2017 Hyundai Sonata’s Problems Include Power Steering Issues and Engine Fails

Nov 11, 2021

2017 Hyundai Sonata has recalls for malfunctioning turn signals, failing trunk latches, and faulty airbags. Additional consumer complaints outline issues with engine fails, and electric power steering that could randomly lose power while driving.

2017 Sonata

Key Points

The NHTSA issued a recall for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata over an issue with the trunk’s inside emergency latches, which could fail to open in an emergency, prompting the replacement of latches.
There are 14 NHTSA pages of consumer complaints about the 2017 Sonata’s electric power steering randomly failing while driving.
The most prominent NHTSA recall for the 2017 Sonata is over a faulty onboard computer that could misinterpret driver turn signal input. As a result, the turn signal may activate in the wrong direction.
Many NHTSA official complaints outline engine issues ranging from check engine lights putting cars into limp mode, to engine knocking that may result in complete failure of the engine.
An open investigation in the 2017 Hyundai is looking into electrical issues that may be causing crash sensors to fail and thus not deploy airbags in a crash.

2017 Hyundai Sonata - Photo by Hyundai

2017 Sonata’s Turn Signal and Trunk Latch Issues are Fairly Moderate in Terms of Danger. But, Hyundai Did Launch a Recall Over Faulty Airbags

In December 2016, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata was issued a recall over an airbag problem, which reportedly only affected 110 cars. The recall reports the driver-side airbag may not fully inflate in the event of a crash, because the end seal for the driver’s front airbag inflator may not have been properly installed. This could possibly result in reduced inflation of the front airbag in a crash.

Also, there is an open NHTSA investigation regarding electrical over-stressing of the airbag control unit on the 2017 Sonata. The investigation is looking into whether electrical issues may be causing crash sensors to fail, resulting in airbags not deploying in a crash.

The most prominent recall involves a faulty turn signal that may activate in the wrong direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Over 460,000 vehicles are affected, according to the NHTSA.

Another recent recall for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, issued in Aug. 2021, reports that the vehicle’s trunk may not open when the interior emergency release handle is pulled. More than 340,000 vehicles are affected. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. Because of this, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards, because a person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped.

2017 Sonata

Many Consumers Have Reported a Loss of Electric Power in the Steering System while Driving, Calling the Experience ‘Scary’

There are 14 NHTSA pages of consumer complaints about the 2017 Sonata’s electric power steering. Many of the nearly 70 complaints out of 300 total mention problems where the power in the electric power steering randomly lost power, making it very hard to steer the car. Reports also indicate that the steering collar could lock up while driving.

One owner mentions in his NHTSA complaint “the power steering has gone out on my vehicle twice in two months. The first time, I had just turned right into a parking lot. As I turned the steering wheel to park, the power steering went out. It was scary, and it took a lot of turning of the steering wheel to safely maneuver out of the way of the parking lot traffic.”

Unfortunately, 2017 Sonata owners also report that dealerships were unable to determine the cause of the problem. despite Sonata owners lamenting the safety risks, Hyundai has not issued a recall over the reported electric power steering problem. “There needs to be a recall,” says one owner on their NHTSA complaint. “This is not a safe car to drive; some people have had multiple issues with the electric power steering system.”

2017 Hyundai Sonata - Photo by Hyundai

NHTSA Complaints Reveal 2017 Sonata Owners are Having Issues with Engine Stalls, which Led to a Class Action Lawsuit

Another concerning issue not represented in any recalls is engine issues. Many owner complaints found on the NHTSA website describe excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and ticking sounds. These complaints continue to appear as recently as October 2021.

Unfortunately, this is a well-documented issue. In mid-2021, Hyundai and Kia reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit accusing their Theta engine (found in the Sonata and a handful of other models) of being delivered with a faulty rotating assembly.

The issue allegedly resulted in a handful of vehicles catching fire and, in one instance, even trapped an owner inside. The settlement reportedly cost Hyundai and Kia a total of $1.3 billion.

Still, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata has no outstanding recall affecting the engine. The car does come with a powertrain warranty of up to 10 years and 100,000 miles, but it is imperative to take a close look when shopping for a used car.

Significant issues with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata are not explicitly common. However, when they do come up, they have potentially dangerous consequences. So, if a pre-owned 2017 Hyundai Sonata is on your radar, it is a great idea to do thorough research on the vehicle’s background.

Photos: Hyundai

Frequently Asked Questions

By Josh Barrett | Nov 11, 2021

What Year Hyundai Sonata Should I Avoid?

