YearToAvoid

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 4 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years

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

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is the worst year of the four with data, ranked 1 of 4 with a complaint index of 100 and 32 complaints, mostly tied to the Engine (19 complaints, 59%) and Electrical System (11 complaints, 34%). It carries 2 recalls, one for the Smart Junction Box and one for the Voltage Protection Device.

Complaints
32
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
39
38 city / 40 hwy

Top 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine19 (59%)
  2. Electrical System11 (34%)
  3. Other7 (22%)
  4. Fuel System6 (19%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
  6. Brakes1 (3%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
  8. Steering1 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the gasoline engine turning on and staying on unexpectedly with a "check hybrid system" warning, even when the EV battery is fully charged.
  • Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling and losing power while coming to a stop, requiring the gas pedal pressed fully to regain movement.
  • Several complaints describe sudden loss of power or deceleration on the highway while the check engine and hybrid system warnings illuminated simultaneously.
  • Owners describe the lithium-ion battery failing to charge properly, sometimes citing an overheating condition that stops or blocks charging.
  • Reports mention severe vibration when the gas engine engages during hybrid (HEV) mode driving, sometimes accompanied by an illuminated engine light.
  • Some drivers report the front collision warning or cruise control systems failing to activate properly or engaging inconsistently at lower speeds.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month5Dec 2016Apr 2018Apr 2019Jun 2021Apr 2023Mar 2025May 2026
50 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to May 2026; peak Jan 2024 (5).

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 18V166000Mar 12, 2018Fuel System2,840 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

    Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
38 MPG
Highway
40 MPG
Combined
39 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular Gas and Electricity
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 Plug-in Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Caution6726240
2017Avoid10032239
2018No verdict00139
2019Good335039

All Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
Among the four Sonata Plug-in Hybrid model years with data, 2017 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 32 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
Engine issues account for 19 complaints (59%), and Electrical System issues account for 11 complaints (34%). Fuel System problems make up 6 complaints (19%).
Does the 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes, it has 2 recalls: one for a Smart Junction Box software issue affecting the electrical system, and one for a Voltage Protection Device in the fuel system, neither classified as do-not-drive.
How does 2017 compare to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years?
2017 has a complaint index of 100 versus 67 for 2016, 0 for 2018, and 33 for 2019, making 2017 the year with the most reported problems relative to its peers.
Were there any crashes, fires, or injuries reported for the 2017 model?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported for the 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.

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.