Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
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.
On 12/26/22, I was on a road trip and the car began vibrating violently on the PA turnpike. The car was losing power and would not accelerate. I was forced to stop on the highway with my kids in the car. Hyundai repaired the cylinders in the engine and then it began burning excessive oil, 1 quart ever 1000 miles. For months, I drove this car and as the oil got lower, the car hesitated while driving and ran very rough. On 7/4/23, transmission overheated and once again, car lost power on the road and left me stranded with my kids. Engine is burning excessive oil and causing other issues with car. Was not fixed when car died the first time and has now left me limping along and stranded twice. Car has been at shop since 7/5/23. Engine approved, but dealer can't get parts. …
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 [redacted], 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 have had many problems with my car since 1st day of purchase timing belt oilpans valve cover gasket burning excessive oil caliper brake hose last few events I have experienced my ABS light coming on in the car stop moving while am in traffic very dangerous I work for the hospice reserve one day while driving the car started shaking compulsive and the check engine light came on I was informed oil was leaking onto my spark plug and engine was going out I experienced extreme hot air inside the car coming out vents back firing etc my warranty in finical company seems to be ripping me off more concerned about money I have reported all these problems to them the past 13-14 months i was suppose to hear back from lisa warranty about this problem this past week no contact I reached out to Hyundai Corporation after visiting local dealership on Bedford automile a service rep by the name of aaron …
Recall on my 2017 Hyundai Sonata was repaired 9/13/2019, purchased the vehicle with financing on 7/16/2021. On 8/18/2021, had vehicle towed back to the dealership and explained the issue. Engine knocking, tire pressure and engine lights on, frequent stalling, turning off, smell of gas and something burning, loss of power to the engine, car could not accelerate to 60 MPH. The dealership had my car till 9/20/2021, power train warranty was denied and voided, no loaner car was given, was not offered any reimbursement for car rental by dealership and Hyundai corporate. Although car is included in Theta class action lawsuit. I was correct about issue with engine, but the dealership replaced engine with used parts. No later than five days after having my car back, the engine and tire pressure lights came back on, car is tugging, and the engine noise is louder. …
The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata has been burning excessive amounts of engine oil over an extended period. The issue started approximately 10,000 miles ago but has worsened recently, requiring frequent oil top-offs between regular oil changes. The oil consumption is abnormal and not consistent with normal wear. This excessive oil burning poses a potential safety risk, including possible engine failure, stalling, or fire hazard due to low oil levels if not monitored carefully. The vehicle has not yet experienced a complete failure but the risk concerns me. The problem has been observed consistently during normal driving conditions. I have not yet had an official inspection or oil consumption test performed by a dealer, but I intend to request one. There have been no warning lights related to the oil burning issue, but the oil level drops rapidly and noticeably.
Engine oil light or any warning lights and symbols never came on after Engine had burned out all the oil. Had oil changed and new oil filter installed and in less then a week it burned out 3 quarts, again with no low oil warning at all. Motor stalled at intersection and had to cool down, oil was again added and lower Engine knocking was present. Meanwhile had a mechanic inspect it and diagnostic done and lower bearings are knocking. Vehicle has had this issue for over 4 years and never mentioned to us until now after 100,000 miles. 2019 is when this oil burning issue began. Hyundai dealer serviced this several times and never mentioned the reason for the knocking other then it was low on oil. After breaking down in a busy intersection had to be pushed off road and waited for Engine to cool down to add oil and knocking continued.
e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai's Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.
My vehicle has a documented excessive oil consumption defect. After a 1,000 mile oil consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23 EM 008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America declined to cover the repair and refused to escalate my case. This level of oil consumption is consistent with known Theta II engine defects that have led to engine seizure, stalling, and fire in other vehicles. I am reporting this as a safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure while driving.
Transmission complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of the model year's 766 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module › software (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.