2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Owner Complaints

The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited malfunctioned. On three separate occasions, the HEV warning light illuminated while I was driving on the highway, followed by a sudden loss of power. The vehicle stalled and stopped running, leaving it inoperable. The incidents occurred in approximately August 2022, November 2023, and February 2026. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Each incident occurred while driving on a highway. The vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in moving traffic, creating a significant safety hazard. I was forced to attempt to move the vehicle out of active traffic lanes while other vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. The unexpected loss of propulsion increased the risk of a crash, serious injury, or death to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership after each incident. However, the dealership did not provide an explanation for the HEV warning light, loss of power, or stalling condition. To my knowledge, no permanent repair was identified, and the problem recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership following each towing event. The vehicle was towed after each incident because it was not safe to drive. To my knowledge, Hyundai did not provide a definitive cause for the failures. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives in connection with

NHTSA ID

11743355

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

2/25/2026 vehicle was put in service for a safety warranty recall. 2/26/2026 Hyundai approved the replacement of the engine, but there were costs involved that I was responsible for (approx. $800). 3/9/2026 I was informed by Hyundai the vehicle was complete, and would now last "for another 200,000 miles". I picked up the vehicle and only drove 5+ miles from the dealership when the vehicle’s motor completely shut down, putting me in a VERY UNSAFE driving condition, almost causing a serious accident. Vehicle was returned to Hyundai the same day and I was informed they were still figuring out the failure and to be patient. 3/11/2026 Hyundai informed the vehicle would now need a new catalytic converter and O2 sensor, and that it would all be covered under warranty. On 3/12/2026 Hyundai informed me that they would not fully cover the cost of the new parts and I ended up paying another $1300. 3/19/2026 Hyundai notified me that the vehicle service was complete, and the vehicle was ready for pick-up. I picked up the vehicle that day and again only drove 5+ miles when the vehicle repeated the same failure with the motor completely shutting down and again putting me in a VERY UNSAFE driving condition and almost causing a serious accident. Vehicle returned to Hyundai the same day. 3/23/2026 was told I would receive update once technician gets to the vehicle. 3/26/2026 informed that the vehicles Brake Booster Actuator needed replaced, and I have to cover the almost $4000 to replace this part and later informed Dealerships GM was covering cost. 4/8/2026 vehicle being worked on and completed by the end of that day. 4/9/2026 vehicle failed a 3rd time with same codes and limp mode. Tech line stating to replace EGR valve and Intake Manifold. 4/13/2026 informed that Hyundai refused to pay total amount, but were going to re-submit to not be completely out of pocket. 4/15/2026 vehicle has now been in Service for 7 weeks for a Safety Warranty recall.

NHTSA ID

11731393

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definitely a hazard to myself and others. If in traffic at higher speeds, there would certainly be an accident with devastating results.

NHTSA ID

11702030

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

The engine shut off on the highway on two different days. Vehicle was going between 65 and 70 mph. The vehicle engine shut down and all the warning lights came on. Every one. The vehicle still moved but nothing inside worked, it ran on battery mode for the 17 miles to the dealership with a maximum speed of 60 mph. The risk was the immediate unresponsiveness of the vehicle and the sudden and immediate reduction in speed and power. It presented itself twice in about 2,000 miles. The dealership charged a 491$ diagnostic and found all the warnings and reset it, not reason for it happening and sent me on my way. Then it happened again. Brought back to the dealership and they tried to say they did another diagnostic and called the tech helpline. It took hours and they still don’t have a definitive answer, wanted to try almost 2k in repairs to see if it would fix the issue without any guarantees it would. Warning lights, all of them came on, cruise control, abs, engine light blinking, steering, literally everything and messages started running through the information center.

NHTSA ID

11688690

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 131,700 miles – Maryland registered While driving, my vehicle displayed the warning “Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine.” The dealer diagnosed a failure of the Hydraulic Control Assembly (ABS/Brake Control Unit). This is a safety-critical braking system. The vehicle is unsafe to drive until repaired. Hyundai previously issued recalls for this same component on earlier Sonata Hybrid models (2011–2015), due to risk of brake failure and fire. My 2017 vehicle is experiencing the exact same failure, yet is not currently included in the recall. This defect should be investigated as it compromises safe braking performance and puts drivers and passengers at risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and consider expanding Hyundai’s recall coverage to include later model years like mine.

NHTSA ID

11686888

Incident

Sep 4, 2025

I was drying my car after washing it(I only use products approved for washing and drying vehicles) when a piece of paint on the hood just peeled off. It has not been wrecked or damaged in any way on the hood so I feel it must be a defective paint job from the factory.

NHTSA ID

11682841

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that while attempting to purchase a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was not yet purchased. The vehicle mileage was 87,000, but the contact later discovered that the mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11667237

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

Mileage

105,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to the rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

NHTSA ID

11666119

Incident

May 16, 2025

Mileage

183,000 mi

Driving the vehicle, I was turning right on exit , the steering wheels turn extremely hard. It turn so hard have to pull over on side of the road. Steering light and traction turn on. Cycle the key and vehicle reset light nothing happen. Vehicle do not give fault code after key was cycle.

