VehicleVerdict

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Sonata Plug-In Hybrid year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 4 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (33% of the total).

51

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years?

Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted51 complaints2016: 43 complaints2017: 51 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 6 complaints
Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1733%
Electrical System1224%
Other714%
Fuel System612%
Transmission48%
Speed Control24%
Driver Assistance12%
Steering12%
Brakes12%

Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

2 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.

18V166000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2018 · 2,840 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Consequence

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The engine started knocking on the freeway and all the lights in the car went off. The engine failed and I barely made it off the freeway. I was almost hit by two cars trying to get to a safe place. The engine has the same issue as the other morsels that have recalled the engine for the same rod…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 5, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ABOVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 17, 2017

“The trunk will not open by any means, at times it can be opened, but the emergency release does not work. If anyone gets in, they cannot get out, especially with the Hybrids which do not have fold down back seats. Federal mandate states the trunk must have an operational emergency release, but with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 19, 2021

“While driving car stuttered check engine light and check hybrid system flashed. Check engine lights stayed on until getting home. Next day. I scanned and code p0b68 was set.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 11, 2025

“I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI 2017 SONATA PLUGIN HYBRID ON THE HIGH WAY IN HEV MODE AND SUDDENLY I FELT SEVERE VIBRATION IN MY CAR. THEN I CHANGED MY ENGINE TO EV MODE AND IT WAS FINE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. EVERY TIME THE GAS ENGINE CAME ON THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND NON RESPONSIVE TO GAS. I DROVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 26, 2019

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 4 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years. It is one of the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In 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 Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2017, 2016. The cleanest record among Sonata Plug-In 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.