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata can be considered the worst-performing year because it has 14 recalls and more than 3,000 registered NHTSA complaints. Recall categories include airbags, fuel pumps, and electric power steering failures. 763 complaints pertain to engines only. Owners report the vehicle shutting off immediately, making cracking noises, and consuming excessive oil.

Is the Hyundai Sonata 2017 a Good Car?

With good fuel economy, a high-tech interior, and spacious cargo space, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata is a decent car. It ranks fifth out of 24 midsize vehicles by Repair Pal, with a four out of five reliability rating. The 2017 Sonata also receives a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

Owner Reviews

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CT on September 20, 2023

Issues- Power Steering, Trunk Latch, Camshaft Position Sensor & Actuator, Oil Consumption, Engine Issues, Anti-Theft Locking System & More

So I currently have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata engine 2.4L and I am losing my patience and nerve to deal with much else. The stress of this vehicle has been on high. I purchased the car from Carmax in 2021 and within that same year check engine light came on for me to fix Camshaft Position Sensor and honestly it has taken me about 2 years to get it fixed due to financial problems. Finally got it fixed in August 2023 by a coworker and his neighbor. Total to get fixed cost me $130.00 (CamShaft Position Sensors $80.00 and Actuator about $50.00). I had power steering issues in April 2023 right after getting my car fixed from being stolen. The power steering issues almost caused me to crash on the highway because it was hard trying to steer. Then I noticed I was burning oil at a fast rate and gas does guzzle quick/quicker when check engine light on. Soon after I had checked the battery because my car would die as soon as I would sit for a minute maybe 15 minutes and then when I cut the car off and tried turning it back on it would not start. I got the battery checked it was good so it wasn't the battery. I found out through google it may be the motor. Also, before my car would shut off, you could hear the ticking underneath the hood, I believe it was the piston rings but I can't say what it is for sure. Come to find out 9/19/2023 there is possibly a engine recall on the vehicle but of couse Hyundai dealership is saying oh that may not be the case when it d**n sure may be. The issue I have is I would have never know this before until I had to try to and get to the store but sitting in the car and noticing it wasn't working caused for me to find all of this out. I was informed by Southern Maryland Towing again on 9/19/2023 that certain engines on the Hyundai Sonatas and Kias are going through a recall. So this is now where I am at. I am still paying the loan off which is about $11,800 so if I have to trade it in or something will blow my mind because that would then be added to another vehicle I get. It's stupid, I am beyond pissed at all the money I spent to get my car fixed, shaking my head at this point. Hyundai, is definitely NOT acting with caution and in a timely manner to fix these issues that people are having and its pissing me off. Issues I have noticed so far: a lot of oil consumption, camshaft position sensor and actuator codes pop up on vehicle- if not replaces quickly enough it will do more damage to car than good, trunk latch issues, turn signals issues, engine not having power or decreased power which causes slow acceleration and jerking motion, anti-theft locking system- if not on car it makes your vehicle a target and easier to steal. Hyundai not having the care to consider engine concerns and people paying ridiculous amounts to get their vehicles fixed. I paid for 2 tows to take it to a dealership and now they are backlogged(6+ weeks) on repairs. The list goes on. So as of currently 9/20/2023 I am a sitting duck with no vehicle because loaner cars are also not available and there is a lengthy wait list. Hyundai is wayyyyyyyyyy behind on getting repairs done, not being able to drive it and trying to get a rental on your own is very very very costly and until they are able to give a loaner or fix it you will be spending a pretty penny.

Sam on January 9, 2024

THIS THING EATS OIL

I bought my 2017 sonata sport, used in march of 2020. Within a week, the brakes needed replaced because they were warped. The dealership I bought it from refused to pay for brake work which they were responsible to pay for. Aside from that, in 2021 the trunk latch would not close. Thankfully there was a recall for that which fixed the issue but here we are in 2024 and now it won't open without the key being in it to unlock it. So, the final issue is that it eats oil. When I got it, it was fine. Then in 2022, I noticed it started having the oil light come on out of nowhere. Well over time it needed oil changes every 3k miles instead of 5k. Then that went down to 2k, then 1500, then 1200. Now, every 500 miles, I have to add 5 quarts of oil. To make it worse, the amount of misfires this thing has are insane. The check engine light comes on 4x a week. Last year it flashed and the rpm wouldn't go above 1600 and it sputtered like you wouldn't believe. Now, the same thing happened again this morning. I calledmy local mechanic and hesaid they won't take it. So now I'm stuck with a car that has an engine that leaks oil into the valves andneeds a new motor stat or it'll keep deteriorating and is already pay past the point of needing a new motor. Hyundai refuses to issue a recall when countless other people have the same issue and have thousands of small claims cases against them. Never buying a Hyundai again.

Dave Johnson on March 12, 2023

My Hyundai dealer is a crook!

I bought a 2017 Sonata from Skillman Hyundai Indianapolis. We've only put 32,000 miles on it in five years. I've been a mechanic for 45 years and I do my own oil changes. I have always had an oil consumption problem, and the oil is always filthy d***y. Recently the oil light has been coming on, so I took it to the dealership I brought it from. Here's the deception. I was told the engine is okay, but the oil pressure switch was bad, and it needed a valve cover gasket. They wanted $1400 to do both. $1400 . When I reminded Deja Williams, the service writer, that the motor was under warranty, she said just replacing the oil pressure switch would be $550. They did the valve cover gasket under warranty. When I picked the car up, the price for the valve cover gasket was $240. LET'S DO THE MATH! They said $1400 for both repairs, right? The quote for the switch was $550. The gasket replacement was $240. That's $790, but I was quoted $1400?!? Deceptive business practices. I just picked the car up Friday evening, and I'm filing BBB complaint Monday

Bethany on January 25, 2023

Oil low, car shuts while driving

I love my car and she is very well maintained.bhowever the last 2 months have had me in tears with horrible anxiety. My engine light came on before an oil change that is always done before due well this time 3 quarts low. I was driving to dealer and on i95 she shuts off. Im a single mom of 3 and I bought this car bc i didnt want to fix anything or have horrible anxiety with noises and alarms. After she hit 65,000 miles im a nervous wreck to get in. I hate that die to the fact im still paying. However trying to get anything looked at is a nightmare. My local dealer is booked solid and im having to travel over 3 to 4 hours to take her to her a dealer who will then keep my car for at least 5 days. I have a warranty and the best but now that im 3 thousand away and they dont want to help. I need help into what to do. My therapist said trade in due to my anxiety is thru the roof when i drive daily. Please shine some light

Nicole C on April 22, 2023

2017 Hyundai sonata

I loved my car when I first got it.. Than a year went by I was gettin oil changes regularly when I should.. I would have almost 1500 miles left before next oil change, my oil light would come on.. Needless to say the amount of oil this car eats is crazy it’s not leaking oil it’s burning oil. Which there fore I’m replacing spark plugs every 7 months! It’s insane which remind you spark plugs are maybe 40$ but the dealership wants almost 400$ to fix 4 spark plugs!! I will never buy another this car has done nothing but cost me money. They don’t know why it’s burning oil either is what I was told and if I wanted to find out why I would have to pay another grand for them to drop the motor but it wasn’t 100% that it would even work

Stephanie M on April 9, 2023

Ridiculous

I shouldnt have to leave a review because I would give this car a 0. I got this car because I bought a cash car that went down. I had a 2012 Elantra in 2012 that was awesome no issues. This car however is nothing but issues. I havent has this car a year the trunk latch is broke and I have already had to replace battery, tires, and a whole transmissio not to mention this a version of the car that can be stolen with a usb cord. The car was already overpriced amd is costing me more money and now with reading these reviews the only thing I wanna do is get rid of it.

Sharon Greene on March 15, 2024

2017 Hyundai Sonata Safety Concerns

Had the engine replaced, trunk latch replaced. White car paint peeling all over told didn't qualify for paint job. Eats oil really bad. Oil changes last less then 2000 miles. 3/14/24 picked my grandaughter up from school turned corner car died. Power steering locked up. Car wouldn't start. Finally got it started dash lights flashing, no power steering. Drove slowly to my home. Previously owned 2007 sonata did not have these issues. Last Hyundai I will buy due to numerous customers complaint of same problems and no action noted by Hyundai except recalls listed

Robin and Mike Thomas on November 26, 2022

Power steering not working while driving mine stopped working when I was turning on to a streat and the wheel was very hard to turn and I went over the curb and all most hit another car in the side passenger back door where there was a baby in a car seat thank Godi didn't hit them.

But anyway I'm not having very good luck with my 2017 Hyundai sonata I'm going through oil like 2-3 quarts of oil between change's, and it's lossing power and every time I Try calling and get appointment Thay tell me that there's no recall for that but I just want to say my power steering has gone completely out so I'm going to have to pay for it and don't have no idea how much it's going to cost so please wish us luck.mike Thomas.ps I will more then likely have to have a motor put in the car as well

Olaf Pernitt on December 12, 2021

Olaf@pernitt.com

Decent car. I like the price and hybrid feature but it has been giving me a number of issues. Trunk latch was replaced once and sometimes still is hard to open or latch. Transmission locked up twice, interlock was replaced and transmission now jolts from 1st into 2nd and car sometimes will not accelerate while turning, and then violently jolts forward. Took the car in 3 times, with no fault found... Very dangerous on left turns, or while merging onto a freeway.

Savea Combs on February 11, 2023

Back lights malfunction dashboard to show no indication of a problem

I've been told by several people that when I pull out my brake lights aren't working and my turn signals not working but there is no indication on the dashboard. Lately I've been smelling a bad like burning smell inside the car. Is there a service campaign that handles wiring system or a recall that they're going to generate regarding this issue

Betty Blau on August 3, 2023

SOUTH SHORE HYUNDAI . Not happy with their service. Theytold it’s one thing brought it elsewhere and was told if that was the case I would be hearing different noises! They just want your $$ At 36,000 miles I needed a motor mount, and intake manifold!! Really, off course it’s not under there warranty, there labor rates are $21 higher than other reputable repairs shops,I can go on and on . Buy USA built in USA .. Bottom line!!

Not happy with having to do major repairs on a vehicle with 38,000 miles. They fabricate the problem, I went yo three auto repairs and they all disagreed with South Shire Hyundai!!! I even got a diagnostic! And they wouldn’t accept it, I hadto pay fir there diagnostic and found out it wasn’t what they were saying it was!!

Matt on November 4, 2022

Peeling Paint at 30k miles

There’s no excuse for paint to chip and peel especially with relatively low miles. The 2 star rating is more for the brand. The car is spacious and well designed. But when Hyundai is in denial about paint adhering to the body and won’t do anything about it, it’s time for me to direct my loyalty elsewhere.

Connie Cranford on August 19, 2022

Power Steering is locking up

Hyundai needs to do a recall. These cars are malfunctioning and the power steering is locking up. My car is a 2017 Hyundai Sonata If they do the recall so I feel as if the car is safe again I will issue a few more stars. Also the key fobs doesn’t hold up to good as far as wear and tear.

Michael F on November 10, 2021

2017 sonata, a lot of potential and a lot of problems.

Rattle developed in engine compartment at 18 months. Antenna cover sheared off at 33 months. Driver's seat plastic cover has broken 4 times. Fixed under warranty 3 times. Engine wiring harness failed twice at 30 and 33 months. Ac compressor wiring plug damaged by engine harness repair.

Butch on February 26, 2023

Excessive oil Consumption 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE

My 2017 Sonata SE started burning oil excessively at around 48k miles, the oil indicator does not alert me if there is no oil left in the car. I believe it is predominantly highway driving that burns the oil quickly. I have lost total oil within 200-300 miles since oil change.

Daniel H on October 30, 2021

Hyundai's quality may be slipping.

Steering sticks at time. I think it is a safety issue. Part of an outside trim panel keeps popping out. Dealer cannot fix problem. Does not accelerate as good as previous sonata's we have owned. Hear more road noise than you think you would from a vehicle this expensive.

TC on October 16, 2023

What is going on!

I have a 2017 HyundaI Sonata with less than 90k miles. It’s suddenly losing power and burning oil like crazy. I don’t have any leaks and get scheduled oil changes. Seems several of us are having the same/similar issues. What is going on Hyundai?

Albert M on October 30, 2021

Had a major problem with the engine power

I have had one problem and it took 2 dealerships to figure out it had a factory recall on the car. When I needed to go the engine would "go home" meaning it would not give me but a quarter of the power and almost caused a weak.

Sally West on February 4, 2023

Paint peeled. Steering column shot!

My car drove beautifully. Then the white paint started peeling. They had it repainted for me. Less than a year later, it was peeling again. Then the steering column went out:dealership said 4000 to repair. NO THANKS! BEWARE!!

Unsatisfied carowner on December 30, 2022

PREFER 0 RATING ON THE HYUNDAI vehicle

Purchased 2017 sonata problem after problems…money more money for repairs “Not worth spitting out brand name of vehicle better off in a “FORD” horrible ordeal this manufacturer is nothing but a Rich quick scheme

J wick on August 22, 2023

Need a new engine

2017 sonata, first new car I bought. Engine has failed by throwing a rod. NowI am stuck with a car that has a blown engine and have 11,000 still owed on it. SONATA IS JUNK ANDALL OF THEM NEED PULLED FROM THE WORLD

Amber E on November 4, 2021

Engine stalls when entering highway

The engine stalls often, especially when entering the highway/interstate. Several Hyundai vehicles have had a recall on their engine; there is a class action lawsuit against them at this time.

