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, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
My vehicle was purchased in 2018 and currently has 128,000 miles. I took it to the dealership because it was puttering and not holding pil. The dealership did some work on the vehicle. Furthermore, after that trip to the dealership, my car kept burning oil even after recent oil changes that I found myself constantly adding oil. I took it to another licensed mechanic who informed me after a tune up that my car is consistently burning oil. This was after I had a recent oil change. The engine is defective, hyundai knows they are defective and refuse to do anything about it.
Engine, Mar 10, 2025
Unknown... I recently got an oil change and not even a week later my oil light came on. There's no leaks, I've been to midas several times and no leak was found. Was told to check to see if it had any recalls, my vin doesn't produce a recall but I know there's something wrong with my car.
Steering, Mar 7, 2025
When turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel jerks and pulls to the left, gets stuck some and the jerk back into place when coming out a left turn or curve to balance steering wheel position. Searched for recall and took to Hyundai but they could not find anything. They say maybe purchase tires, rotate your tires and/or wheel alignment. I have done it all. They said they heard others say that but don't see a recall or know what would cause it. Went on Reddit, and others are having the same problem. Therefore, there is a problem this jerking issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 24, 2025
Car has been burning oil since September of 2024. It’s burning 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles. The oil is burning out spark plugs and coils every 3 months. These engines need to be recall and Hyundai needs to be held accountable.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 14, 2025
Engine does not reach normal operating temperature, possibly failed thermostat. Front window does not defrost properly and ices up while driving for 10 minutes after warming up for 15 minutes.
Engine, Feb 12, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while on travel, the contact stopped at a local gas station. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the contact was informed by the store attendant that the vehicle was on fire. The contact noticed the fire came from under the hood compartment and the vehicle was engulfed with flames. The contact stated an off-duty police officer and the store owner attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers, however, they were unsuccessful. The fire department was called, arrived on the scene, and extinguished the fire but the vehicle was already consumed by the fire. The vehicle and all properties in the vehicle were destroyed in the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss by the insurance company. A police report was filed. In addition, the contact stated that 75 miles before the fire occurrence, the vehicle was started, and the contact noticed white smoke exiting from under the hood compartment. The contact interpreted it to be frost from the start of the engine being cold. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000
Engine, Feb 10, 2025
Every few months my car’s engine struggles. It doesn’t start, or I have to try a few times. For whatever reason I need to get an oil change a lot more frequently than normal and I’ve been to the shop before and the shop tells me that my engine is recalled but it doesn’t say that on the website when I put my vin number in. Whenever the engine stops working again sometimes the AC doesn’t work and it almost put my dog’s life at risk once.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2025, crash
The contact is a death investigator calling on behalf of the owner of a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while he was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle failed to yield causing the front of the vehicle to crash into the front end of another vehicle. The events leading to the crash were unknown. The air bags were deployed. The owner of the 2017 Hyundai Senata was pronounced deceased at the scene; the cause was presumed to have been caused by the wheel hub dislodging. The death investigator arrived at the scene and discovered the wheel hub in the back of the neck of the driver possibly leading to the fatality. The other vehicle involved in the crash was able to drive off the scene. No further information was available on the other vehicle in the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2025
I keep having both my low beam headlight bulbs burning out and one of them started catching on fire. The driver side caught some type of electrical issue causing it to start smoking and eventually melted the connector and lightbulb housing
Steering, Jan 18, 2025
Experienced total loss of power steering when entering a parking lot. Was extremely hard to turn wheel to get into a parking spot. Red steering wheel icon with exclamation point was flashing on the dash. Shut off car, turned back on, and the light went off. Still had car towed, owner’s manual states to have it inspected by the manufacturer, don’t drive. Of course, Walser Hyundai Service Center in Coon Rapids could not duplicate the issue - so nothing was done. A C1102 code was detected meaning low voltage, however, when checking the battery and alternator, both tested good. Was told that there are 4 different parts to the steering, each one being very expensive to repair. Also, my display has been going out intermittently for the last year. Possible voltage too? My display did NOT go out when the power steering went out. ??? Computer Issue Maybe ??? Car already has 3 Extended Coverage issues - Power Steering, Fuel Filter Assembly, and Engine Failure, not to forget the excessive oil consumption problem (1-2 quarts per week). No recalls, just wait to see if it happens to you. Some of these issue are extremely dangerous, there should be recalls!!! They need to be fixed. I am now fearful to drive this car, it’s either going to kill me or someone else, especially if I lose the power steering at high speeds. Lost complete faith in Hyundai as a vehicle manufacturer, they do not stand behind their product.
