VehicleVerdict

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 61 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Ioniq Hybrid year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 6 Ioniq Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (14), fuel system (12), and engine (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

61

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Ioniq Hybrid years?

Ioniq Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted61 complaints2017: 61 complaints2018: 18 complaints2019: 32 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 20 complaints2022: 38 complaints
Ioniq Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ioniq Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1423%
Fuel System1220%
Engine1016%
Other610%
Transmission58%
Speed Control35%
Brakes35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Steering23%
Airbags12%
Body & Structure12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V459000Fuel SystemJune 28, 2022 · 10,575 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.

Consequence

An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

18V704000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2018 · 10,575 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

Consequence

The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.

18V260000Fuel SystemApril 24, 2018 · 10,156 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 20, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 176.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving on the freeway when my car started smoking. Pulled over immediately and 30 seconds later the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. I hadn’t received a second recall notice, but I did take it in the first time when a fire risk was mentioned.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 18, 2022 · fire

“I was driving on the freeway when my car started smoking. Pulled over immediately and 30 seconds later the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. I hadn’t received a second recall notice, but I did take it in the first time when a fire risk was mentioned.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 18, 2022 · fire

“I was driving on the freeway when my car started smoking. Pulled over immediately and 30 seconds later the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. I hadn’t received a second recall notice, but I did take it in the first time when a fire risk was mentioned.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 18, 2022 · fire

“NOT A COMPLAINT, A CONCERN OVER THE FACT THAT MY DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY CAR 2 DAYS FOR A SAFETY RECALL (T2J 2017 IONIQ TRACTION MOTOR INSPECTION AND OR REPLACEMENT), AND I CANNOT FIND ANY THING ON NHTSA OR HYUNDAIUSA (OR OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES) REGARDING THIS RECALL? I FOUND A COMPLAINT THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 14, 2017

“Engine failure occurred on interstate. Car was jerking and smoke coming from the hood and exhaust while engine was giving out. Hyundai dealership confirmed something blew up within the engine and blew a hole out the side of it. Check engine light came on about 2 weeks prior notified Hyundai…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 29, 2025

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 61 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 6 Ioniq Hybrid years. It is one of the Ioniq Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Ioniq Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), fuel system (12 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ioniq Hybrid years to avoid are 2017. The cleanest record among Ioniq Hybrid years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.