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2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
79
Latest Jun 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine4842.9%
  • Electrical1816.1%
  • Fuel system76.3%
  • Driver assistance65.4%
  • Brakes54.5%
  • Exterior lighting32.7%
  • Interior & seats21.8%
  • Visibility10.9%
  • Body & structure10.9%
  • Other / unspecified10.9%
  • Seat belts10.9%
  • Airbags10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 10, 2026

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 · filed Apr 15, 2026
All 48 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 29, 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 · filed Jun 16, 2025
All 18 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 5, 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 · filed Sep 2, 2024
All 10 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 29, 2025

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 · filed May 9, 2025
All 8 reports naming steering

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 21, 2024

In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas pedal. It struggled to go at or above 60-65 mph. The freeway speed was 70 mph and it was a safety risk for the car to power down. Dublin Hyundai could not replicate the problem, simply recharged the battery and said I was good to go. Less than 1 week later, the exact same thing happened as I started on a road trip. I had to return the car home and get it towed to Stockton Hyundai for diagnosis. This is car is only 6 years old, has been routinely maintained, and just hit 100k miles, for which Hyundai is denying any repair assistance even though there is a lifetime hybrid battery warranty.

NHTSA ID 11556999 · filed Nov 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 10, 2024

2017 Hyundai hybrid Sonata Check hybrid system turn off engine, It’s been at a dealership for three months last time. after year later same issue again.

NHTSA ID 11520073 · filed May 2, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 29, 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 · filed Sep 12, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and several DTC codes were cleared and the accelerator pedal assembly was replaced. Shortly after receiving the repair, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer another time. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that max cylinder #7 had failed to cause a knocking in the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included and the repair was denied. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 91,679.

NHTSA ID 11481967 · filed Aug 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System), 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), and 21V727000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11466996 · filed Jun 1, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System), 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), and 21V727000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11466996 · filed Jun 1, 2022

The trunk will not open by any means, the button inside, the key fob, the mechanical key, the smart trunk open feature. Mine is the Hybrid and does not have fold down back seats. So there is no way to open it from inside or outside only via the inside of the trunk. It just has 28,045 miles. I called the dealer Bob King Hyundai and they did not know if it is under warranty and it will cost $130 just to look at it?

NHTSA ID 11420533 · filed Jun 11, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11621428 · filed Oct 23, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 25, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the check HEV System message was displayed. The vehicle then lost motive power and was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on two separate occasions. The dealer replaced the engine coil and battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the dealer performed NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lightning, Electrical System) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11462658 · filed Apr 28, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY WARNING SIGN OR SOUND WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER DOES NOT HAVE THE SEAT BELT ON. I BOUGHT THE CAR AS NEW JAN LAST YEAR AND I DO NOT RECALL THAT THIS EVER WORKED. I DOUBLE CHECKED THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM DRIVING SLOWLY WITHIN THE CUL-DE-SAC. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW TO CHECK THE ISSUE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MANY OTHER CARS LIKE MINE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THIS MIGHT BE A CASE FOR A RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11202562 · filed Apr 19, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1) I purchased 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid new. Now for 2nd time, trunk latch won't open trunk. 1st time i paid for a new park on the trunk. Now again, trunk won't open. Dealer states they have to replace rear bumper antenna. 2) Airbag light came on on the dash, and remains on when I start car. Dealer stated it is the driver seatbelt light. I Never had an accident with this vehicle and air bag(s) have never inflated. Dealer stated they will have to replace driver airbag which will cost me $1,436.35. I don't know why I have to pay for a new driver airbag when I bought the car new and never had an accident with the car.

NHTSA ID 11549438 · filed Oct 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .