Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Hyundai Sonata
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata has a moderate number of complaints, primarily relating to engine and steering issues. There are three recall campaigns focusing on lighting, trunk latch, and air bag problems. Overall, evidence on reliability is mixed, so detailed inspection is advised.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 769 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V749000 Turn Signal May Activate in Wrong Direction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V619000 Trunk Emergency Release May Fail/FMVSS 401 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V956000 Driver Air Bag may not Fully Inflate NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 386 complaints
- Steering 173 complaints
- Unknown or Other 102 complaints
- Electrical System 65 complaints
- Power Train 56 complaints
- Structure 37 complaints
Of the 769 complaints on file, 28 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 769 complaints, owners report 12 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Excessive oil consumption
How to check: Check oil level and look for smoke from exhaust.
Steering pulling to one side
How to check: Test drive and see if steering drifts.
Turn signal malfunction
How to check: Activate signals to ensure correct direction.
Airbag inflator failure
How to check: Confirm recall repairs by VIN.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on dashboard.
Red flag: Engine or oil warning lights.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting.
- 04
Steering maneuver
What to check: Notice if steering wheel pulls.
Red flag: Drifting or difficulty steering.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for adequate power response.
Red flag: Lack of engine power.
- 06
Braking
What to check: Assess smooth braking performance.
Red flag: Vibration or noise while braking.
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen for unusual noises when turning tight.
Red flag: Clunking or clicking sounds.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine consumed excessive oil?
- Were there any unresolved recalls?
- Has the trunk latch been repaired?
- Are service records available?
- Any issues with turn signals?
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service history
- Recall repair documents
- Title and registration
- Previous ownership records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Hyundai Sonata? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.