” The smoke continued. June 5, 2025 (103,996 miles): Oil change performed. August 27, 2025: Oil light illuminated, dipstick showed no oil. Vehicle now exhibits severe drivability issues consistent with bearing damage. Hyundai has incorrectly tried to reframe this as an oil-consumption issue and directed me to pay $600 for a combustion chamber cleaning. My issue is not oil consumption — it is a bearing-related failure already covered by warranty. Hyundai’s obligations include a no-cost inspection/diagnosis for connecting rod bearing failure, yet I have been denied that process. Despite repeated written requests, Hyundai continues to attempt phone communication instead of email, even addressing me by the wrong name in correspondence, which suggests reliance on standardized or generic responses. I have exclusively maintained the vehicle at Wright Way Hyundai, following Hyundai’s service schedule. I am resorting to filing this complaint because after weeks of email correspondence, Hyundai’s corporate agent refuses to help and the manager insists on only calling by phone — which I will not answer out of concern they will attempt to mischaracterize or dismiss my complaint verbally. This failure poses a safety risk because the vehicle has lost power suddenly and requiring restart.
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2025
To whom it may concern, I have own my vehicle since Jan 2018, which was purchased from the dealership's owner w/less than 10k miles. Maintenance has been performed iaw Hyundai's recommended schedule. However, yesterday, I was informed that my vehicle needed a new engine and other replacements totaling $13,934.89. This is OUTRAGEOUS. How can a well kept vehicle w/106445 miles, need such replacements? Thus your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that there was no oil in the engine, even though the contact had recently added oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Engine, Sep 16, 2025
I am constantly seeing my oil light coming on. I have placed at least three quarts of oil in the last month while driving around only 1,200 miles. I took vehicle to mechanic who explained this is known issue with the vehicle I own.
Engine, Sep 13, 2025
Oil consumption, lossing one quart of oil per week, I drive 250 miles per week.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 11, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is defective. Oil pressure failed testing, oil contamination was found on the oil pressure sensor and connector, and the vehicle has experienced excessive oil issues. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has gone into limp mode on the highway, which caused a sudden loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The car also shakes, misfires, and loses power unexpectedly, which could lead to stalling or loss of control at highway speeds. I do not feel safe driving the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Multiple Hyundai dealerships have inspected the car. One confirmed low oil pressure and oil contamination at the sensor. Previous visits dismissed the oil warning and charged me for oil replacement instead of identifying the underlying defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealers multiple times. I also have two inspection reports from the same dealer just two weeks apart with contradictory findings the first showing no oil issue, the second confirming oil contamination and failed oil pressure. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The oil warning light and check engine light have both come on. The vehicle has gone into limp mode, and symptoms have included shaking, misfiring, rough idling, and loss of power. These issues began months ago and have continued despite repeated service visits.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 5, 2025
The camshaft position sensor internal rubber plug is faulty and it allows oil to leak into the sensor housing. Ruining the sensor and the brushes and housing. It causes the check engine light to come on the idle races and car takes off on its own. Can’t drive it because it’s to dangerous. Once it takes off then it goes into limp mode and you can’t pull out because of no power. 40000 miles. The internet is full of owners having the same problem
Engine, Sep 5, 2025
Engine is burning up full tank of oil in a few days there are no oil leaks coming from the car. The car has been expected and worked on by multiple mechanics. The engine lights keeps coming on.
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
Excessive amount of oil burning. Was told that this vehicle had a engine recall, and I am trying to see what I can do about it before it blows up.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
.Car is using or burning alot of oil. After oil change. It went 2800 miles on the oil change and the cars oil light come on. Checked oil and nothing on the dip stick. Headlights randomly shut off at night. Had the wiring checked and didnt find any issues
Power train, Aug 23, 2025
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE GAS ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ELECTRIC ENGINE LOST POWER, WERE ABLE TO COAST A FEW MILES UNDER LOW POWER UNDER ELECTRIC ENGINE AND THEN ENGINE SHUTDOWN COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT START, HAD CAR TOLLED TO NEAREST MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED ENINGE DAMAGED BY ROD BEARING FAILURE, HE TRIED TO GET A NEW ENGINE TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED ONE AND HYUNDAI TOLD HIM THEY COULD NOT SELL HIM AND ENGINE
Engine, Aug 22, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?\n' + 'The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata is defective. It burns oil excessively, fouls spark plugs and ignition coils, and causes continuous misfires. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection.\n' + 'How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?\n' + 'The engine misfires cause my car to shake violently while driving, lose power unexpectedly, and turn on the check engine light. This creates a risk of stalling or losing control while driving at highway speeds, endangering myself and others. I no longer feel safe driving the car.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?\n' + 'Yes. Multiple independent mechanics have confirmed that the misfires and repeated spark plug/coil failures are caused by the engine itself, not just normal wear. Hyundai dealers acknowledged the excessive oil consumption and advised combustion cleanings, which did not resolve the issue.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?\n' + 'Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Hyundai dealerships (including McGrath Hyundai) and independent service centers (Pep Boys, AAMCO, and others). All noted ongoing oil-related issues and repeated failures tied to the engine.\n' + '\n' + 'Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?\n' + 'Yes. The check engine light has come on repeatedly over the last two years. Symptoms include rough idling, heavy shaking, loss of power, and repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures (monthly or more often). The problem began within the first year of ownership and has persisted ever since despite repairs.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited check engine light came on at approximately 103,000 miles of use. This happened last week. The code it was pointing to was a faulty Fuel Pressure Sensor. Could also be combined with faulty fuel pump, but the primary code indicates the sensor. I will be taking it in to the Hyundai dealership shortly. The main reason I’m reporting this is because of my previous experience owning a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe that had to have the engine replaced three times all under warranty. There ended up being a class action lawsuit because of several owners experiencing the same proglem. While this may not be the same case, I am Leary of engine problems like this. I take very good care of my cars with regular maintenance, so I’m reporting this just in case others are experiencing the same problem.
