YearToAvoid

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has a complaint index of 80, ranking 2nd-worst out of 6 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 41 complaints, 3 recalls, 3 fires, and 4 crashes, with electrical and engine issues topping the list.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
80/100
#2 of 6 Ioniq Hybrid years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
41
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
3
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2018
rated Best

Top 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System15 (37%)
  2. Engine14 (34%)
  3. Fuel System12 (29%)
  4. Other7 (17%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain6 (15%)
  6. Brakes5 (12%)
  7. Steering2 (5%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
  9. Airbags1 (2%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the power relay assembly overheating and producing smoke or an acid-like electronic smell, in some cases leading to fire near the rear seat.
  • Some vehicles reportedly surged or revved unexpectedly when shifting from reverse to drive or at low speed, resulting in loss of control and collisions.
  • Adaptive cruise control reportedly failed to stop the vehicle on inclines and did not function consistently at the same intersections.
  • Owners report a front axle cracking after making noise on multiple shop visits.
  • Some drivers report a stability/traction control fault paired with a check engine light and loss of air conditioning shortly after purchase.
  • Sun glare off the dashboard surface reportedly obscured the outside rearview mirrors under certain sun angles.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month4Jul 2017Feb 2018Apr 2019Oct 2019Oct 2022Nov 2023May 2025Dec 2025
41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2019 (4).

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V459000Jun 28, 2022Fuel System10,575 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V-704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.

    Risk: An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

  2. NHTSA 18V704000Oct 5, 2018Fuel System10,575 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 2018 Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.

    Risk: The increased electrical resistance can overheat the rear seat which is above the PRA, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) for damage. If no damage is found, the main relay will be replaced. If damage is found, the PRA will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 178.

  3. NHTSA 18V260000Apr 24, 2018Fuel System10,156 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles. The Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) inner oil seal may leak, allowing oil to accumulate in the cap area, possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly if needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 20, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 176.

2017 compared with other Ioniq Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Avoid80413—
2018Best20132—
2019Avoid100161—

All Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 Ioniq Hybrid a complaint index of 80, the second-worst of the six model years covered, with an Avoid verdict. Electrical system and engine complaints make up the largest share of reports.
What are the main problems with the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid?
The top problem areas are the Electrical System (15 complaints, 37%) and Engine (14 complaints, 34%), followed by Fuel System (12 complaints, 29%). Three complaints involved fires and four involved crashes.
Does the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Ioniq Hybrid: two power relay assembly recalls (18V704000, 22V459000) tied to overheating, and one for the hydraulic clutch actuator oil seal (18V260000). None are do-not-drive recalls.
How does the 2017 model compare to other Ioniq Hybrid years?
The 2017 model's complaint index of 80 is worse than 2018 (20, Best), 2020 (40, Good), and 2021 (0, Best), but better than 2019 (100, Avoid). Among these six years, 2017 ranks 2nd-worst.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.