2017 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, 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
- Engine39744.4%
- Steering17319.4%
- Electrical657.3%
- Powertrain (other)546.0%
- Body & structure374.1%
- Fuel system333.7%
- Driver assistance303.4%
- Brakes232.6%
- Airbags222.5%
- Exterior lighting192.1%
- Interior & seats182.0%
- Seat belts80.9%
- Suspension40.4%
- Other / unspecified40.4%
- Tires & wheels30.3%
- Visibility30.3%
- Transmission10.1%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
We had a recall done, Campaign 92C, and every since then the car drives horrible. It's worse when cool, it sputters, and hesitates especially when excellerating. Even after warmed up it seems to slam in and out of gear at low speeds, even when foot is not on the gas. The drive is choppy. The dealership told us to drive it and let the transmission "learn" our driving patterns, but it has not resolved itself. Before campaign car ran smooth, now shuttering and sputtering.
I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under NHTSA Recall 17V226 that cannot be denied due to a salvage title. Instead of replying to my facts, the Case Manager Kathy gave me a hard denial falsely framing my federal recall safety request as a "voluntary goodwill warranty" issue to justify her rejection. Please help me in getting authorization my car with Hyundai dealership in Plano Tx to run the bearing rod test and get it fixed.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under NHTSA Recall 17V226 that cannot be denied due to a salvage title. Instead of replying to my facts, the Case Manager Kathy gave me a hard denial falsely framing my federal recall safety request as a "voluntary goodwill warranty" issue to justify her rejection. Please help me in getting authorization my car with Hyundai dealership in Plano Tx to run the bearing rod test and get it fixed.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE, equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, is experiencing severe powertrain failures including rhythmic metallic engine knocking, catastrophic oil consumption, and un-commanded surges/jumping in speed while driving. These symptoms manifested following an unauthorized engine replacement performed by Hyundai of El Cajon under Repair Order [XXX], where the dealer covertly outsourced my vehicle to a third-party shop (Legacy Motor Works) to install an unverified used salvage engine block rather than a certified factory assembly. This vehicle is a Class Vehicle under In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation (Case No. [XXX]), and the KSDS software update (Campaign 953) was successfully completed on my vehicle in 2019. The engine knock, surging, and oil consumption are consistent with the known connecting rod bearing failure defect described in NHTSA investigation PE17-007. The dealership is currently denying warranty coverage, citing a mileage limit that does not exist under my Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, and they are withholding physical documentation of the repair terms. The vehicle is also experiencing secondary safety failures, including a continuous airbag SRS warning light (two years) and electrical shorts caused by the salvage-yard alternator installation, which have destroyed 4 to 5 car batteries. This engine failure represents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle periodically loses power and surges without driver input. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of warranty denial, parts-sourcing fraud, and the safety risks posed by this substandard engine installation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigation into the dangerous and ongoing mechanical failures involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata equipped with the Theta II engine. I believe this vehicle contains a serious manufacturing and/or engineering defect that presents a substantial safety hazard to consumers. My vehicle has experienced a pattern of progressive mechanical failure beginning with abnormal and excessive oil consumption, which appears to be directly associated with malfunctioning engine airflow and intake-related components. Specifically, the lower engine airflow system and intake functionality appear defective, placing excessive strain on the intake manifold system and contributing to cascading engine failures. As a result of these failures, the vehicle has experienced: Severe and excessive oil burning/consumption Intake manifold malfunction and abnormal operating stress Suspected overheating and/or premature head gasket failure Ignition coil failure and electrical shorting/misfires Progressive engine deterioration rendering the vehicle unsafe and unreliable Increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, stalling, fire hazard, or catastrophic engine failure while operating The vehicle has become increasingly unreliable and inoperable due to these conditions. These failures raise significant concerns regarding public safety, especially given the known history of complaints and recalls associated with Hyundai Theta II engine defects. I am deeply concerned that this vehicle may reflect a broader pattern of defective manufacturing, insufficient quality control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
The vehicle’s dashboard continuously displays a “hood open” warning even though the hood is fully closed and securely latched. The hood has been physically inspected and confirmed to be closed, yet the warning persists. The issue appears to be related to a faulty hood latch sensor or switch, which is part of the hood latch assembly. The warning is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual condition of the hood. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, as it may represent a defect in the hood latch sensor system on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata that could affect multiple vehicles and pose a safety risk.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under NHTSA Recall 17V226 that cannot be denied due to a salvage title. Instead of replying to my facts, the Case Manager Kathy gave me a hard denial falsely framing my federal recall safety request as a "voluntary goodwill warranty" issue to justify her rejection. Please help me in getting authorization my car with Hyundai dealership in Plano Tx to run the bearing rod test and get it fixed.