Structure, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2025
Fault code in the Automatic Braking System C24020 C17410 White body paint bubbling and peeling off the car for no reason. Passenger door roof frame and trunk. Hood previously repaired
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 14, 2025
I can’t drive my car on the highway cause then it will shut off and say HEV system error and I have to shut my car off turn it back on then erase the code with my diagnostic tool. My oil light keeps popping up and whenever I slightly press on the gas pedal or go up a steep hill, it starts to rattle, been noticing my oil burns out fast and I have to replace it when it gets low.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2025
Hello! I bought a car in the USA, I live in another country. Errors that appear in the car are similar to these: [XXX] Еrror appears then, the cogd I give more gas and let go of the pedal. When the engine is heated at different speeds. The scanner showed these errors: P1326 Ignition Control Module - Combustion Quality Input Signal; U0293 Lost Communication With Hybrid Powertrain Control Module; U1004; B2AAA. But the electricians do not know what the reason is and no one can help. So I go for one year with an error ((( Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 9, 2025
I am filing this complaint regarding a significant safety concern with my 2017 Hyundai Sonata. Since around 65,000 miles, my vehicle has experienced excessive engine oil consumption. The issue has progressively worsened, and my car now has 126,000 miles. Despite undergoing an oil consumption test that confirmed the rapid depletion of oil, Hyundai and their dealerships have failed to provide a resolution. This defect requires me to add oil approximately every two weeks. The excessive oil consumption poses a potential safety hazard, as the engine could seize unexpectedly while driving due to insufficient oil levels. The risk of engine failure is further exacerbated by the lack of sufficient warnings from Hyundai regarding this known issue. This situation not only jeopardizes the safety of myself and my passengers but also other drivers on the road. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter, as it appears to be a widespread issue among Hyundai vehicles. Prompt action is necessary to ensure consumer safety and hold the manufacturer accountable for addressing this defect. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I am happy to provide additional details or documentation upon request.
Structure, Dec 31, 2024
The car's paint is peeling all over. The roof was repainted in 2018, the hood and side door in 2024 and now the the roof supports on each side and trunk are peeling . While driving a big piece of white paint flew to my windshield blocking the driver's view. It stuck under the wipers when used to remove it. Hyundai is aware and has recalled the paint but delays fix and then fixes in tiny areas so that you have to continue coming back for repainting. Now they do not want to pay for repairs stating the recall expired. It expired because of their delay and not painting the entire car. Hyundai should paint the entire car when there is a paint defect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2024
The makes a weird shutter noise when accelerating and won't crank over 60. Loses power when turning or when going uphill. Sometimes has problem starting. Enging light came on twice blinking, once I changed the battery it went off and was working fine. Now it's back on again after a few weeks. Plus my oil tank still comes on and I've just received and oil change. I just bought the car in August of this year, dealership sold to me with a faulty battery.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 20, 2024
Driving home car just shut off still had power to steer and brake but no engine. Pulled it off the main road and it leaked oil but still no engine. Already had the dealer replace the intake manifold at my expense despite hyundai knowing the plastic lever inside fails. We were lucky the snowplow was going the opposite direction as the weather was horrible as we got closer to home. I have a dead car in my yard waiting to have a dealer look at it. We could have been killed due to fault of engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment and the exhaust. The contact retrieved DTC code: P0420 for spark plug failure. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was diagnosed with spark plugs and catalytic converter failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the spark plugs looked burned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil for almost two years. The contact stated that engine oil was added every 600 miles of driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with the cost for a diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Dec 17, 2024
HEV battery constantly states that the car needs turned off. Hyundai had to replace my engine as it just died and blew a hole in a pipe
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
The engine started knocking while I was driving around a lot of cars and while I was going to AutoZone to see why the check engine light was flashing on my car wouldn't accelerate and randomly started stopping and I was fearing for my life when I was going on the highway to go back home. For almost a year now I noticed the oil in my car started burning more and more like I would only drive 1k miles and it would already be done with, so I had to replace it. Hyundai knows this is a problem with this car because I called and asked them about the oil and told me specifically it's an engine problem once it starts knocking then you can come fix your car but want me to pay and fix the whole engine and work process.
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
My trunk will not unlatch and open. Trunk opening buttons are functional, however the trunk will not open
Engine, Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that within a two week period she has add to add 2 quartz of oil in the engine though she has yet to observe an oil leak. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle has was not taken to a dealer in independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.
Steering, Nov 26, 2024
Lost power steering in heavy traffic. Was able to move safely to a parking lot and stopped. A light came on with a steering wheel at the same time the power steering went out. Turned off vehicle and when started again no light on the dash and power steering was ok. After 2-3 more miles of driving lost power again with the light came back on. Was able to park safely. Started it the next day and all seemed ok but did not drive. 2 days later started ok and no light on dash, within 1 mile light came on then 10 seconds later the power steering stopped working. Was able to drive slowly to the mechanics and he confirmed that it needs a new module inside the steering wheel.
Seat belts, Engine, Nov 23, 2024
The drivers seat belt does not engage. The engine has been burning oil, misfiring, and even after thousands in repairs was returned to me by the dealership with continued misfiring. When returning the car back to the dealer service center days later after Hurricane Helene, the car continued to misfire and became so overheated the engine light was flashing. Upon calling for a tow, I attempted to raise the hood for the driver to locate the car, but the hood was so hot it burned my hand. The engine was so hot, I believe it was about to catch fire and would have had I not been able to pull over so quickly. Had I been driving on the Interstate, I have no doubt this car would have been on fire within minutes.
Engine, Nov 22, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed smoke was coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the engine compartment was on fire. The vehicle was not occupied during the fire. The local Fire Department (Cuyahoga Heights Fire Department) came and extinguished the fire; a Fire Department report was filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not drivable and was diagnosed as totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,500.