How common are engine problems in the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

NHTSA lists 51 Engine complaints for the 2017 model year, which is 64% of all 80 complaints filed, the highest share of any Sonata Hybrid model year in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine?

Yes. Recall 21V727000 covers premature wear of the connecting rod bearings, which can cause engine damage; dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found.

At what mileage do 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 77,500 miles at the time of the reported engine failure.

Have there been fires linked to 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine issues?

NHTSA records 3 fires and 1 crash among the complaints filed in this problem area for the 2017 model year, with no injuries reported.

2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 51 Engine complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 64% of all 80 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure was 77,500 miles, and Hyundai issued recall 21V727000 for premature connecting rod bearing wear that can cause engine damage.

Engine complaints: 51; 64% of 80
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 77,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden engine shutdown or stalling at stoplights and low speeds, sometimes requiring multiple restart attempts.
Some describe a loud knocking sound from the engine while accelerating, accompanied by vibration and a check engine light.
Several report the hybrid system displaying a failure warning followed by loss of power, white smoke, or a burning odor, in some cases leading to fire.
Owners describe abrupt loss of acceleration at highway speed near shift points, especially under hard throttle.
Some report the vehicle would not go into park or respond to accelerator input after a hybrid system warning appeared.

When 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 25, 2017, latest Sep 1, 2026.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2017 to Sep 2026; peak Jun 2022 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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.

Engine complaints by Sonata Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201143 (45%)
201279 (51%)
201345 (42%)
201412 (44%)
201523 (43%)
201679 (60%)
201751 (64%)
20185 (56%)
20192 (50%)
20208 (50%)
202124 (44%)
20222 (11%)
20238 (53%)
20243 (33%)
20251 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?: NHTSA lists 51 Engine complaints for the 2017 model year, which is 64% of all 80 complaints filed, the highest share of any Sonata Hybrid model year in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine?: Yes. Recall 21V727000 covers premature wear of the connecting rod bearings, which can cause engine damage; dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found.
At what mileage do 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 77,500 miles at the time of the reported engine failure.
Have there been fires linked to 2017 Sonata Hybrid engine issues?: NHTSA records 3 fires and 1 crash among the complaints filed in this problem area for the 2017 model year, with no injuries reported.