VehicleVerdict

2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 123 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Sonata Hybrid year — the 2017 model ranks #5 of 16 Sonata Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 48 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

123

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Sonata Hybrid years?

Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted216 complaints2011: 144 complaints2012: 216 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 40 complaints2015: 83 complaints2016: 183 complaints2017: 123 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 21 complaints2021: 69 complaints2022: 30 complaints2023: 23 complaints2024: 12 complaints2025: 15 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Sonata Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4839%
Electrical System2016%
Other119%
Transmission108%
Steering87%
Fuel System87%
Brakes54%
Lighting32%
Speed Control32%
Latches & Locks22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Driver Assistance11%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

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

21V749000Electrical SystemSeptember 24, 2021 · 469,377 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

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.

21V727000EngineSeptember 17, 2021 · 95,515 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.

21V619000Latches & LocksAugust 6, 2021 · 348,158 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1: AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 210, WHEN THE MOTORWAY EXITS FROM EAST TO WEST, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DOES NOT WORK (PICTURED) AND THE CAR DECELERATES DIRECTLY FROM 70 MILES TO 30 MILES. THE BRAKES CAN NOT WORK FULLY. STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL MUST STEP ON MULTIPLE STEPS TO RELAX THE THROTTLE, DEPRESS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 10, 2017 · crash

“While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definitely a hazard to myself and others. If in traffic at higher speeds, there would…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 26, 2025

“CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. DRIVER HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES. GOT ON FREEWAY FROM DOWNTOWN HOUSTON AND WAS ON FREEWAY FOR LESS THAN 10 MILES. WITNESS SAID CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER VEHICLE IN THE REAR OF THE HYBRID VEHICLE. DRIVER PULLED OVER TO FEEDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 5, 2021 · fire

“1: AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 210, WHEN THE MOTORWAY EXITS FROM EAST TO WEST, SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DOES NOT WORK (PICTURED) AND THE CAR DECELERATES DIRECTLY FROM 70 MILES TO 30 MILES. THE BRAKES CAN NOT WORK FULLY. STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL MUST STEP ON MULTIPLE STEPS TO RELAX THE THROTTLE, DEPRESS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 10, 2017 · crash

“While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definitely a hazard to myself and others. If in traffic at higher speeds, there would…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 26, 2025

2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 123 complaints put the 2017 model at #5 of 16 Sonata Hybrid years. It is one of the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Sonata Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (48 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints), other (11 complaints).

Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015, 2021, 2014. The cleanest record among Sonata Hybrid years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.