NHTSA ID

11659977

Incident

May 7, 2025

FAIL/MALFUNCTION 3/18/25: Internal engine failure diagnosed by local Avondale, AZ Hyundai dealership service - rod bearing failure suspected. Vehicle currently undergoing Bearing Clearance Test to affirm this or any connecting rod issues, with possible need for total engine replacement. When googling "Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2017 internal engine failure," masses of reports generate from consumers with this model, complaining of same defect, as do numerous recalls for such defects that have been mandated for the model with range of years including 2017.Yet when searching with my VIN, it says no recalls have been mandated, in spite of the undeniable, widespread identical defect. Available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Driving on the freeway in city traffic at 70-75mph, the engine completely stopped and all dash lights lit up at once. Vehicle had to be coasted to shoulder to wait for roadside assistance. Extremely hazardous to us in vehicle and to all around us with sudden, dramatic speed change in moving, constant freeway traffic. First time: Our usual mechanics at Pep Boys did diagnostic but found nothing, the vehicle drove normally for them, yet they did our regular tune-up, oil change, etc. Two weeks later, the same event happened on freeway, identical to first time. We were very lucky that no crashes happened either time. Pep Boys advised that Hyundai investigate the issue. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lights or sounds presented until the events themselves, when the entire dash lit up. However, in the couple of months before, there were occasional, slight hesitation moments in the motion while driving at any speed. CONCERNS: 1) It seems Hyundai is on track to want to charge me for an entire engine replacement, or for whatever engine repairs they deem, e.g. connecting rods, for manufacturing defects that they are entirely responsible for, 2) no recall seems to be mandated YET for this VIN batch, and 3) too many consumers are in danger - physically and financially.

NHTSA ID

11649158

Incident

Mar 11, 2025

The contact's son owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not aware of the diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); the VIN was included, and parts were available. The contact also stated that the vehicle had a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11640506

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

Mileage

66,000 mi

The vehicle had a recall to replace the motor for bearing failure. They replaced my motor at 101,000 miles. The second motor than failed for the exact recall of bearing failure at 65,000 miles on the new motor. They told me that since I had already have done the recall and my car was now out of warranty that I would have to pay 10% of the repair bill for another motor. This second motor should have been included in that recall.

NHTSA ID

11640410

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

Literally for years I have been taking my car in to Rick Case Hyundai with the complaint of smelling gas even when the car was parked for long periods. Each time they said they fixed with different items. Gas cap, a part on the catalytic converter, etc. The problem never resolved but I noticed it only happened when the tank was more than half full. I got a video of gas dripping out underneath and took the car to Rick Case and gave them the video. My car has been there ten days because they first tried to say it was a seal on the fuel pump. This time I said that seems unlikely cause that only happens when tank is full and persists even after car is parked many hours. Now they report they found a pinhole leak in the gas tank. I will upload the video if this form allows. This does not appear to be a pinhole leak to me. I first noticed this around 2019. Unfortunately the video is MP4 and I cannot upload it.

NHTSA ID

11631932

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

My 2017 Hyundai Santa hybrid limited it all started with 11 icons appeared on the dash took it to Hyundai dealership Gainesville to be fixed in July of 2024 dropped it off Wednesday they emailed me with a price of 1563.70 I okay it to be fixed. I picked it up that following Saturday no sooner after leaving halfway home the check engine light came on took it back the following Monday they pulled it in the shop no more than 15 minutes later they pulled it out said they fixed it said if it should happen again to bring it back shortly after leaving check engine light came on again took it back to them and fixed it left check engine light came on again so I took it to Tallahassee Hyundai dealership they changed cabin air filter and engine filter we left the check engine light came on again so we took it back to them again and they found nothing . Then the check engine light was still on then the car wouldn't start so I had to pay to have it towed to Hyundai dealership of Gainesville again told them now the car won't start and it's been there since October 20 2024 spoke to them many times I still haven't gotten any one that can seem to fix my car they don't return phone calls just give me the run around it's my only car I have never heard of a dealership that can't fix there own car they sell . I'm getting nobody that is willing to help me and the car is not paid for im so upset is this the kind of business you provide to your customer's.

NHTSA ID

11624634

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

Windshield wiper motor started to operate slowly and at times stops with wiper blades in middle of windshield.

NHTSA ID

11621428

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

ENGINE OIL MISFIRE ALSO NOTED AS A RECALL ON THE 2016 MODEL AND REPEATEDLY MENTIONED ON LINE AS AN ERROR IN THE 2017 MODEL NOW REACHING SIMLAR MILEAGES. DEALER IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS A PROBLEM AND SAYS THE ENGINE LIGHT SI NOT RECORDING THE ERROR AND YET AN OUTSIDE ANALYSIS SAYS ITS ERROR 0302!! THE SAME AS THE 2016 RECALL NOTICE. THE 2017'S SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THE SAME FIX

NHTSA ID

11616486

Incident

May 9, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle stopped accelerating and flashing check engine light went on. Vehicle reported "Check Hybrid System." Dealer believes it was loose pins in a HCULDC connector that may have caused loss of communication. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lost acceleration on a highway and was nearly hit trying to get off of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Piazza Hyundai of Pottstown, PA reproduced the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealer secured loose pins. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.

