What 758 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata

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 wheel worked again. The dash showed no fault codes or engine light. I found out there is a service bulletin and took it in to the dealer. Once there, the confirmed it was the power steering and is covered by the service bulletin and extended warranty. However, because the bulletin requires the dealer to clear code to try and reproduce it, I have to pick up vehicle because they could not reproduce the fault code. So now I have to drive the vehicle knowing their is a service bulletin for the problem and have it happen again before it is fixed. There is an extremely high likelihood of injury considering you lose all power at wheel and car continues to move.

NHTSA ODI 11717972

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 acceleration/speed) on the highway under load, with hard engine vibration, tinkling/knocking noise from under hood, and significantly reduced MPG. These symptoms create a serious safety risk: sudden loss of power at highway speeds (e.g., 50+ mph) makes it difficult to maintain speed, merge, or avoid hazards, increasing crash risk or stranding in traffic. In rare cases, bearing wear can lead to engine seizure or failure. The problem first appeared summer 2024 at approximately 115,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminates (cristmass tree), and limp mode triggers during highway driving. I have an OBD scan showing confirmed, pending, and permanent P1326, plus related hybrid communication codes (U0293, U1004) likely secondary to the protection mode. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times (four visits) by a Hyundai dealer. Each time they scanned the code, performed basic checks, but stated “engine is working normal, no road vibration, nothing” and did not resolve the issue. The code returns immediately after clearing. I replaced the knock sensor, engine mounts, spark plugs, ignition coils myself—did not fix it. Dealers did not perform the full bearing clearance test or follow TSB 22-01-023H (Service Campaign T6G) procedure as required for this known issue (related to Recall 209 and Campaign 966). The component (engine/connecting rod bearings) is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. No police, insurance, or other parties have inspected it beyond the dealer. This matches a widespread known defect in 2011–2019 Sonata Hybrids (bearing wear triggering P1326/limp mode).

NHTSA ODI 11716603

Car just sputtered and then the engine stopped working in cyclinder 2

NHTSA ODI 11716201

This car is becoming more of a headache than it’s worth. Turned the car on, My car started shaking and my check engine light came on. then I got this message “A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata”

NHTSA ODI 11716294

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 it’s crazy that I need a new motor after babying the car.

NHTSA ODI 11715671

Was just driving and lost steering, basically very hard to turn the wheel. Traction control light and a red steering wheel light came on.

NHTSA ODI 11715392

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise and metal debris in the engine oil—primary 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 around 8/20/25, I took the vehicle to Earnhardt Hyundai-San Tan. I informed the technician of the oil burning and metal shavings. They refused to perform the recall repair and charged a $200 diagnostic fee for an inspection related to a federally mandated safety recall. Under federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301), recall remedies must be provided at no cost to the owner. Furthermore, components were not reassembled correctly during the inspection. The vehicle is now leaking oil onto my driveway and has been rendered inoperable. It has not been driven since I picked it up on August 25, 2025. I am requesting that Hyundai be compelled to perform the recall remedy and reimburse the unauthorized diagnostic fee.

NHTSA ODI 11713116

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 consumption issue.

NHTSA ODI 11711880

My vehicle has a documented excessive oil‑consumption defect. After a 1,000‑mile oil‑consumption 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 23‑EM‑008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America declined to cover the repair and refused to escalate my case. This level of oil consumption is consistent with known Theta II engine defects that have led to engine seizure, stalling, and fire in other vehicles. I am reporting this as a safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11711950

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 vehicle. This has been a noticeable issue for quite sometime now. I have taken the car to the Hyundai dealership on multiple occassions after notably heavy oil consumption in a short time period in between scheduled oil changes. I am told by the dealership that it is evident that the engine is rapidly processing and burning oil inappropriately from a possible manufacturing defect recall related to connecting-rod bearing failure that was issued by Hyundai for various Hyundai models. The damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of fire.

NHTSA ODI 11711980

I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.

NHTSA ODI 11711495

Manufacturer has refused engine replacement under federal KSDS recall settlement without providing causation proof. Owner has maintenance records. Request NHTSA compliance review.

NHTSA ODI 11710129

Manufacturer is refusing recall engine replacement alleging neglect without proof of causation. Vehicle has documented maintenance. Denial appears improper under recall compliance law.

NHTSA ODI 11709728

The vehicle’s dashboard continuously displays a “hood open” warning even though the hood is fully closed and securely latched. The hood has been physically inspected and confirmed to be closed, yet the warning persists. The issue appears to be related to a faulty hood latch sensor or switch, which is part of the hood latch assembly. The warning is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual condition of the hood. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, as it may represent a defect in the hood latch sensor system on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata that could affect multiple vehicles and pose a safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11708495

Airbags did not deploy no indicator light came on before nor after I was struck from my driver side front area and yes it is available for inspection upon request. My safety along with my sisters safety was put at risk due to the negligence and cheapness of the dealership I purchased the car from also from there misleading information and improper inspection before selling me the car Car has not been reproduced or confirmed The car was inspected by a third party appraisal company for damages amounts There were no lights on at all before the accident and I am pretty certain that the dealership cleaared the codes before selling me the car

NHTSA ODI 11708579

Cylinders in the engine are misfiring causing car to shake. Pistons in the engine are having trouble keeping the air compressed so psi to continue to decrease causing the misfire.

