2017 Hyundai Sonata: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Hyundai Sonata? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 743 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2017 Hyundai Sonata trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata has 743 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Sonata
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 743
- Crash-related complaints
- 28
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 31
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Steering Defects, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Hyundai Sonata
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues like stalling or failure.
- Check for steering problems such as loss of control or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues like stalling or failure.
- Check for steering problems such as loss of control or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Hyundai Sonata, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata are heavily concentrated in engine problems and steering defects, with a moderate number of electrical and transmission issues. The data suggests these areas may be common failure points, though the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints, with 384 reports.
- Steering defects are the second most reported issue, with 171 complaints.
- There are 28 crash-related complaints, indicating potential safety concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
All 2017 Hyundai Sonata Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 384 | 6 | 9 | β | |
| Steering Defects | 171 | 5 | 1 | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 98 | 5 | 2 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 60 | 4 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 53 | 2 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 37 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 31 | β | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 22 | 5 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 21 | 9 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 20 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 20 | 6 | 1 | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 17 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
See attached document for complaint.
Burns through oil Oil will be black and barely any on the dip stick Cannot make it to recommended oil change miles or date Goes into limp mode
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a recurring HEV warning system indicator affecting my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that was not properly diagnosed despite multiple service visits to Nalley Hyundai beginning around July or August 2022. During several service viβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the front driverβs side seat belt failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the seat belt loosened unexpectedly and failed to properly protect the driver while operating the vehicle. The dealer was notified ofβ¦
Care recently became inoperable. The engine was knocking, then stalling and then inoperable. Checked Hyundai website to find Engine Recall describing exactly what my Hyundai was/is experiencing. I brought vehicle to Clay Cooley dealership (39444 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, 75232) aβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The vehicle made a knocking sound prior to the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the resβ¦
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption, caused by engine rod bearing failure. The engine rod bearing failure caused excessive oil consumption and premature spark plug fouling, requiring the frequent reβ¦
Sun roof flew off while driving, the metal framing was twisted and dent. Sun Roof was closed at the time. Pictures were sent to insurance company but no one has looked at it yet. No warning. Sun roof was working properly.
I have a 2017 hyundai sonata sport,it started using a lot of oil,one day I was driving and it just lost speed and the car just started jerking. I checked the spark plugs and oil had gotten on them. I changed the spark plugs,drove it for about 2 weeks and it did it again. I was coβ¦
Here is your updated review with that included: βΈ» I am very disappointed with Hyundai Motor America and the service I received at Hyundai of Renton. I own a 2017 Hyundai Sonata and received a letter about a required software update and ignition cylinder protector due to known β¦
While driving around 45 mph, the steering wheel locked up and car came to a hard stop. Luckily cars swerved to avoid me. This was the second time it happened. The first time I was in a parking garage and the steering wheel locked up. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheβ¦
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a permanent and recurring DTC P1326 (Knock signal range/performance) from the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), indicating potential connecting rod bearing wear in the Nu 2.0L engine. The vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power, limited accelβ¦
Car just sputtered and then the engine stopped working in cyclinder 2
This car is becoming more of a headache than itβs worth. Turned the car on, My car started shaking and my check engine light came on. then I got this message βA possible condition with your engine control system has been detected on a 2017 Hyundai Sonataβ
My car stayed with up to date oil changes and everything. One day I noticed it was leaking oil and had to stay on top of adding oil. When took to a mechanic they said my motor was blown and needed a new one. I took very good care of this car and itβs crazy that I need a new motorβ¦
Was just driving and lost steering, basically very hard to turn the wheel. Traction control light and a red steering wheel light came on.
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise and metal debris in the engine oilβprimary indicators of the Theta II engine defect (NHTSA Campaign 17V578). These symptoms indicate imminent engine failure, posing a significant stall and crash risk. On or arβ¦
Please see the attached paperwork and I have more if needed. I am not receiving any help from the local Hyundai dealership in which I purchased the car, and I have reached out to the main Headquarter. This is the 2nd Hyundai I purchased, and I was not made aware of the oil consumβ¦
My vehicle has a documented excessive oilβconsumption defect. After a 1,000βmile oilβconsumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23βEMβ008β¦
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata has had an ongoing engine malfunction defect that is causing engine knocking, stalling, and smell and rapid depletion of oil. The continuous issues are concerning especially when the car is not driven on a regular basis as it is utilized as a second vehiclβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 743 owner complaints, 28 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (384 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (171 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (98 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, NHTSA complaints include 28 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 743 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Hyundai Sonata?βΎ
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Sonata reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Hyundai Sonata based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.