Supplemental Information to Existing NHTSA Complaint involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) While traveling at approximately 70 MPH on a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost propulsion without warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated in traffic, creating a significant safety hazard for my family and surrounding motorists and requiring emergency maneuvering to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where diagnostic testing identified multiple high-voltage battery system fault codes: • P0B68 • P0B6D • P0B72 The dealership diagnosed a high-voltage battery system failure requiring battery replacement. The vehicle is currently non-drivable. During my research, I found multiple owner reports involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles experiencing loss of power, hybrid system failures, limp mode conditions, and propulsion-related incidents. I also learned that Hyundai previously issued Recall 18V166000 involving 2016–2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vehicles due to battery management system and voltage protection device concerns that could result in loss of power while driving. Dealer says does appply for my car. Although my vehicle’s fault codes may differ from those addressed in the recall, both involve battery-related failures capable of affecting propulsion and creating a highway safety risk. My concern extends beyond my individual vehicle. A high-voltage battery or battery management system failure that can cause a complete loss of propulsion at highway speed without warning presents a potentially serious safety risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA evaluate whether similar incidents involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles indicate a broader safety concern warranting further review. I can provide dealership diagnostic reports, repair estimates, towing records, photos, and videos upon request. Thank you for your consideration, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbags did not deploy no indicator light came on before nor after I was struck from my driver side front area and yes it is available for inspection upon request. My safety along with my sisters safety was put at risk due to the negligence and cheapness of the dealership I purchased the car from also from there misleading information and improper inspection before selling me the car Car has not been reproduced or confirmed The car was inspected by a third party appraisal company for damages amounts There were no lights on at all before the accident and I am pretty certain that the dealership cleaared the codes before selling me the car
I am leasing a 2017 Hyundai Sonata from Car City in Michigan. In May 2025, the vehicle received a brand-new engine replacement due to previous problems. I picked the car up on [XXX], and on the same day, the vehicle began malfunctioning. It would not accelerate properly, jerked and stalled, and multiple warning lights — including the check engine light — came on immediately. This made the car unsafe to drive. I contacted the dealer, but they told me to wait until Monday to get it looked at, leaving me with a dangerous and unreliable car. The vehicle had already been in the shop for over two months for the engine issue, and I had only driven it for six months beforehand. I believe the repair or replacement engine is defective or was not properly installed. This creates a serious safety hazard. A car that stalls while driving puts everyone at risk. I am filing this complaint so this issue can be investigated and addressed if others are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact engaged the hybrid function on the vehicle and the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle took several minutes to respond. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle accelerated, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Fault code in the Automatic Braking System C24020 C17410 White body paint bubbling and peeling off the car for no reason. Passenger door roof frame and trunk. Hood previously repaired
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.
I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
.Car is using or burning alot of oil. After oil change. It went 2800 miles on the oil change and the cars oil light come on. Checked oil and nothing on the dip stick. Headlights randomly shut off at night. Had the wiring checked and didnt find any issues
I keep having both my low beam headlight bulbs burning out and one of them started catching on fire. The driver side caught some type of electrical issue causing it to start smoking and eventually melted the connector and lightbulb housing
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the seat belt loosened unexpectedly and failed to properly protect the driver while operating the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Front two seat belts are difficult to latch to buckles. Even when they are buckled while the car is in motion they tend to unlatch by itself.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigation into the dangerous and ongoing mechanical failures involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata equipped with the Theta II engine. I believe this vehicle contains a serious manufacturing and/or engineering defect that presents a substantial safety hazard to consumers. My vehicle has experienced a pattern of progressive mechanical failure beginning with abnormal and excessive oil consumption, which appears to be directly associated with malfunctioning engine airflow and intake-related components. Specifically, the lower engine airflow system and intake functionality appear defective, placing excessive strain on the intake manifold system and contributing to cascading engine failures. As a result of these failures, the vehicle has experienced: Severe and excessive oil burning/consumption Intake manifold malfunction and abnormal operating stress Suspected overheating and/or premature head gasket failure Ignition coil failure and electrical shorting/misfires Progressive engine deterioration rendering the vehicle unsafe and unreliable Increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, stalling, fire hazard, or catastrophic engine failure while operating The vehicle has become increasingly unreliable and inoperable due to these conditions. These failures raise significant concerns regarding public safety, especially given the known history of complaints and recalls associated with Hyundai Theta II engine defects. I am deeply concerned that this vehicle may reflect a broader pattern of defective manufacturing, insufficient quality control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
To whom it may concern, I have own my vehicle since Jan 2018, which was purchased from the dealership's owner w/less than 10k miles. Maintenance has been performed iaw Hyundai's recommended schedule. However, yesterday, I was informed that my vehicle needed a new engine and other replacements totaling $13,934.89. This is OUTRAGEOUS. How can a well kept vehicle w/106445 miles, need such replacements? Thus your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
My steering wheel is locked it’s hard to turn left or right. I go to school in a different city so I drive back and forth from school to home. While I was turning into the parking lot to park my steering wheel just locked while I was trying to park i almost hit someone’s car in the process. I had to turn the steering wheel with both hands tightly to one side for the steering wheel to move. I was so scared
IN PARKING LOT MY STEERING SEIZED UP. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THEN I SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THEN POWER STEERING WAS BACK AND INDICATOR LIGHT WERE GONE SOME TIME I HAVE TO LEAVE MY CAR PARK LONG TO FIX IT AUTOMATICALLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire blew out at low speed near residential area on the tire sidewall in a square shape approximately 3inches wide and 3inches long on each side. The blown out square area is still attached from the outer tire area like an open flap. The sidewall failed four inches in from the outer edge and ripped open. These was an Arizonian Silver Edition, all-season tire with the markings of M+5 205 / 65R16 95H and DOT U93P XYT 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata equip with Kumo Solus 215 55 R17 tires. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered the steel belt were exposed on the front driver side tire. The tire was replaced and the problem was remedied. The same failure had later occurred on the front passenger side tire. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 23,000. Tires are under warranty.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine does not reach normal operating temperature, possibly failed thermostat. Front window does not defrost properly and ices up while driving for 10 minutes after warming up for 15 minutes.
On a dark or dimly lit road the low beam headlights create a sharp boundary looking through the windshield with headlight illumination on the lower area and darkness on two thirds down from the top of the viewing area. It is as if the windshield has a line horizontally across it two thirds down in the field of view. The line bounces when the car bounces and dark upper portion can not be properly viewed through to see the road ahead. It is a safety issue due to poor visibility. The dealer has said a few times there is no issue and no reported issue. All they could do was adjust the headlights an inch. It didn't help. I don't drive it at night unless I have no choice and only very short distance. It got much worse recently. I won't sell this car to anyone, its not safe.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while merging onto a highway at 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 MPH and shifted into limp mode. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that the failure was linked to a software update. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .