2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check hybrid system warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was serviced by a dealer two months ago and repaired under Technical Service Bulletin: T6G. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after driving the vehicle for 500 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,300. The contact called the case manager at Hyundai and he refused to give any confirmation about the problem with the engine.

NHTSA ID

11574720

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

Mileage

138,300 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the mechanic retrieved various codes from the engine, and P1326 for the engine knock code and informed his wife that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and performed a bearing clearance test and replaced the knock sensor. The dealer determined that the engine did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11563047

Incident

Sep 19, 2023

Mileage

122,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle, the vehicle began to knock and shake violently, and his daughter smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the connecting rod bearings inside the engine had worn prematurely, requiring the replacement of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11558790

Incident

Dec 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle became inoperable and made an abnormal sound. The contact parked the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer after the vehicle failed to restart. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11555511

Incident

Oct 30, 2021

Mileage

125,000 mi

Engine Shut Off Without Warning problem of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid While driving the car on the freeway, it will jerk forward and then shortly after lose power. I pull over (luckily haven't been killed yet) on the side of the freeway. I've taken my car to a Hyundai dealership third times. All Three time I was stranded on a busy california highway. I have looked into this warning over a year and no one seems to know the problem. This should be a recall and all Hyundai dealers should be made aware of what this warning is. We as Hyundai owners need answers and help.

NHTSA ID

11553536

Incident

Oct 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and taking an exit, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power relay assembly and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle started but failed to move. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB Number: 20-01-003H. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

NHTSA ID

11547125

Incident

Aug 16, 2023

Mileage

142,000 mi

This issue has happened twice in one month on my Hyundai sonata hybrid that I’ve had for less than 3 years. It is a 2017 model. While driving on the interstate, the car will stop accelerating and all warning lights will come on along with “Check hybrid engine. Turn off engine”. The dealership has yet to find out the problem and cannot tell me what the issue is both times I’ve brought it in (it’s had ti be towed both times). I cannot afford to keep paying for repairs on an almost new car along with the safety concerns of driving it. I am attaching pictures of both times it happened- noting that it is the same warning each time. It looks like multiple owners are having this issue and none has yet to be resolved.

NHTSA ID

11543751

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

The car started shaking or not running smoothly back in May and then the check engine light came on. I immediately pulled over and inspected under the hood. I saw nothing wrong and the car started fine and check engine light went away. I drove a few more days without any problems but then the same thing happened again. The next day I called the dealership (Bob King Hyundai in Winston-Salem, NC) the earliest appointment was 26 days away. I had no choice but to keep driving it even thought I was terrified every time. It happened a few more times and I took it by Auto Zone and they gave me a DTCs Secondary code of P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected No Code(The gentleman informed me that to get a code the light would need to stay on. I told this to the dealership when I took it in for service and diagnosis on 5/30/2023 They called me on 6/1/2023 and told me the mechanic could not find anything and that it could be a vaccum leak and they can clear themselves. About 2 days latter it happened again. I called the dealership back and ask that the Service Manager call me and He still has not called me. I also reported this to corporate Hyundai and that Gentleman stated He could not get in touch with anyone about the issue either. I went ahead and made another appointment which is now scheduled for 8/10/2023. I took it to O'Rielys and they told me the same thing that Auto Zone did Cylinder 3 misfire. I have replaced the gas cap with Hyundai but that didn't help.

NHTSA ID

11534107

Incident

May 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle started to lose power with the Hybrid and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled and was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced under TSB: 209. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11532106

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

Mileage

80,000 mi

Multiple Error codes popped up on Multiple occasions. Lost power and last code was "Check Hybrid System Shut off Engine" HEV System Error. Battery, Engine, Collison, and Maintenance Error Lights showing on Dashboard. 06/ 22 - Dealership inspected and worked on Safety Recalls only. Nothing else was found. 10/22 - Fix Finder report showed Error code P0455. Vehicles reset itself somehow over the weekend. No issues on Monday morning. 11/22 - Lost all power. Towed to Dealership. They reset codes P0455 and P0456. Test passed w/ no further issues. 07/09/2023 - Driving 65mph and loss power. Multiple Error codes. Slowed to 20mph and made into driveway. HEV Shut off Engine came on as I stopped.

NHTSA ID

11531219

Incident

Jul 9, 2023