2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID Complaints and Recall Information
The 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has 5 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine failures, including bearing and rod bearing failures that lead to engine replacement needs. Several reports mention unexpected engine shutdowns and burning odors accompanied by illuminated warning lights.
Common Issues
- Engine bearing failure. Multiple owners reported motor failures due to defective bearing components requiring motor replacements, with some second failures occurring after recall repairs.
- Rod bearing failure. Diagnosed engine rod bearing failures have caused engine damage necessitating engine replacements according to dealership assessments.
- Sudden engine stall. Owners describe complete engine shutdowns at highway speeds without prior warnings, creating hazardous driving conditions.
- Burning odor and abnormal engine noise. Reports include smelling a burning odor inside the vehicle and hearing abnormal sounds from the engine prior to check engine light activation.
- Diagnostic and repair difficulties. Some vehicles were not repaired after diagnosis due to warranty or recall coverage issues, leaving defects unresolved.
- Abnormal ticking noise. Engine ticking noises were reported before failure diagnosis, without warning light indicators prior to the issue.
- Odometer discrepancy. One complaint involved discovery of mileage inconsistency during purchase attempts, indicating possible odometer fraud.
There are 4 recalls affecting the 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID addressing various safety and mechanical systems. Recalls cover engine defects, electrical and lighting issues, and trunk latch malfunctions.
Recalls
- Engine component defect. (NHTSA 21V727000) Approximately 95,515 vehicles recalled for premature wear of connecting rod bearings leading to engine damage and possible stalls or fire risk. Dealers inspect engines and replace if needed while installing updated software free of charge.
- Turn signal software fault. (NHTSA 21V749000) About 469,377 vehicles recalled due to Smart Junction Box software improperly interpreting multifunction switch signals, causing turn signals to activate in the wrong direction which can increase crash risk. Dealers perform free software updates.
- Trunk latch malfunction. (NHTSA 21V619000) Around 348,158 vehicles recalled for trunk latch damage preventing trunk opening from inside, risking occupant entrapment. Dealers replace trunk latch assembly free of charge.
Owners with repeated repairs, unresolved recall issues, or serious safety defects related to engine or electrical system failures may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consultation with a legal professional can help clarify available options.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID Summary
2017
Model Year
5
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
913050
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
469377 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
348158 vehicles affected
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. 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.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
95515 vehicles affected
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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
ID: 2100550ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that while attempting to purchase a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was not yet purchased. The vehicle mileage was 87,000, but the contact later discovered that the mileage was 105,000.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
ID: 2098940ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to the rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
ID: 2074691ENGINE
FAIL/MALFUNCTION 3/18/25: Internal engine failure diagnosed by local Avondale, AZ Hyundai dealership service - rod bearing failure suspected. Vehicle currently undergoing Bearing Clearance Test to affirm this or any connecting rod issues, with possible need for total engine replacement. When googling "Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2017 internal engine failure," masses of reports generate from consumers with this model, complaining of same defect, as do numerous recalls for such defects that have been mandated for the model with range of years including 2017.Yet when searching with my VIN, it says no recalls have been mandated, in spite of the undeniable, widespread identical defect. Available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Driving on the freeway in city traffic at 70-75mph, the engine completely stopped and all dash lights lit up at once. Vehicle had to be coasted to shoulder to wait for roadside assistance. Extremely hazardous to us in vehicle and to all around us with sudden, dramatic speed change in moving, constant freeway traffic. First time: Our usual mechanics at Pep Boys did diagnostic but found nothing, the vehicle drove normally for them, yet they did our regular tune-up, oil change, etc. Two weeks later, the same event happened on freeway, identical to first time. We were very lucky that no crashes happened either time. Pep Boys advised that Hyundai investigate the issue. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lights or sounds presented until the events themselves, when the entire dash lit up. However, in the couple of months before, there were occasional, slight hesitation moments in the motion while driving at any speed. CONCERNS: 1) It seems Hyundai is on track to want to charge me for an entire engine replacement, or for whatever engine repairs they deem, e.g. connecting rods, for manufacturing defects that they are entirely responsible for, 2) no recall seems to be mandated YET for this VIN batch, and 3) too many consumers are in danger - physically and financially.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
ID: 2062013ENGINE
The contact's son owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not aware of the diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); the VIN was included, and parts were available. The contact also stated that the vehicle had a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
ID: 2061877ENGINE
The vehicle had a recall to replace the motor for bearing failure. They replaced my motor at 101,000 miles. The second motor than failed for the exact recall of bearing failure at 65,000 miles on the new motor. They told me that since I had already have done the recall and my car was now out of warranty that I would have to pay 10% of the repair bill for another motor. This second motor should have been included in that recall.