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, May 6, 2024
tHE POWER STEERING (WHICH IS ELECTRIC) JUST STOPPED WORKING. THIS IS VERY HAZARDOUS SINCE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. HAPPENS SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.
Steering, Apr 29, 2024
Power steering stops working while driving. Feels like steering wheel locks up while driving, extremely dangerous and frightening. It's a intermittent issue and hard to duplicate at the Hyundai dealership. This is a known issue and Hyundai is making it difficult to people to get their cars fixed and safe again because their mechanics cannot duplicate the issue at will at the shop. This excuse is not acceptable. This serious issue is legitimate and will cost someone their life.
Engine, Apr 29, 2024
The engine was the part which failed. While driving the engine stalled and would not go forward. A foul smell was coming from the engine and the engine was rattling. The floor was wet on the passenger side interior. We let it cool down and took it to the dealer. They did not offer any explanation concerning why the car was not operating poorly or why the car smelled bad or why it stalled frequently and lost full power. Steve Taylor Hyundai service department quote "we don't know what's wrong with your car". It had 78383 miles on it. Taylor Hyundai said we can trade it in but you will have negative equity on your new loan. We were not credited for our trade in but we lost 4 or 5 thousand dollars on the trade-in. They did not cover the car with the warranty and did not repair it. The paperwork on the sale is quite confusing and does not make sense, but we know we lost money on the purchase of another car, and they did not honor the warranty. HELP
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2024
While driving on a highway at ~60 mph, the check engine light came on (plus other indicator lights) and the car immediately dropped to ~45 mph. ~20 seconds later, while trying to pull into a school parking lot, the hybrid system fault warning came on and the car dropped to ~5-10 mph and then became extremely difficult to control. The car was towed ~80 miles to my home dealership and it was diagnosed as a partially blocked EGR tube. ~1 month later, on the next longer drive I had to make (all other drives were short distances), ~70 miles into the drive, the car started making a knocking sound and then suffered the same failure under the same kind of conditions. This was diagnosed as a failed knock sensor. One week later I tried to drive it a long distance to see if the problem would happen again (but closer to home) and while traveling on an interstate highway the same issue occurred. This time it was diagnosed as oil in the wiring assembly for the just replaced knock sensor. The dealership tried to give me the car back but I demanded that they do a long test drive. It took 4 days to get them to do what I asked and then they had it break down on them in the same way. I'm not 3+ weeks after that and still don't have the car back (now they're planning to replace the EGR assembly and intake manifold). Each breakdown has thrown the P1326 trouble code but Hyundai refuses to admit that the issue may be the engine itself (related to the recall). It took until the 3rd breakdown and a lot of demands to get a loaner vehicle. I don't know if this is the known engine issue, something else or new but don't feel that Hyundai is taking it seriously. If nothing else, the programming that was added to put the car in safe mode and prevent fires is too aggressive and in each case has made the car undrivable in less than 1 mile. I have gotten lucky in all cases that a safe place to stop was nearby but it is not safe to drive in many areas due to lack of safe pull off location
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
The car started to stall and engine lights were flashing in the middle of interstate and it wouldn’t go above 60mph almost was about to get hit from the back
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
A couple of weeks ago my car seemed to be skipping when I started driving. I had no idea what could be wrong but some kind of intuition made me think to check the oil. I had the oil changed in December 2023 but had only driven about 1000 miles since then. I'm working from home so not driving alot. My oil was VERY low - it didn't even measure up to the first fill line. I started reading info online and realized that many Hyundai Sonata owners were reporting similar issues, so I went to an auto store bought a quart of oil and put that in. After testing, I got another quart of oil and put that in, finally bringing oil level to amount recommended by the lines on the oil stick. A couple days later I took my car to the local dealer, Tuscaloosa Hyundai. As soon as I started describing the problem, they immediately knew what was wrong - another sign that this problem is way too common. They performed some type of combustion chamber cleaning with oil and filter change and charged me $672. I drive a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. When changing oil in December 2023, car had 60780 miles on it. The oil change personnel did say that the car seemed to be using too much oil, which may be why I thought to check it when the car was acting weird. When I took it to the dealer in April 2024, the car had 61816 miles on it. If I had not checked the oil, my engine could have been destroyed and I could have been left stranded on the side of the road. With so many other Hyundai owners claiming the same problem, I can't understand why this vehicle wasn't recalled so that the problem could be fixed, and/or that this problem which could have serious consequences wasn't covered by Hyundai. I am [XXX], don't drive far from home and drive very carefully. There should be no reason a car with 60000 miles on it is consuming oil at this rate. No warning lights were on in my car to indicate that I had an issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 22, 2024, crash
I was pulling into a street parallel parking space and the wheel suddenly locked and became hard to turn- causing my to side swipe another vehicle. Almost a week later my daughter was driving onto a highway on ramp and the wheel wouldn’t turn. She took her foot off the gas and drifted into the shoulder brakes.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2024
My son was driving the car, and completely out of nowhere it seized to have any compression and steering/accelerating became disabled. I have been given an estimate up to $7,000 for an engine rebuild due to this happening. I have reached out to Hyundai and they denied my claim due to car being out of warranty. This should have never happened when the car has been well maintained,even with the motor burning through oil faster than it should be, which I have always kept a close eye on. This car is defective and unsafe.
