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.
Air bags, Jul 20, 2025
The airbag light has been on for years. Also, the controllers on the steering wheel stopped working, first left side, 6 months later followed by right side. I’ve been told it’s due to a faulty ring inside or under the steering wheel. Worried to drive with faulty airbag.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2025
1.Sunroof disengaged from car. yes 2. Glass falling from car. Glass could have landed inside car, killing or injuring driver. Glass could have landed on any car behind the sonata killing or injuring occupants in that car. 3. Unknown 4. No 5. No
Engine, Jul 15, 2025
Premature rod bearing failure at 126,750. Dealer said there was extended warranty for this failure. Turns out that Hyundai denied this because they say Recall 953 was not done. This does not reflect what I show, I show this a Service Program and probably a notice does not get sent out. I have gotten an estimate for $7848.50 for engine replace. I do not agree with this decision since it is a know problem with multiple class action lawsuits.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 14, 2025
All documents are attached as it is many separate incidents that ended knock from motor and minutes later, a piston shooting through the engine block which is what made the car inoperable
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2025
Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult
Engine, Jul 5, 2025
I am writing to request your assistance in enforcing the terms of the class action settlement and extended warranty coverage for my 2017 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite clear evidence of a defective Theta II engine, Hyundai Corporate has refused to authorize a full engine replacement unless the engine “blows” completely. This directly conflicts with the express terms of the “In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation” settlement, which requires Hyundai to cover any engine exhibiting failure‐mode symptoms. Below, I have summarized all relevant facts, diagnoses, and correspondence. I purchased this Sonata used from Oakes Kia (Kansas City, MO) in May 2023. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had 77,000 miles. To my knowledge, I am the third owner of this vehicle. Since I bought this car, I have followed the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule: All routine oil changes (every 5,000 miles, or sooner) at Oakes Kia, plus one oil change at Northtowne Hyundai in April 2025. The engine currently has approximately 98,650 miles. I have driven it about 1,000 miles since December 2024 to avoid further damage and due to the danger, it puts me and others in on the road. Since December the vehicle has had persistent shaking, hesitation on acceleration, strong odor, and illuminated Check Engine Light. Car condition has worsened since last oil change and even after coil packs and spark plugs were replaced, there was no improvement. The last oil change was done at Oakes Kia along with a tire rotation and multi-point inspection. They Installed UM018 CH074: Mobil SP 5W30 SN, 21513 23001: Gasket-oil plug and 26300 35505: Filter assy-engine O Service Advisor, Fernando Perez said they did not identify root cause of the shaking, hesitation and strong odor; they instructed me to return to the mechanic who had replaced spark plugs/coil packs, possibly I got a bad spark plug or coil pack. I did this, it was not the problem. I have files to share but they are too big! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 24, 2025
I purchased this car in 2018. Noticed it would be low on oil frequently by year one of having it I took in in for regular maintenance at the dealer by year 2 car began giving me more issues with oil and engine I have had the manifold replaced and other parts in the engine several times and keep running into the same issues and from what I found out I’m not the only one dealing with oil consumption issues I was told by the dealer this is a regular issue with this car and that Hyundai will not cover it I feel it’s very unfair to the consumer that they did not disclose this to me when I explained I needed a dependable vehicle because I had a disabled child I have put so much money in this vehicle I could have bought a new one by now
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
Engine seized on me, lurched forward, then engine light starting flashing and I could barely accelerate anymore. Had to go very slowly to make it home. My local autoshop says this is very common with Hyundai's and there was a recall for bad engines for this.
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2025
My car is burning a lot of oil to the point I have no oil in my car and that’s bad
Engine, May 21, 2025
2017 Hyundai Sonata having severe oil consumption issue. Having to top off with a quart of oil every 500 miles. Was purchased last June and has been a nightmare since. We contacted Hyundai consumer affairs and they opened a case and made an appointment for us to go to a local Hyundai dealer. The dealership told us we didn’t qualify for oil consumption test be cause we are second owners and the vehicle had 62,000 miles on it. We did purchase an extended warranty when we bought the car but they won’t cover oil issue. Local mechanic won’t touch it and refers us to Hyundai dealer. Just getting so frustrated and worried about car safety and engine damage. I read on another sit that Hyundai issued an oil consumption recall in 2025 but our vehicle is not listed. Please help us.
Structure, May 9, 2025
My car was recalled because of the paint chipping. I had it fixed however it is still chipping in more spots. I'd like it fixed considering I have paid over $27,000 and still owe $12,000 more. It would be nice to still have a decent car after I finally pay it off. I'd appreciate the help.
Structure, May 7, 2025
Hood latch won’t latch and hood opens while driving.
Engine, May 2, 2025
The car went into limp mode activated by the knock sensor. Audible knocking noises were emitted. Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensor. Car drove 63 miles before knocking noise repeated and car went into limp mode. Hyundai dealership requested new engine as problem is covered by extended warranty for known issue. It has been declined by corporate office. Car is at dealership and unsafe to operate.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil onto the ground, and smoke was coming from the engine compartment while driving. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for an oil change. The contact stated that after the oil change the engine consumed two and a half quarts of oil after driving a thousand miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an oil consumption test, and the engine passed the test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 92,672.
Structure, Apr 24, 2025
My paint is peeling and bubbling all over the car. The paint is chipping in multiple places.
