2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 11, 2026 · 32 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years
Not enough data 1st of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid. That is the most of any Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model year in the database (4 years). The most reported problem area is engine (17 complaints, 53%), typically at around 12,470 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 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 Plug-IN Hybrid problems

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

Engine17 · ~12,470 mi
Electrical System11 · ~3,950 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~30,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System6 · ~2,900 mi
Power Train4 · ~16,645 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~8,203 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1 · ~12,470 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance1 · ~13,000 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~12,470 mi
Steering1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1753%12,470——
Electrical System1134%3,950——
Unknown or Other722%30,000——
Fuel/propulsion System619%2,900——
Power Train413%16,645——
Vehicle Speed Control26%8,203——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13%12,470——
Forward Collision Avoidance13%13,000——
Service Brakes13%12,470——
Steering13%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 5 complaints
2016: 1201612017: 2201722018: 5201852019: 3201932020: 1202012021: 4202142022: 3202232023: 4202342024: 4202442025: 2202522026: 320263

n = 32 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid recalls (2)

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.

Hybrid propulsion systemMar 12, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V166000 · 2,840 vehicles

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

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.

Recent owner reports

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

On 12/20/25, the car - a Sonata plug-in hybrid - failed to start. When I pushed the "start" button, the dashboard display lit up w many clearly irrelevant error messages. Each time I pressed start, somewhat fewer error messages blasted toward me, and finally, no response at all. On 12/21/2026, the…

Electrical System · received May 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11737182

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), originally purchased in California. While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without warning and rapidly decelerated. This created a dangerous…

Engine · received Apr 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11734703

To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing this formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous engine failure incident involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Description of Incident: While traveling on CA-85 near Mountain View, California, at approximately 65 miles…

Power Train · received Mar 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11725213

While driving car stuttered check engine light and check hybrid system flashed. Check engine lights stayed on until getting home. Next day. I scanned and code p0b68 was set.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686903

While driving at a high rate of speed propulsion to the vehicle suddenly and without warning ceased, the electric and internal combustion engine were non-responsive (ICE stopped; hybrid motor didn't provide propulsion), the warning light said "Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine" I was put at risk…

Electrical System · received Mar 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11648675

Other Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years

← 2016 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid · 2018 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid →

See all Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN 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 Plug-IN Hybrid?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 17 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model years, the 2017 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.