NHTSA ID

11612874

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

While driving, car started to lose power. Warning lights started flashing to turn off vehicle to recharge battery. Car lost all power. Car was towed to dealership. Dealer started diagnostic testing, and first thing that was noted is that all oil had drained from car and that crank shaft may now be damaged. Prior to incident, no warning lights came on for service, engine or oil lamp. Dealer and internet searched confirm this has been happening to this model recently.

NHTSA ID

11612120

Incident

Aug 30, 2024

This is the seventh occurrence of complete loss of power while driving on the interstate. The hybrid system warning activated, followed by the engine shutting down, and all dashboard lights illuminated with alerts indicating "Shut Off Engine/HEV." An 18 wheeler was pulling out from the shoulder as I was losing power and barely missed getting crushed. The former problems have all been at interstate speeds with similar accident avoided. The service history clearly demonstrates that Hyundai has repeatedly attempted to address this issue by replacing numerous critical components, including the engine, transmission, knock sensor, battery (three times), integrated brake actuation system, and smart cruise control, among others. Despite these extensive repairs, the problem persists. On this latest occasion, less than 4,000 miles and four months since the last major incident, the dealership has proposed replacing the intake manifold, EGR valve, HSG belt, and spark plugs. The belt was changed less than 20K miles ago. and I believe the spark plugs were as well. Each time my vehicle experiences this issue, it is out of commission for weeks or even months at a time, causing significant inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns. I no longer trust this vehicle and I don't believe the many recalls have successfully addressed the root cause of issues with the 2017 Hybrids.

NHTSA ID

11611961

Incident

Aug 26, 2024

While driving on the highway, the car loss. The dashboard noted the Blindspot Detention System failed and the dash noted "Hybrid System Warning. Turn off Engine." The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They confirmed a Knock System Sensor had to be replaced. Less than a month after the repair, the same issue occurred on the highway again and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Vehicle has been at the dealership for over 2 weeks and dealership has confirmed they haven't been able to accurately diagnosis the problem yet. Both incidents have occurred after the dealership addressed the recall campaign related to the engine.

NHTSA ID

11607700

Incident

Jun 13, 2024

EGR cooler leaks and slowly burns off engine coolant resulting in the car overheating while driving, forcing a quick exit from the road, or stopping in traffic not to damage the engine. Google search shows this is a very common issue with these hybrids.

NHTSA ID

11607567

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

Excessive oil consumption. Engine makes knocking sound. Check engine light and/or oil light come off & on. Over heat light & HEV LIGHT. Bought car brand new in Sep2017. December 2017 car was in shop for a month. Ever since that incident, car has been in & out the dealership for same issues. Car has been serviced only by Hyundai dealerships. Currently my car has been in the shop awaiting repairs since end of February 2024. I keep getting the delay in parts excuse. Hyundai claims my car does not fall under their lawsuit for engine replacement nor do they acknowledge faulty engine oil consumption.

NHTSA ID

11592774

Incident

Dec 1, 2017

Total loss of power steering while driving, wheel locks up randomly. Hyundai dealer said the battery was old, I put a new hyundai battery in it and the steering locked up leaving the dealership. VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11592080

Incident

Mar 1, 2023

2017 Hyundai Hybrid Sonata lost power while in the middle lane of [XXX] . Following notice appeared: Check Hybrid system. Turn off engine !HEV. We were able to coast over to side of road (car was going 70mph at time of breakdown). Car towed to McDonough Hyundai dealership. Talked to Service Dept. We explained our situation to him (out of town, spending money on a hotel). They performed an engine electric Diag. which stated: Vehicle had multiple codes for low battery voltage. Test battery and got an instant failure. Cleared codes and test drove after new battery replacement. No codes came back. Approximately 1 hr. later in Jackson, GA we were on [XXX] , middle lane & engine stalled (70mph & coasted over to side of highway). Received same code: Check Hybrid Battery System, !HEV, turn off engine. Had car towed to Kennesaw, GA. Rented car to drive home & had car towed to Alexandria, KY our home town. After 2 wks. car was put on diagnostic machine. Said they test drove car multiple times. They said could not duplicate the issue. It was suggested the next time we get code on our dashboard to take a picture of it or video. Took car to Kerry Hyundai, Florence. Test driven car 40 miles & have gotten nothing. No codes. Told them it was imperative that your mechanics find the issue. I will not drive the car as it is now. It is unsafe as it stands now. Breaking down 2x in GA. The first time after driving it 6.5 hrs. and the 2nd time after putting brand new battery in & breaking down exactly 1 hr. after driving. We have been without our car since [XXX]. Hyundai advertises a great warranty on their cars, one reason we purchased it. We wanted a SAFE, RELIABLE car since we are both retired and going to travel. We are out of $1,827.08 & afraid to drive car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11590554

Incident

Mar 16, 2024

Hybrid engine is failing, a week before there was a noticeable clicking under the hood during acceleration but no lights came on indicating any problems.

NHTSA ID

11587760

Incident

May 8, 2024