2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: engine knocking or ticking

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 Aug 31, 2024 · Engine · TN

This is the seventh occurrence of complete loss of power while driving on the interstate. The hybrid system warning activated, followed by the engine shutting down, and all dashboard lights illuminated with alerts indicating "Shut Off Engine/HEV." An 18 wheeler was pulling out from the shoulder as I was losing power and barely missed getting crushed. The former problems have all been at interstate speeds with similar accident avoided. The service history clearly demonstrates that Hyundai has repeatedly attempted to address this issue by replacing numerous critical components, including the engine, transmission, knock sensor, battery (three times), integrated brake actuation system, and smart cruise control, among others. Despite these extensive repairs, the problem persists. On this latest occasion, less than 4,000 miles and four months since the last major incident, the dealership has proposed replacing the intake manifold, EGR valve, HSG belt, and spark plugs. The belt was changed less than 20K miles ago. and I believe the spark plugs were as well. Each time my vehicle experiences this issue, it is out of commission for weeks or even months at a time, causing significant inconvenience and raising serious safety concerns. I no longer trust this vehicle and I don't believe the many recalls have successfully addressed the root cause of issues with the 2017 Hybrids.

Filed Aug 10, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

While driving on the highway, the car loss. The dashboard noted the Blindspot Detention System failed and the dash noted "Hybrid System Warning. Turn off Engine." The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They confirmed a Knock System Sensor had to be replaced. Less than a month after the repair, the same issue occurred on the highway again and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Vehicle has been at the dealership for over 2 weeks and dealership has confirmed they haven't been able to accurately diagnosis the problem yet. Both incidents have occurred after the dealership addressed the recall campaign related to the engine.

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · Engine · TX

Excessive oil consumption. Engine makes knocking sound. Check engine light and/or oil light come off & on. Over heat light & HEV LIGHT. Bought car brand new in Sep2017. December 2017 car was in shop for a month. Ever since that incident, car has been in & out the dealership for same issues. Car has been serviced only by Hyundai dealerships. Currently my car has been in the shop awaiting repairs since end of February 2024. I keep getting the delay in parts excuse. Hyundai claims my car does not fall under their lawsuit for engine replacement nor do they acknowledge faulty engine oil consumption.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Engine · 122,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that his wife was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the mechanic retrieved various codes from the engine, and P1326 for the engine knock code and informed his wife that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and performed a bearing clearance test and replaced the knock sensor. The dealer determined that the engine did not need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2023 · Engine · UT

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after his daughter started the vehicle, the vehicle began to knock and shake violently, and his daughter smelled a burning odor within the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the connecting rod bearings inside the engine had worn prematurely, requiring the replacement of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact’s wife was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that he was then notified by his wife of the failure and arrived at the scene to move the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the assembly generator failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that three days later while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood and the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Engine, Steering · 15,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an unknown recall repair, there were abnormal knocking, clicking, and flapping noises heard intermittently coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the vehicle had reduced power steering assist and was stalling while driving uphill. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three different occasions; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the wiper blades and key fob were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 91,679 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and several DTC codes were cleared and the accelerator pedal assembly was replaced. Shortly after receiving the repair, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer another time. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that max cylinder #7 had failed to cause a knocking in the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included and the repair was denied. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 91,679.