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.
Engine, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed by the dealer that there was an unstated recall on the vehicle; however, the recall campaign had expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 107,084.
Engine, Aug 15, 2024
Without warning my car started consuming oil while still under manufacturer warranty. Hyundai had me do 2 oil consumption tests and they did there so called engine cleaning which they said should fix the problem on 2 different occasions and not even 3 months apart, well the engine was still consuming oil and now the oil is messing up my spark plugs and Hyundai refused to fix it. There is enough evidence out there that shows Hyundai knows their piston rings in the engines were no good for years and still keeps selling these engines without warning the customer. Hyundai refused to honor their warranty on the engine cleaning solution that the dealership is required to use by Hyundai itself. My car's engine went in less than 7 months after they first started doing the oil consumption test on my car and now refuse to fix or replace the engine. When my car's engine went luckily I was on a side street when it went, because if I was on the highway who knows what could have happened. Hyundai omitted in lawsuits outside the country for knowing these were bad piston rings. Which also led to fires in these cars engines. There is a Facebook page with thousands of people having the same issue and Hyundai not even trying to fix the problem, and there our to many to count around the world with the same engines and cars having the same issue so it not just a small isolated event.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side rear door latch failed to unlock as needed. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear door latch failed to unlock from the inside or the outside. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,180.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
The motor in this vehicle consumes oil like a drunken sailor consumes alcohol. I have the oil changed, and before the next scheduled oil change, the car had The oil indicator light come on. I immediately went to the nearest AutoZone and purchased oil and put in the car. I took it to the dealership and they told me they were aware of the issue surrounding the motor in this make and model of vehicle however, my Vin number was not included on the recall. So they could do nothing to help me. This is a safety issue because the motor should go at least 3000 miles with without having to have, a full 5 quarts of oil put back in because it’s sitting on empty. I have been dealing with this for over a year with the local dealership and with Hyundai USA to no avail
Engine, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering, Jul 16, 2024
When you start the car and take off.... the power steering goes away. Very difficult to steer car. Its happened a few times now in a short period of time. When you turn off the engine...and restart, The steering comes back. I see there are many people on the internet that have the same problem. Someone is going to get in an accident and get killed if this is not address immediately. I see down below in the form to fill out it has a date. The last one was on
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with starter failure and low engine oil. The vehicle was repaired. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer made the contact aware of similar issues with excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that he had to pay out of pocket for an oil consumption test. The oil consumption test was not performed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 6, 2024
The engine light keeps going on and off and I reported to their dealer a couple times during the warranty but when they checked the car the light got off and they asked me to keep driving it until out of warranty and they ask me to pay for fix the same problem
Air bags, Jul 1, 2024
A light on the dash went on and we were told it was the airbag clock spring steering column. At cost of over $900 we had to have it repaired. There were previous recalls on the Hyundai sonatas for this part and I think it should be covered. The car has only 60,000 miles on it
Engine, Jun 29, 2024
Engine oil is consumption. I went to dealer they send the the request to the Hyundai that my engine oil is consuming. The Hyundai reject to replace the new engine for the following resons. 1. I am not the original owner 2. the car has 129k miles
Engine, Jun 25, 2024
Have problem with high oil consumption which caused carbon deposits to burn valves. I was driving on the highway when engine light came on the car lost power and stalled on the road. At highway speeds that could have caused a collision with traffic. The car was bought at a dealer with 35000 miles on it when I started to notice a slight problem. The car now has 88500 miles on it and has gotten worse. The dealer said it needs a new engine which Hyundai has denied. The dealer said too many mile’s between oil changes but all maintenance has been done when needed at the dealer and Big-O. I have noticed online many complaints with the same problem. I contacted Hyundai have case #23502874 Cost to repair $9743.94 at dealer
Engine, Jun 23, 2024
While driving on the highway the car stopped .. it was towed to Hyundai as it is still under warranty and ultimately we were told it suffered "catastrophic engine failure" I was also told that a new engine would not be covered. When I asked why I was instructed to give maintenance records which I did. It was denied BEFORE they asked for records. I have been going back and forth with Hyundai and the reason they have given me is an exact effect of their ongoing issues with the THETA II- GDI engine. I have compiled so much research regarding the defect and Hyundai stopped responding to me when I asked them the difference between my car's engine and those that Hyundai knowing delayed recalling and the thousands of same engines that have determined as defective. This has been going on for months and I am not going to let it go and there is a growing petition for another investigation to be opened. Hyundai deliberately delayed recalling a known defect that has affected thousands of vehicles and it is shameful they are playing games. I have an enormous file of data that would indicate the 2017 Sonata Theta II is just as defective as all the others and that their own mechanics have gone on the record admitting that an oil blockage from metal shavings will ultimately cause a catastrophic failure. I have emails from Hyundai and Texts from dealer on cost. I am checking with my attorney to see if they can be shared.
Structure, Jun 17, 2024
The cap on the shark fin antenna came loose in normal service and cannot be secured. If this part were to fly off at highway speeds it would pose a safety issue to following vehicles since it becomes a projectile capable of causing significant damage. This problem is similar to that documented in KIA TSB SA272 which Hyundai does not recognize, although both manufacturers share similar component designs.
