Most common 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of the 81 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Sonata Hybrid years: 2019, 2018, 2014. Years to avoid: 2021, 2016, 2012. Compare all years →
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls (3)
Electrical system › Software
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…
Remedy: 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.
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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).
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
What 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners say
Engine & cooling all 50 →
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, a message indicating a vehicle failure was displayed and the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that as she was veering to the side of the road, she saw white smoke rising up in the rear of the vehicle through the rearview mirror. Another driver also notified the contact of the white smoke. The contact stated that she parked the vehicle and opened the hood but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact remained on the side of the road where she was waiting for the vehicle to be towed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,495.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that he was then notified by his wife of the failure and arrived at the scene to move the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the assembly generator failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor failed and needed to be replaced. …
Electrical system
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 contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 - 65 MPH, the red engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed her the vehicle was working as designed. While driving on another occasion, the check engine warning light and the Hybrid System Shutdown and Turn Off Engine message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the computer chip was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 38 / 43 / 40 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a good car?
Based on 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Sonata Hybrid rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Sonata Hybrid at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The engine & cooling — 50 complaints, 62% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (18) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the most recent from September 24, 2021 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2016 and 2012. See the full Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.