2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: engine failure

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid suffered a sudden and dangerous engine failure matching the exact conditions of the federal safety agency Safety Recall 209 (Hyundai Campaign 209) for premature connecting rod bearing wear. The vehicle entered Limp Mode due to diagnostic trouble code P1326. The mandatory Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update was successfully completed on this vehicle prior to the failure. The vehicle is currently located at Hyundai of [XXX], where dealership technicians confirmed that the engine is completely failed and requires replacement. However, the dealership and manufacturer are actively refusing to perform the mandatory safety recall remedy, instructing me to pick up the un-repaired, hazardous vehicle. They are citing the vehicle's salvage title as the sole reason for denial. Under federal the federal safety agency regulations, a manufacturer cannot deny a safety recall remedy based on a salvage or branded title status unless the vehicle cannot be physically or safely repaired. This engine defect poses a documented fire and stalling hazard. I am filing this immediate complaint because Hyundai is violating federal recall mandates by attempting to discharge a vehicle with an open, dangerous safety hazard without completing the legally required remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption with an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was informed that the vehicle passed the inspection. While driving later, the vehicle stalled and was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and several DTC including the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) were found. The contact stated that while driving or reversing at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered, made abnormal rattling sounds, entered HEV Lock Mode, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle occasionally came to a complete stop in the middle of the road and had to be pushed out of the roadway. On other occasions, the driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed after stalling. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated before the vehicle entered HEV Lock Mode, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where several tests, including bearing clearance tests and unknown repairs, were performed; however, the failure persisted. During the final service visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine wear and tear and fractured pistons. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the service manager informed the contact that there was no guarantee that replacing the engine or catalytic converter would resolve the failure due to severe engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered loaner vehicle assistance on several occasions; however, coverage for the engine replacement was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Engine · 183,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to the rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · AZ

FAIL/MALFUNCTION 3/18/25: Internal engine failure diagnosed by local Avondale, AZ Hyundai dealership service - rod bearing failure suspected. Vehicle currently undergoing Bearing Clearance Test to affirm this or any connecting rod issues, with possible need for total engine replacement. When googling "Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2017 internal engine failure," masses of reports generate from consumers with this model, complaining of same defect, as do numerous recalls for such defects that have been mandated for the model with range of years including 2017.Yet when searching with my VIN, it says no recalls have been mandated, in spite of the undeniable, widespread identical defect. Available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Driving on the freeway in city traffic at 70-75mph, the engine completely stopped and all dash lights lit up at once. Vehicle had to be coasted to shoulder to wait for roadside assistance. Extremely hazardous to us in vehicle and to all around us with sudden, dramatic speed change in moving, constant freeway traffic. First time: Our usual mechanics at Pep Boys did diagnostic but found nothing, the vehicle drove normally for them, yet they did our regular tune-up, oil change, etc. Two weeks later, the same event happened on freeway, identical to first time. We were very lucky that no crashes happened either time. Pep Boys advised that Hyundai investigate the issue. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lights or sounds presented until the events themselves, when the entire dash lit up. However, in the couple of months before, there were occasional, slight hesitation moments in the motion while driving at any speed. CONCERNS: 1) It seems Hyundai is on track to want to charge me for an entire engine replacement, or for whatever engine repairs they deem, e.g. connecting rods, for manufacturing defects that they are entirely responsible for, 2) no recall seems to be mandated YET for this VIN batch, and 3) too many consumers are in danger - physically and financially.

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas pedal. It struggled to go at or above 60-65 mph. The freeway speed was 70 mph and it was a safety risk for the car to power down. Dublin Hyundai could not replicate the problem, simply recharged the battery and said I was good to go. Less than 1 week later, the exact same thing happened as I started on a road trip. I had to return the car home and get it towed to Stockton Hyundai for diagnosis. This is car is only 6 years old, has been routinely maintained, and just hit 100k miles, for which Hyundai is denying any repair assistance even though there is a lifetime hybrid battery warranty.

Filed Dec 22, 2022 · Engine · 90,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 19, 2022 · Engine · VA

Had the car at the dealership one month ago for recall repairs. They said it was two quarts of oil low. First time that has been so low. Two days ago, driving home when I start hearing weird intermittent engine noise. Decide to drive to dealership. Almost made it when engine noise became very loud. Pulled over and had it towed to dealership. Engine failure. While waiting for tow, checked oil after it cooled - no oil on dipstick at all. No warning lights on dash. I shut engine off quickly after it was obviously about to fail, noise got louder. Most all maintenance done at dealership. 88k miles. 2017 Hyundai sonata hybrid. Dealership told me they have TWENTY cars with similiar problem on the lot right now

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the check HEV System message was displayed. The vehicle then lost motive power and was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on two separate occasions. The dealer replaced the engine coil and battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the dealer performed the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lightning, Electrical System) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.