Air bags, Apr 8, 2024
UNKNOWN. Airbag light on for no reason
Engine, Apr 6, 2024
My husband was driving the car on I95 yesterday, no lights on on the dashboard. Suddenly, the engine stalled and he had to pull out before it completely stopped. He could not get the car to start again. The only light on at that moment was a light indicating the key was not inside the car. He went home with a friend to get the other key, but it didn't started as well. The car spent the night at a shoulder on I95. This morning, he called an independent service center and after checking the car, they said the engine stalled because it run out of oil. There was no apparent leak and no lights indicating a problem with the engine oil. It was changed 2,000 miles ago only. The mechanic also mentioned that Hyundai had similar problems with other cars and that we should call them for that. Since there is no recall for the car, they wouldn't help at the dealer, unless we scheduled a service, which is available for April 21 only.
Engine, Apr 1, 2024
I have observed that my Hyundai sonata 2017 randomly lose power while driving. Also, sometimes the car vibrates when I am driving. I went to the mechanics few times for them to check it, and they requested to change the spark plugs as well as the coils, which I did but it continuously do that. I usually go to the Hyundai car dealership for oil change, and they will tell me whatever I need to change in the car, which I always do but still it does that. I believe this is not safe especially when you are driving over 50 miles an hour on a high way, and the car randomly loses power; this can cause a serious accident. I am requesting the intervention of your office in making sure that car company’s uphold to the safety of everyone plying the road.
Service brakes, Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the service brakes independently activated, and the vehicle stopped with a hard impact. The contact stated that the failure caused items within the vehicle to be thrown around inside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
5-6 quarts of oil consumption between oil changes. Rattle noise with torque on engine or acceleration.
Seat belts, Engine, Mar 26, 2024
The passenger seatbelts do not tighten when there is a hard break. My engine is also consuming oil.
Engine, Mar 20, 2024
I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata sport . I make payments on this vehicle. I have only had this vehicle since [XXX] it just hit 100,000 miles. I was on my way to work and the check engine light came on.. I heard a ticking and knocking sound. Then the car shut off. A few mechanics have looked at the car.. I was told about the defects from shaving not being properly cleaned out.. This has never happened before and this is my only transportation. It’s currently at the Hyundai dealership here in Fredericksburg Virginia. But they of course are telling me it will take up 4 to 6 weeks before even doing an engine inspection on the vehicle and they can’t provide me with a rental. It’s obvious that this is an engine malfunction. I would like to be treated fair in this situation and simply have the engine replaced along with any other vehicle updates or at least another vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2024
On 03/16/2024; while driving on I-90 the vehicle at approx 60-65 miles per hr, suddenly stopped, and had to be towed to Matthews Hyundai of Schenectady.
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2024
It has happened twice now that check Hybrid system turn of engine comes on. HEV ! And i have to call a tow truck because i cant drive the car.
Engine, Mar 8, 2024
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is using oil at a ridiculous rate. The rapid oil consumption has caused me to be left stranded twice & I had to have it towed to a mechanic both times. I’m having to take it every 2 weeks to be checked by a mechanic & it’s low everytime I take it to him. He’s had to replace all the spark plugs 2 different times since October of 2023, which is very costly for me. I’m a single, working mother of 4 children. 2 of which are in college. So I definitely can’t afford all the towing & repair fees. I purchased an extended warranty, which covers the engine, when I bought the car. My mechanic has reached out to them to tell them his findings & recommendation. The warranty company thinks it is normal for the car to use a quart of oil every 2 weeks. I need help asap as my warranty will expire in 8,000 more miles. Please help me resolve this issue so I’m not left stranded again. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 8, 2024
I purchased my 2017 Hyundai Sonata brand new. At only 37,000 miles, it literally ran out of oil without any prior warning on [XXX], stranding me on the side of the road. The Hyundai dealership has required two oil consumption tests and a combustion chamber cleaning, but the problem continues. This excessive oil consumption issue is well known and well documented by thousands of other Hyundai owners whose vehicles have a Theta II 2.4L engine. Hyundai requires the engine to completely fail before it qualifies for an engine replacement. A friend of mine's Hyundai Sonata caught on fire due to this very same issue while going over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, FL in June 2023. If that isn't a safety issue, I don't know what else is. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Mar 5, 2024
When making minor steering corrections, driver inputs require more than normal force, until the resistance suddenly gives way. The car then responds to drivers input, causing a need for the driver to correct in the opposite direction. The result is a car which seens to weave from side to side as the driver attempts to stay within lane. The side to side movements become particularly dangerous when traveling aside large vehicles. Multiple internet conversations concerning this steering problem can be found. The service manager at the local dealer states he is aware of the problem but will do nothing about it as no recall has been issued.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 5, 2024
Check engine light start flickering while I was driving down the road my vehicle went into limp mode and I lost all power. I checked my oil for metallic shavings or a creamy look but everything was cleaned. I got a code 1326 for knock sensor. I replaced and changed the oil and oil filter and reset the code. I started it up and it sounded good then I drove to see if it was fixed got on the highway and my engine went back into limp mode I lost power again. And my engine started flickering I stop the car and tried to turn it back on but my engine locked up. Could I possibly get help with getting a new engine. The car only has 127,052 miles. I heard there was a bunch of problems with rod bearing wear and etc with 2017 Hyundai sonata se
Power train, Engine, Mar 1, 2024
Engine oil light or any warning lights and symbols never came on after Engine had burned out all the oil. Had oil changed and new oil filter installed and in less then a week it burned out 3 quarts, again with no low oil warning at all. Motor stalled at intersection and had to cool down, oil was again added and lower Engine knocking was present. Meanwhile had a mechanic inspect it and diagnostic done and lower bearings are knocking. Vehicle has had this issue for over 4 years and never mentioned to us until now after 100,000 miles. 2019 is when this oil burning issue began. Hyundai dealer serviced this several times and never mentioned the reason for the knocking other then it was low on oil. After breaking down in a busy intersection had to be pushed off road and waited for Engine to cool down to add oil and knocking continued.
Engine, Feb 23, 2024
Had cruise control set for 75mph, and while traveling up hill, the car downshifted to maintain speed. After 10-15 seconds I noticed power loss and the check engine began to flash. Disengaged cruise control and pulled off onto the shoulder once I found a safe place to do so. As I was slowing down, there was a very noticeable misfire from the engine and was trying to stall out while still in motion. There was no knocking sound, nor was the car overheating. Once I was fully stopped, the car died and would not start back. Had the car towed back to my house. Replaced spark plugs because cylinders 2 and 4 were not firing properly. Also rotated coil packs around to see if they were failing. Cleared check engine codes but they immediately came back to misfires on cylinders 2 and 4. Did compression tests and found that cylinder 2 had 0psi and cylinder 4 had 20psi. Car was not low on oil and no other warning lamps were on.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is burning oil. Originally when we realized that our engine was burning oil we were told that we need to get an oil change, which we did. Come back 1000 miles later, we came back and the engine was missing a lot of oil. They topped it off. We came back another 1000 miles later and we again had receding oil levels. They told us they are cleaning the engine. 500 miles later, on Sunday [XXX] our spark plugs blew. We got our car towed to the dealer, Spitzer Hyundai of Cleveland. Spitzer Hyundai is procrastinating and making stories. Each time we do what they ask, they want additional tests done to confirm the engine is burning oil. One of the employees told us at the beginning: we know and you know the engine is burning oil, but Hyundai needs to confirm that. Now the dealership is asking us to drive another 1000 miles again. The problem is that the spark plugs are shot and need to be replaced. They only need to be replaced because of the faulty engine. They want us to pay $700 to replace the spark plugs when it might fail again in another 100 miles. Meanwhile we have car rental expenses plus other expenses and a headache dealing with the company Hyundai and the dealership Spitzer Hyundai. every time I drove those 1000 miles i was always worried that the engine would stop working if the oil would burn out. My local mechanic is the one who diagnosed my engine to burn oil, and he said not to replace the spark plugs, because it will fail once again. Even if they approve the engine replacement they will probably want to charge us $700 for the cost to "take apart the engine and send pictures to Hyundai". The engine light has been constantly going on about every 1000 miles or so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Feb 19, 2024
My 2017 Hyundai sonata burns oil rapidly, almost 400 miles it burns 5 quarts of oil. The engine stalls randomly and beings to mis fire. The car has stalled on me in the middle of the road with no check engine light or indicator that a problem is present. I have had to change spark plugs and coils far to offen and every time I have to pay the mechanical shop. There is a recall on the hybrids sonatas but not the gas ones. The dealer acknowledges that the car burns oil allot. Which I’ve been told it can lead to engine failure I have done everything possible. And I’ve spoke to other owners and I’m not alone. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected by others such as police. No warning lights appear