2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 57 and ranks 7th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 80 complaints, 3 recalls, and 4 fires, with the engine as the top problem area at 64% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 57/100
- #7 of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 80
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 41
- 38.5 city / 44 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine51 (64%)
- Electrical System19 (24%)
- Other11 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (13%)
- Fuel System8 (10%)
- Steering8 (10%)
- Brakes7 (9%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
- Airbags1 (1%)
- Lane Departure1 (1%)
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 sudden loss of engine power on the highway along with a 'stop vehicle and check brakes' message, leaving the car without power to the wheels.
- Some describe the engine shuddering at highway speed with the check engine light on, followed by an unusual odor and, in some cases, fire.
- Several drivers experienced a 'check hybrid system shut off engine' warning after which the car would not restart, sometimes taking multiple attempts.
- One owner reported a coolant temperature warning and white smoke from the rear of the vehicle while driving at low speed.
- Owners also mention a generator pulley grinding noise tied to a warning light, and a persistent howling sound from the brakes when applied.
- A fuel-system related fire was reported while driving on the freeway shortly after starting the trip.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V749000Sep 24, 2021Electrical System469,377 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
- NHTSA 21V727000Sep 17, 2021Engine95,515 vehicles
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.
- NHTSA 21V619000Aug 6, 2021Structure & Body348,158 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 38.5 MPG
- Highway
- 44 MPG
- Combined
- 41 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,575
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- NHTSA data gives it a complaint index of 57, ranking 7th worst among 15 Sonata Hybrid model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up 64% of its complaints.
- What are the main problems with the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Engine issues lead at 64% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 77,500 miles, followed by electrical system problems at 24% and transmission/powertrain issues at 13%.
- Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 21V727000 covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely and cause engine damage in certain 2017 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
- How does the 2017 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years?
- It ranks better than the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid, which are all rated Avoid, but worse than the 2018, 2020, and later years, several of which earn Good or Best verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 41 mpg combined (38.5 city / 44 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,575.