Regina Smith on November 9, 2021

Peeling paint

This car would have been given an excellent rating, but it has at least 5 places where paint is peeling/ chipping. I will have to pay for my entire car to be painted. The paint is very thin!

Heather E on October 28, 2021

I will not buy another hyundai nor would I recommend it to anyone else.

I have had more problems with this car than I should with it being only a 2017. Parts on the trunk, alignment twice already, rack and pinion replaced amongst several other parts.

DBAILEY on November 21, 2023

2017 Hyundai Sonata

I would like information for Texas class action lawsuit.Send to cussjarsavings@gmail.com Thank you I own a 2017 Hyundai Sonata & a 2022 Hyundai Tucson. Thanks for your help

Jimmy V on November 5, 2021

Engine ticking noise

The engine has 38,000 miles on it and it makes a terrible clicking noise that the dealership cannot diagnose. They replaced the engine but the noise is still there.

Santiago F on October 12, 2021

Issues with electronic mirrors

I had problems with the rearview mirrors on the sides. One broke the mirror itself. The other (from the passenger side) stopped running the up-down electronic trim.

Hayley S on October 23, 2021

Some Early Issues

It started making a squeaking sound soon after I bought it. I had to contact corporate and then spent a good couple of months waiting for things to be resolved.

Eunice Rhoades on January 24, 2022

Radiator

I bought my car less the 2 years ago, have 65,400 miles and now I have to replace my radiator. I have never had to replace a radiator in a car in 61 years.

Cortezz D on November 2, 2021

2017 sonata sport 4 door sedan gets low on oil

The only problem that I have had with the car is the oil sometimes would get very low (the oil light would come on), but it wasn't time for an oil change.

Lesley S on November 11, 2021

A few small issues with my 2017 Sonata

My phone and bluetooth in the car do not sink well. Also, after a longer period of driving the steering wheel seems to tighten up. My AC went out.

Lindsay W on November 5, 2021

Trunk latch broke

The only problem was the trunk latch breaking which had a recall but they did not cover it and we had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed.

Brielle M on October 21, 2021

2017 Hyundai sonata cons.

Engine issues and I have to take to dealership all the time. I have had to replace rotors and brakes numerous times and it still squeaks.

Ro J on October 17, 2021

Recall due to computer issue

The problem has to do with the computer, however the Hyundai dealership corrected the problem as soon as I took it for the recall.

Elizabeth M on October 30, 2021

I've had an issue with the transmission

My only problem has been a recall on a transmission switch and I still feel like the transmission is a little weird after the fix.

Bernice H on November 10, 2021

My electronics have had some issues

My most recent issue I have been having is with my electronic screen. This, however, is covered under my warranty.

Luke F on November 2, 2021

Recalls have been the main inconvenience

My only complaint so far was it had a couple recalls on it which was annoying but the dealership took care of it.

Tye Black on February 4, 2023

2017 Hyundai Sonata complete Engine failure

2017 Hyundai 50 miles complete Engine failure. Car well kept. No warning or any other problems 02/04/23

Angie D on October 31, 2021

Small electronic issue with mirror

The pass mirror stopped working just under 20000 mile but was still under warranty.

William A on October 20, 2021

2017 Hyundai sonata review

The 2017 Hyundai sonata has had service recalls and the dealership replaced them.

Kathleen K on October 21, 2021

Interior is low quality

Pieces of the interior and exterior have popped out and makes the car feel cheap.

April S on October 11, 2021

It's cheap because it is cheaply made

Already having motor and wheel issues. Don't even have 40,000 miles on it yet.

Yakaris A on November 3, 2021

Hyundai sonata had software issues

I haven't had much vehicle problems other than one software recalled.

Vicki M on November 5, 2021

The Hyundai sonata had steering issues

There was a problem with steering and with engine noises.

Mohamed on January 18, 2022

Amman

سيارة غبية جدا تتعطل كثير

Lucy M on October 23, 2021

With life so crazy at times I don't have time to be taking my car in to fix any recalls it has.

The only unfortunate issues are many recalls.

Tabatha B on November 2, 2021

Recall on the ecm

I did have a recall on the ecm.

Braden Carlson

An automotive journalist for over six years, Braden Carlson has contributed to a variety of auto websites, including Team Speed and LS1Tech. When he’s not writing or under one of his project cars, you’ll often find him producing video and photography for his "Cursed Forever" YouTube channel.