Steering, Jun 13, 2024
Complete steering column replacement is required (COLUMN & SHAFT ASSY-STEERING 56310-C2700). When turning all the way, like to turn 90 degrees or enter a parking space, the steering wheel locks. Car must be turned off and restarted. Sometimes you have to do this a couple of times for the steering wheel to unlock. Hyundai dealer agrees that the steering column has to be replace, unsafe to drive vehicle. It is June and have been waiting six months for Hyundai to provide the part. Hyundai USA corporate says they don't know when the part will be available, they will not provide a date, could be next year according to some employees at the Hyundai dealer. Hyundai says it is not a manufacturing defect, even though there are many comments on line, and previous models have issued recalls for this same defect.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2024
I was driving down the freeway when my engine made a loud knocking noise, the noise got worse as the RPMs increased. The check engine light began to flash and I lost power, the vehicle will not exceed 60mph and vibrates when moving down the road. I believe this issue is widely know about and should be addressed and forced into a recall. I have maintained the vehicle and should not be responsible for a manufacturing error.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 9, 2024
My car has cut off in the middle of the highway and street. I feel vibration under my seat and I was unable to start my vehicle. Hyundai repaired my engine and I am still having the same issues. The car feels like it’s slowing down before is completely stops.
Structure, Jun 5, 2024
The rear passenger door will not open from the inside or the outside. This is a safety hazard in that an occupant cannot get out of the car in an emergency. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. In doing research about this issue, the problem is well documented on Hyundai internet forums since 2021 so there is no reason this shouldn't already be considered a safety recall. The dealer was contacted and advised that since this is not showing as a manufacturer issue or a NHTSA safety issue, there is nothing they can do.
Steering, Jun 3, 2024
On [XXX] at [XXX], my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport lost power steering while I was driving 60 mph on [XXX] in San Leandro, CA. The MDPS warning light came on and my steering wheel became very tight and difficult to control. I remained calm and maintain control of the steering with both of my hands and got off the freeway safely. I parked at the nearest exit and turned off the engine. I waited a few seconds, then restarted the engine and the MDPS warning light disappeared and the power steering came back. The MDPS malfunction happened on local street before, but that was my 1st MDPS malfunction experience while I was on freeway and it was very scary and dangerous. I reported the incident to San Leandro Hyundai dealership on 5/31/2024 because Hyundai is aware of this malfunction and extended the MDPS warranty to 15 years. The mechanic from San Leandro Hyundai acknowledged the issue and found a fault in the MDPS. However, the dealership refused to repair or replace the MDPS because the dealership claimed the part (56310-C2700), steering column & shaft assembly, is not covered by the extended warranty. San Leandro Hyundai dealership knew there was a problem, but disregarded driver safety on highway. Please see MDPS warning light from my pictures and I have video recording of the incident if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, May 31, 2024
driving on the side of the interstate, the hybrid battery indicator continuously dipped low. Minutes after continuing driving on the interstate around 50 to 60 mph, every light on the dash came on the vehicle stopped accelerating, and the warning light check HEV system shut engine off started flashing. The vehicle would no longer start again after this. the dealership said that the fuse was being oversupplied, which is what caused the system to fail. This exact situation is listed in a recall for 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Sonata hybrids. After reading the recall notice., my vehicle had this failure due to the exact reasons listed in the recall notice. due to the damage that was caused by this fuse that could not hold enough electricity my wiring harness also has to be replaced. This could be a three to $4000 out-of-pocket expense for me that should be covered under this recall, due to its exact nature of similarities. please assist me. I do not have the complete invoice due to the fact that the dealership is withholding that information until the repair is complete However, hyundai motor is also aware of this issue, and I am filing this complaint for this investigation to be moved with urgency
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to an independent mechanic and the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall campaign. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2024
Key is stuck in ignition and won't come out. Key comes out maybe a half inch but won't turn either way. Steering wheel is not in locked position.
Engine, May 16, 2024
My car was eating up oil and there was no leak in it. Then the vehicle stopped working. I kept up the maintenance for the vehicle and when I reached out to Hyundai they told me to take it to my local dealership to get fixed and they stated that they could not fix it, but according to the class action suite I was suppose to get it fixed
Steering, May 14, 2024
While driving the power steering stopped working and it was difficult to safely navigate the vehicle to a safe location. It was determined that the power steering module (PSM) stopped working and needs to be replaced. This will cost approximately $850 because the PSM is located in/under the dashboard and a lot of the steering column has to be removed as well as the driver’s side airbag. The cost will be upwards from $850 depending on how many hours it takes to disassemble and reassemble the car to fix the PSM. There are many complaints on Hyundai’s PSM, so why hasn’t a recall been issued?
Engine, May 7, 2024
My car has been burning excessive amounts of oil for the past 6 months now. It is so bad there is excessive carbin built up in the piston rings that caused my engine to missfire 2 times in less than six months. Today 5-7-2024 to my car back to the dealer for that problem and they told me I need a new engine but unfortunately it was not coverd by the engine extended warranty. Please help me resolve this issue because I cannot afford a new engine or a car.
Engine, May 7, 2024
WHEN I DRIVING MY CAR DROPPED 20 MPH DURING ENGINE RUNNING. HYUNDAI CAR CARE CENTER REPAIRED WITH $4825.35. AFTER 10 DAYS AFTER I PICKED MY CAR, I HAD SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO PAID $1864.67 TO TAKE CARE OF CAR PROBLEM. I THINK THIS PROBLEM HAS TO TAKE CARE OF RECALL. I REQUESTED HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN CENTER BUT NO ANSWER. I NEED YOUR HELP. HYUNDAI CASE NO IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)