Engine, Apr 12, 2025
The 2017 hyundai sonata 2.4L excessively consumes oil. I constantly put oil in my car. My fear is that I will have a critical engine failure during commute and will be fully responsible for replacing the engine even though hyundai motors designed a poorly built engine. Every time I search Google about the make and model it is always hundreds of other hyundai sonata owners with the same problems and fears that their car will break down or have already had their engine replaced. I would like to see an investigation take place on the 2017 hyundai sonata 2.4L engine. It is poorly designed and consumes more than enough oil in a short amount of time to cause engine failure.
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Engine burning oil like crazy never had to put so much in for any other car. Risk of engine lock without enough oil also sets of the knock sensor. Every time I get an oil change they let me know that I’ve burned most of my oil and that it’s low so I just started doing my own oil topping it off. Problem has been ongoing since I got the car.
Engine, Apr 7, 2025
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Sonata which suffered an unexpected engine seizure on January 22, 2025, while my daughter was driving. The incident occurred without warning and left her stranded in a hazardous location, putting her in immediate danger. This appears to be part of a wider, documented issue affecting Hyundai vehicles. My understanding is that engine failures—particularly in Sonata models—have been the subject of recalls and class action lawsuits. However, Hyundai Motor America has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle. Instead, they replaced the engine with one that now carries less warranty coverage than the original (12,000 miles vs. 26,000 miles remaining). Since the engine replacement, the vehicle has presented new problems, and now needs a new battery after sitting on the lot for so long. Hyundai has failed to offer meaningful support, leaving my family without a reliable vehicle for over two months. Hyundai has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle, and I am now stuck with a car I cannot drive, cannot sell (due to the engine failure now reported on Carfax), and cannot rely on to safely transport my daughter. I believe this represents not only a serious safety risk, but also a pattern of negligence that could affect other drivers unaware of the risks. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue further and consider expanding oversight into Hyundai’s handling of these engine failures. I am available to provide full documentation, service records, and communication history.
Engine, Apr 4, 2025
I am seeking a resolution to the concerning and potentially dangerous issues that I have experienced with my vehicle. I got it from Carvana Dec 2023 and only had it for a year, and I’ve only drove 19,000 miles on it before my engine cut off on me while on the highway. I was going 70 mph when the safety of my life was at risk. After, I tried to send it to the dealership, they let my car sit for a month before even looking at it, they couldn’t tell me because they let it die. My car was completely off. So i got no full diagnostic. I have personally endured the traumatic experience of my engine suffering catastrophic failure. Also, my vehicle was consuming oil at an alarming rate, necessitating frequent and costly refills. I would sometimes even go 500 miles before the due of an oil change and would be told that my oil is very low. I believe that these problems should not be considered normal wear and tear. The hybrid sonata 2017 had a engine recall and so should the sonata 2017 limited 2.4L.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle experienced an excessive oil consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle required an additional quart of engine oil monthly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine, Apr 3, 2025
My Hyundai Sonata sport had a Manufacturer defect causing oil consumption. When my engine starting having issues they replaced it for free. I got it back and the engine light came on so i called they ask me to bring it back and i did. They told me the code was a po326 powertrain control module or faulty knock sensor. They said the code was a history code and they cleared it out drove it and the light did not come back on. I picked it up drove it and the light came back on. I called they said bring back again and before it could get it back over there the transmission went into limp mode or safety mode. They said my transmission was gone and needed a a new one. $4385.44. I wasn't having any issues before the engine replacement. All other mechanics think something happened when the replaced the engine. I just dont want to be taken advantage of. Long Hyundai Chattanooga Tennessee.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2025
The check engine light light is on now giving code p200a I was driving and the center console shut off and the engine died I had to pull over and start the car again it started but the check engine light light is on now for a p200a I’ve looked it up and everything I can find says there is a recall but my car isn’t in it so what can I do I don’t want to cause a fire or an accident because my car messed up o. Me
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
This is the third time after 3 “repairs” that I have had my car at the dealer in less than a year. Car went into “limp” mode while driving down the highway causing car to stall and not go over 20 mph. First time they said it was a technical update needing done. Second time said low battery power causing issue so I purchased $300 battery from dealer and now showing cylinder 4 misfire and recommend replacing spark plugs and oil combustion testing due to having to add 3 quarts of oil every 230 miles due to excessive oil consumption. Dealer said this will not fix the issue however so why would I pay to have it done if it won’t fix the issue. Luckily these three incidents of engine power loss hasn’t caused me to have an accident but what If in 3 months and my engine loses power without warning for the 4th time in a year it dies cause an accident. I have a case open with Hyundai but am getting nowhere. I feel like a measly engine replacement would cost less than it will cost if this causes a major accident soon.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2025
Paint peeling on hood and roof
Engine, Mar 13, 2025
I was driving on highway when all of sudden my vehicle began to shake hard and lose power, every time I stepped on the accelerator the check engine light came on, this happened on [XXX] in Los Baños, CA. My safety was at risk as all other traffic was going past me including semi trucks as I was trying to find a safe place to pull over out of harms way, as I was doing this the car shut off completely before I could even pull over. I had to get the vehicle towed to my local dealership where they had it for almost 3 weeks now, only diagnostic I’ve had back was that it has 2 misfires, one in cylinder 2 and the other in cylinder 4, and that it has no compression in cylinder 2. They said it isn’t covered under warranty which I believe should be looked into as I could of been serious hurt or lost my life due to this issues. I’ve had the vehicle serviced up to date since I’ve owed it and also noticed high oil consumption, not sure if this led to engine failure? The final diagnosis from Hyandai dealer is that engine is no good anymore and need replacement but it’s not covered under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)