2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 80 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Far more complaints than other years 5th of 16 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That ranks 5th out of 16 Sonata Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (45 complaints, 56%), typically at around 70,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 4 fires. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine45 · ~70,500 mi
Electrical System18 · ~85,840 mi
Unknown or Other11 · ~50,000 mi
Power Train10 · ~20,000 mi
Steering8 · ~65,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System7 · ~36,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling4 · ~113,248 mi
Service Brakes4 · ~32,450 mi
Exterior Lighting3 · ~91,679 mi
Vehicle Speed Control3 · ~39,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine4556%70,500——
Electrical System1823%85,840——
Unknown or Other1114%50,000——
Power Train1013%20,000——
Steering810%65,000——
Fuel/propulsion System79%36,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling45%113,248——
Service Brakes45%32,450——
Exterior Lighting34%91,679——
Vehicle Speed Control34%39,500——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)23%85,840——
Latches/locks/linkages23%———
Air Bags11%———
Hybrid Propulsion System11%75,000——
Lane Departure11%———
Seat Belts11%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11%52,000——
Structure11%———
Visibility/wiper11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 16 complaints
2017: 2201722018: 8201882019: 5201952020: 2202022021: 6202162022: 162022162023: 132023132024: 152024152025: 102025102026: 320263

n = 80 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:software; exterior lighting:turn signalSep 24, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · 469,377 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

EngineSep 17, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V727000 · 95,515 vehicles

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchAug 6, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V619000 · 348,158 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
  • Loss of Motive Power (DP22003) — opened Sep 12, 2022, closed Dec 12, 2023.
  • Engine Fires (EA21003) — opened Dec 22, 2021, closed Feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V877.
  • Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption with an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was informed that the vehicle passed the inspection. While…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Sep 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11761394

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…

Engine · received Jun 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743355

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…

Engine · received Apr 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11731393

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…

Electrical System · received Nov 29, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11702030

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…

Engine · received Sep 21, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11688690

Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years

← 2016 Sonata Hybrid · 2018 Sonata Hybrid →

See all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems by year, every Hyundai model, or the Hyundai VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 45 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sonata Hybrid model years, the 2017 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.