2017 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: November 1, 2026 · Filed: November 1, 2026

On the morning of September 26, 2026, when starting my vehicle, I noticed that the oil warning light was flashing. The outside temperature was in the low 40s, which immediately raised concerns about the vehicle's engine and oil pressure. I promptly shut off the engine and checked the oil level. The oil level was full, as I expected, because I had checked it the previous day. I have consistently paid close attention to the oil level in this vehicle because it has consumed oil throughout the entire time I have owned it, beginning shortly after I purchased it brand new. Due to this ongoing issue, I make it a point to keep extra engine oil in my trunk so I can monitor and maintain the proper oil level. On September 29, 2026, I stopped by the Joe Holland Hyundai Service Department and spoke with Dillon about the oil warning light continuing to flicker while driving. Unfortunately, no resolution or explanation was provided. However, Dillon did acknowledge that the engine in my vehicle had previously been identified on a problem list due to a machining error that occurred during the engine manufacturing process. This acknowledgment is particularly concerning because it suggests that Hyundai was aware of a potential manufacturing defect involving this engine. Despite the vehicle's ongoing oil consumption and the appearance of the oil warning light, I have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation or resolution from the dealership.

Incident: October 24, 2026 · Filed: October 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming oil. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Incident: October 21, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle was barely moving. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change one week prior to the failure. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Incident: October 15, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

I had recently taken my 2017 Hyundai Sonata in for an Engine Diagnostic check at the Bel Air Hyundai dealership, (10/15/26) worth $199.99 for an hour of maintenance, after experiencing sudden jolts when powering on and driving, needing additional time warming up. My initial thought was that the temperature gauge had gotten stuck again, or that the sensor needed to be fixed. I suggested that the dealership check for this issue before doing the diagnostic to see if it was still needed afterward. My service advisor, Kevin, said that this is included as part of the diagnostic testing. I figured it would be in the best interest for my vehicle to do an initial check, regardless of cost, to avoid further complications down the line, yet the 9 C2 update was performed without my consent or knowledge beforehand. They performed a multipoint inspection, which shows on record I had it done months prior during my last oil change, free of charge on both occasions, yet it only shows the vehicle, not engine. I have the lifetime warranty as advertised, covered by Zurich, which my service advisor showed me on his computer. However, he said my concern was a mechanical issue, not covered under this warranty. After the diagnostic was performed, I was shown the invoice, including the 9 C2 emissions page at the end, explaining the effects of this update. It does not serve as a systemic improvement, but a worsening change in operation and performance. I was only told about the service after it was performed. It is astounding because the side effects explained on the 9 C2 form are the actual concerns I had before bringing the car in. The update was not a necessary procedure, from my understanding this will only lead to more safety risks down the line. After doing research, given recent complaints about how it has affected many vehicles, I must share that they should have notified me beforehand to be aware about these risks so that I could make the personal decision for my vehicle.

Incident: October 1, 2026 · Filed: October 12, 2026

I had my engine replaced under the Theta Engine lawsuit and I was due for the 9C2 service campaign and it was installed...ever since I picked up my car it shifts weird between 1st and 2nd. I brought it back to a different Hyundai dealer as the warranty work was done at another location and they recommended a transmission flush and relearn. They can feel it slipping and the other dealership noted no problems, which leads me to believe it was because of the service campaign. I also called corporate and the customer service rep had heard of this before as well as a bunch of forums online.

Incident: August 28, 2026 · Filed: September 22, 2026

I am reporting an unaddressed, critical safety defect involving the Theta II engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The engine has developed a severe internal metallic knocking noise consistent with connecting rod bearing failure—the exact manufacturing defect associated with Hyundai's major engine recall campaigns (such as Recall 198 / Campaign 966)

Incident: September 9, 2026 · Filed: September 16, 2026

I was driving down the road when my sunroof glass completely ripped away from the top and flew off. The glass is gone but the frame is still there but bent. I took it to a auto glass repair shop that stated "sunroof glass separated from urethane, came off and bent frame." I am dropping off at Hyundai dealership 9.17.26 to have them inspect. My insurance will not cover repairs. So I am hoping maybe this has happened to other people. There was a recall on sunroofs for the 2014-2016 Hyundai Sonata's NHTSA campaign 16V726000 A bonding issue with the front sunroof wind deflector anchor plate can cause the deflector to come loose and jam the glass panel when closing, or detach entirely while the car is moving.

Incident: January 1, 2026 · Filed: September 4, 2026

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure out of nowhere without any warning lights or previous symptoms. An inspection of the engine cylinder revealed a physical hole blown through the top of the Cylinder 2 piston, causing immediate and complete loss of engine compression. This sudden structural failure caused the vehicle to completely lose all propulsion and stall unexpectedly while in operation, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard on the road.This vehicle features Hyundai's 2.4L Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, a family with a well-documented history of manufacturing defects, severe oil consumption, and catastrophic internal structural failures. Because this failure occurred instantly and without a progressive warning, it put occupants at risk of a severe rear-end collision or stranding in an unsafe traffic pattern. I am filing this safety report because the catastrophic destruction of the internal engine components presents a persistent and dangerous hazard to public safety.

Incident: June 11, 2026 · Filed: July 26, 2026

We had a recall done, Campaign 92C, and every since then the car drives horrible. It's worse when cool, it sputters, and hesitates especially when excellerating. Even after warmed up it seems to slam in and out of gear at low speeds, even when foot is not on the gas. The drive is choppy. The dealership told us to drive it and let the transmission "learn" our driving patterns, but it has not resolved itself. Before campaign car ran smooth, now shuttering and sputtering.

Incident: June 1, 2026 · Filed: July 25, 2026

I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.