NHTSA ODI 11708351

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport Limited 2.4 has a known engine defect causing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was at an authorized Hyundai dealership for the oil consumption test and had been approved for a new engine replacement. Prior to the repair, I completed $2,300 in maintenance, specifically an oil combustion cleaning and spark plug replacement, which the dealership said was required to perform the oil consumption test. While the vehicle was in the dealership’s custody, it caught fire on 12/19/2025 at World Hyundai Matteson. No one was injured, but the car was destroyed. This occurred while the vehicle was under warranty repair, creating a serious safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to document the fire and the associated safety issue with this engine defect.

NHTSA ODI 11707642

My car steering is locking up while driving on highway and regular roads. Resulting almost in not being able to control and crash. I also had a recall for my engine which was already replaced and now having same issue with oil burning and not leaking.

NHTSA ODI 11706062

Car consuming EXCESSIVE Oil. Oil changes went from lasting 6-7k miles, to less than 4k miles, to less than 2k miles within a year. Checked for leaks, nothing found. Here is the breakdown, I added more oil when the oil lights would flash on. : 12/06/24 FULL OIL CHANGE Mileage: 80,735 6/11/25 FULL OIL CHANGE 86,164 miles 10/6/25 1 qt  89,000 miles 10/10/25 FULL OIL CHANGE 90,121 miles 1 qt 11/30/25 91,550 miles 1 qt 12/11/25  92,700 miles Hyundai is AWARE that this is an ongoing issue - they should legally be required to fix this whether a car has a warranty or not. Bad for the engine and engine replacements aren't cheap

NHTSA ODI 11705570

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle became sluggish and snagged while driving to the residence. The steering wheel symbol in red was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,011.

NHTSA ODI 11703779

My car is blowing a large amount of white smoke due to the head gasket being cracked, I was quoted 2 grand to fix it. The car is not old enough to need a new head gasket, this is completely due to how the car manufactured and I have seen many other reports of this, there should be a recall and this should be fixed free of charge.

NHTSA ODI 11703459

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a vehicle purchased from [XXX] on [XXX]. The vehicle was later involved in a collision that resulted in a total loss. According to the police report, I was not at fault. During this crash, none of the airbags deployed, which indicates a possible defect or prior undisclosed issue with the airbag system. The vehicle was sold with a warranty and was represented as safe and road-ready. The dealership also provided and managed the full-coverage insurance policy. However, the total-loss claim has been delayed and obstructed, and the dealership has not taken responsibility for ensuring the vehicle’s safety or functionality. There is significant concern regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to sale. Records show that Byrider cleared the vehicle’s computer on July 16, 2025, less than a month before purchase. This may have erased important diagnostic information, including any prior airbag-system faults. Clearing the computer in this manner raises questions about whether a known issue was hidden or whether mandatory diagnostic data was removed before the sale. At the time of purchase, I signed an airbag disclosure form in which Byrider stated: •They had “no knowledge of any reason why the airbag system would not operate properly,” and •They “cannot guarantee that the airbag system will deploy in the event of an accident.” Despite this disclosure, the fact that the airbags did not deploy in a crash severe enough to total the vehicle suggests a significant safety defect, potential misrepresentation, or a failure to comply with federal safety requirements. Airbag non-deployment in a total-loss collision indicates a system failure that poses a serious risk to consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11703144

e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11702016

While driving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle entered "limp mode" The check engine light was blinking, I took the car to a very close autozone and the check engine light came on with code P1326 (pricture upload files), which is directly related to the known KSDS connecting rod bearing defect. This issue is part of Hyundai’s safety recalls and engine warranty extensions. After that, I called Hyundai directly (reference number for that call #XXX). A kind young woman informed me that my car had been through "Service Campaign 953" and successfully completed a "Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Update." Thanks to this, she explained that my car is under the "Hyundai TXXI warranty" and that, given the noise I was hearing along with the "P1326" code, it was very likely that my car qualified for a free engine replacement. She then scheduled an appointment for me at the nearest Hyundai dealership for the following morning. After more than two weeks of inspection, the dealer confirmed that the engine has internal damage and needs a complete replacement due to rod bearing failure. This is the exact defect addressed in Hyundai’s safety campaigns. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to cover the engine replacement because the vehicle exceeded its mileage limit, even though the engine failure is clearly caused by the known safety-related defect. The dealer acknowledged the problem and documented everything, but Hyundai is denying proper safety recall-related coverage. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, the vehicle is currently disabled and undrivable at the dealership due to the defect. Hyundai is only offering a buyback or a small cash settlement instead of performing the necessary safety repair. I am filing this complaint for many reasons but mainly because the refusal to replace the defective engine, despite the recall-related code P1326 and confirmed bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11702027

1. Sunroof frame detached from car due to defective adhesive. (Antena tailfin also detached from car years earlier because of defective adhesive). Because of this the frame was bent causing the sunroof to disengage from car . 2. Sunroof disengaging while on Interstate could have causes an accident or harmed person in car. A recall was placed on 2016 HYUNDAI Sonatas due to sunroof. 3. Unknown 4. HYUNDAI hired an engineering firm. The firm ( which was paid by HYUNDAI) found in favor of HYUNDAI. 5. Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11701828