Steering, Aug 17, 2025
- I was reversing from a car space, and do a K-turn, the steering wheel locked when moving forward. When the steering wheel locked, the red steering wheel light on the dashboard is on. I have to turn off the engine to reset the power steering. It's available for inspection upon request. - I cannot move the car in the parking lot. The other drivers in the lot do not know what happened. - I don't know exact step to reproduce the problem. - The 2015 Sonata may have a faulty EPS (Electronic Power Steering) motor, or a failed torque sensor. It would be helpful for Hyundai to confirm the 2017 Sonata model does not have these issues/recalls.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 14, 2025, crash
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
I have recently acquired this vehicle. There has been zero unrecorded recalls, and I have been told that there is an active recall on the engine in this vehicle. I am inquiring this. The car has recently been taken to my mechanic and he has told me this plus the car engine is using a excessive amount of oil. I have heard that it is possible to have the engine replaced due to the recall I am inquiring about that. On the date of the incident that has occurred. I am putting the date of the purchase of the vehicle order that is on the Pohanka buyers order.
Engine, Aug 6, 2025
The engine was eating up oil and failed. I have regularly had to get oil changes within 1000 miles of each other. Kept oil in my car like spare gasoline to top off every 4-7 days. Took my car in immediately when the check engine light came on to which the dealership said I have been negligent in my oil changes. The check engine light never came on prior, and I had an oil change the day before it did come on. It put my safety at risk because the engine could have just burst at any moment, and to my knowledge nothing was wrong since I was regularly putting oil in or getting an oil change. Yes the issue has been confirmed by the dealership. There was no warning other than the low oil light continuously coming on. I took it into the dealership last Spring to which they said there was no issue.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 5, 2025
I am leasing a 2017 Hyundai Sonata from Car City in Michigan. In May 2025, the vehicle received a brand-new engine replacement due to previous problems. I picked the car up on [XXX], and on the same day, the vehicle began malfunctioning. It would not accelerate properly, jerked and stalled, and multiple warning lights — including the check engine light — came on immediately. This made the car unsafe to drive. I contacted the dealer, but they told me to wait until Monday to get it looked at, leaving me with a dangerous and unreliable car. The vehicle had already been in the shop for over two months for the engine issue, and I had only driven it for six months beforehand. I believe the repair or replacement engine is defective or was not properly installed. This creates a serious safety hazard. A car that stalls while driving puts everyone at risk. I am filing this complaint so this issue can be investigated and addressed if others are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Aug 4, 2025
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata has been burning excessive amounts of engine oil over an extended period. The issue started approximately 10,000 miles ago but has worsened recently, requiring frequent oil top-offs between regular oil changes. The oil consumption is abnormal and not consistent with normal wear. This excessive oil burning poses a potential safety risk, including possible engine failure, stalling, or fire hazard due to low oil levels if not monitored carefully. The vehicle has not yet experienced a complete failure but the risk concerns me. The problem has been observed consistently during normal driving conditions. I have not yet had an official inspection or oil consumption test performed by a dealer, but I intend to request one. There have been no warning lights related to the oil burning issue, but the oil level drops rapidly and noticeably.
Power train, Engine, Aug 1, 2025
Constant losing oil, constant changing of spark plugs, car shaking, can't pick up speed
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2025
My Hyundai consumes oil and I have to put oil in it every two weeks! Also my ignition coils has had to be changed 4 times. Also check engine light just came on code saying catalytic converter or oxygen sensor changed oxygen sensor a couple months ago. I purchased it brand new and as soon as I got over 100,000 miles nothing has been going good since then please help also my paint on the top of the car is starting to peel. Will never buy a Hyundai again.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
I am writing to request a Goodwill replacement. My car is burning oil faster than I can put it in. The engine heats up so bad that I feel it could catch fire at any time. I loose acceleration because of this, its an extreme safety hazard for myself and other motorists on the road. I am just now finding out about the issues Hyundai sonatas are having with this said problem. I would like it fixed asap.
Engine, Jul 27, 2025
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata has a major oil consumption problem. The car does not leak oil. It burns oil average 3000 miles. I have to add 5 to 6 quarts of oil every time I bring it to the shop and ask about it they tell me Hyundai has a problem with one of their engines, I see the recall on other models, but not my model. it’s been ongoing for about a year.
Engine, Jul 23, 2025
Engine started making a noise and then the car died and would not start. We were on the highway service road when the car died in the middle of the road. We took the car to the dealership and they confirmed the vehicle engine has seized up. This is covered under warranty. The manufacturer denied the claim because of a sensor recall in August 9, 2018. We purchased this car used on July 11, 2018 and never received the recall notification for this sensor. The manufacturer is refusing to repair the engine that is under warranty.