2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
43 owners have reported engine problems with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 66% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 95,000 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 43
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 1
- Median mileage
- 95,000 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 39 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 |
Engine complaints across Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- ENGINE
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.
Risk: 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.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 1, 2026110,000 miCATowedEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption with an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was informed that the vehicle passed the inspection. While driving later, the vehicle stalled and was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and several DTC including…
NHTSA complaint #11761394 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2026GAEngine
The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited malfunctioned. On three separate occasions, the HEV warning light illuminated while I was driving on the highway, followed by a sudden loss of power. The vehicle stalled and stopped running, leaving it inoperable. The incidents occurred in approximately August 2022, November 2023, and February 2026. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Each incident occurred while driving on a…
NHTSA complaint #11743355 · source - Filed Apr 15, 2026FLEngine
2/25/2026 vehicle was put in service for a safety warranty recall. 2/26/2026 Hyundai approved the replacement of the engine, but there were costs involved that I was responsible for (approx. $800). 3/9/2026 I was informed by Hyundai the vehicle was complete, and would now last "for another 200,000 miles". I picked up the vehicle and only drove 5+ miles from the dealership when the vehicle’s motor completely shut down, putting me in a VERY UNSAFE driving condition, almost…
NHTSA complaint #11731393 · source - Filed Sep 21, 2025MAEngine
The engine shut off on the highway on two different days. Vehicle was going between 65 and 70 mph. The vehicle engine shut down and all the warning lights came on. Every one. The vehicle still moved but nothing inside worked, it ran on battery mode for the 17 miles to the dealership with a maximum speed of 60 mph. The risk was the immediate unresponsiveness of the vehicle and the sudden and immediate reduction in speed and power. It presented itself twice in about 2,000…
NHTSA complaint #11688690 · source - Filed Jun 10, 2025183,000 miVAEngine
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to the rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to the…
NHTSA complaint #11666119 · source - Filed Mar 19, 2025AZEngine
FAIL/MALFUNCTION 3/18/25: Internal engine failure diagnosed by local Avondale, AZ Hyundai dealership service - rod bearing failure suspected. Vehicle currently undergoing Bearing Clearance Test to affirm this or any connecting rod issues, with possible need for total engine replacement. When googling "Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2017 internal engine failure," masses of reports generate from consumers with this model, complaining of same defect, as do numerous recalls for such…
NHTSA complaint #11649158 · source - Filed Feb 3, 202566,000 miOREngine
The contact's son owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle, after which he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not aware of the diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the…
NHTSA complaint #11640506 · source - Filed Feb 3, 2025WVEngine
The vehicle had a recall to replace the motor for bearing failure. They replaced my motor at 101,000 miles. The second motor than failed for the exact recall of bearing failure at 65,000 miles on the new motor. They told me that since I had already have done the recall and my car was now out of warranty that I would have to pay 10% of the repair bill for another motor. This second motor should have been included in that recall.
NHTSA complaint #11640410 · source - Filed Sep 25, 2024PAEngine
Engine oil misfire also noted as a recall on the 2016 model and repeatedly mentioned on line as an error in the 2017 model now reaching simlar mileages. Dealer is refusing to acknowledge it as a problem and says the engine light si not recording the error and yet an outside analysis says its error 0302!! The same as the 2016 recall notice. The 2017's should be recalled for the same fix
NHTSA complaint #11616486 · source - Filed Sep 2, 2024NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
While driving, car started to lose power. Warning lights started flashing to turn off vehicle to recharge battery. Car lost all power. Car was towed to dealership. Dealer started diagnostic testing, and first thing that was noted is that all oil had drained from car and that crank shaft may now be damaged. Prior to incident, no warning lights came on for service, engine or oil lamp. Dealer and internet searched confirm this has been happening to this model recently.
NHTSA complaint #11612120 · source - Filed Aug 31, 2024TNEngineOther / Unknown
This is the seventh occurrence of complete loss of power while driving on the interstate. The hybrid system warning activated, followed by the engine shutting down, and all dashboard lights illuminated with alerts indicating "Shut Off Engine/HEV." An 18 wheeler was pulling out from the shoulder as I was losing power and barely missed getting crushed. The former problems have all been at interstate speeds with similar accident avoided. The service history clearly demonstrates…
NHTSA complaint #11611961 · source - Filed Aug 10, 2024TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine
While driving on the highway, the car loss. The dashboard noted the Blindspot Detention System failed and the dash noted "Hybrid System Warning. Turn off Engine." The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They confirmed a Knock System Sensor had to be replaced. Less than a month after the repair, the same issue occurred on the highway again and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Vehicle has been at the dealership for over 2 weeks and dealership has confirmed they…
NHTSA complaint #11607700 · source
Other 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problem areas
- Electrical System (16)
- Other / Unknown (9)
- Steering (7)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (6)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (5)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
- Lighting (3)
- Brakes (3)
- Body & Structure (3)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
- Visibility & Wipers (1)
- Airbags (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology