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2017 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

403 complaints (52% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
403
of this car's complaints
52%
typical mileage
76,000
crashes
6
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: oil/lubrication
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1
  • Engine: oil/lubrication: filter/screen
    1
  • Engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM): software
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Sonata engine problems in other years

19911995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Oil consumption 146Check engine light 137Engine failure 100Knocking 76Stalling 69Loss of power 56Misfire 23Won't start 8Overheating 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Loss of Motive PowerOpened September 12, 2022, closed December 12, 2023

the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

DP22003

What 2017 Hyundai Sonata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · WV

On the morning of XXX, when starting my vehicle, I noticed that the oil warning light was flashing. The outside temperature was in the low 40s, which immediately raised concerns about the vehicle's engine and oil pressure. I promptly shut off the engine and checked the oil level. The oil level was full, as I expected, because I had checked it the previous day. I have consistently paid close attention to the oil level in this vehicle because it has consumed oil throughout the entire time I have owned it, beginning shortly after I purchased it brand new. Due to this ongoing issue, I make it a point to keep extra engine oil in my trunk so I can monitor and maintain the proper oil level. On XXXX, I stopped by the Joe Holland Hyundai Service Department and spoke with [XXX] about the oil warning light continuing to flicker while driving. Unfortunately, no resolution or explanation was provided. However, [XXX] did acknowledge that the engine in my vehicle had previously been identified on a problem list due to a machining error that occurred during the engine manufacturing process. This acknowledgment is particularly concerning because it suggests that Hyundai was aware of a potential manufacturing defect involving this engine. Despite the vehicle's ongoing oil consumption and the appearance of the oil warning light, I have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation or resolution from the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · 180,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming oil. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · 180,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle lost automotive power and the vehicle was barely moving. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change one week prior to the failure. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · MD

I had recently taken my 2017 Hyundai Sonata in for an Engine Diagnostic check at the Bel Air Hyundai dealership, (10/15/26) worth $199.99 for an hour of maintenance, after experiencing sudden jolts when powering on and driving, needing additional time warming up. My initial thought was that the temperature gauge had gotten stuck again, or that the sensor needed to be fixed. I suggested that the dealership check for this issue before doing the diagnostic to see if it was still needed afterward. My service advisor, Kevin, said that this is included as part of the diagnostic testing. I figured it would be in the best interest for my vehicle to do an initial check, regardless of cost, to avoid further complications down the line, yet the 9 C2 update was performed without my consent or knowledge beforehand. They performed a multipoint inspection, which shows on record I had it done months prior during my last oil change, free of charge on both occasions, yet it only shows the vehicle, not engine. I have the lifetime warranty as advertised, covered by Zurich, which my service advisor showed me on his computer. However, he said my concern was a mechanical issue, not covered under this warranty. After the diagnostic was performed, I was shown the invoice, including the 9 C2 emissions page at the end, explaining the effects of this update. It does not serve as a systemic improvement, but a worsening change in operation and performance. I was only told about the service after it was performed. It is astounding because the side effects explained on the 9 C2 form are the actual concerns I had before bringing the car in. The update was not a necessary procedure, from my understanding this will only lead to more safety risks down the line. After doing research, given recent complaints about how it has affected many vehicles, I must share that they should have notified me beforehand to be aware about these risks so that I could make the personal decision for my vehicle.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am reporting an unaddressed, critical safety defect involving the Theta II engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The engine has developed a severe internal metallic knocking noise consistent with connecting rod bearing failure—the exact manufacturing defect associated with Hyundai's major engine recall campaigns (such as Recall 198 / Campaign 966)

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Engine · UT

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure out of nowhere without any warning lights or previous symptoms. An inspection of the engine cylinder revealed a physical hole blown through the top of the Cylinder 2 piston, causing immediate and complete loss of engine compression. This sudden structural failure caused the vehicle to completely lose all propulsion and stall unexpectedly while in operation, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard on the road.This vehicle features Hyundai's 2.4L Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, a family with a well-documented history of manufacturing defects, severe oil consumption, and catastrophic internal structural failures. Because this failure occurred instantly and without a progressive warning, it put occupants at risk of a severe rear-end collision or stranding in an unsafe traffic pattern. I am filing this safety report because the catastrophic destruction of the internal engine components presents a persistent and dangerous hazard to public safety.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

We had a recall done, Campaign 92C, and every since then the car drives horrible. It's worse when cool, it sputters, and hesitates especially when excellerating. Even after warmed up it seems to slam in and out of gear at low speeds, even when foot is not on the gas. The drive is choppy. The dealership told us to drive it and let the transmission "learn" our driving patterns, but it has not resolved itself. Before campaign car ran smooth, now shuttering and sputtering.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under the federal safety agency Recall 17V226 that cannot be denied due to a salvage title. Instead of replying to my facts, the Case Manager Kathy gave me a hard denial falsely framing my federal recall safety request as a "voluntary goodwill warranty" issue to justify her rejection. Please help me in getting authorization my car with Hyundai dealership in Plano Tx to run the bearing rod test and get it fixed.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · FL

My engine seemed to be consuming oil way to much I had to do a oil change at 61,000 recommend by tire plus but at 58,000 is when I had to change my oil I also noticed there is a buring smell and its also been leaking oil at times I went to get it checked out by a mechanic at tireplus but they also they are seeing that the oil consumption was not normal and they recommend a possible recall for it because it hazardous for how fast its consuming and the leaks

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine · MD

Driving home from work on [XXX] (not a safe location)when my car lost power and engine light began to flash. I pulled off to the side of road and called my dad. He came with a code reader and said there was a code P1326. He cleared the code and car drove normally again. 2 days later it began to run rough. I was told about the engine recall so I called Hyundai corporate and told them this same story. I was advised to take to dealership and have the “rod bearings inspected” and shouldn’t matter that my dad cleared the code. The dealership(Massey Hyundai MD) said it had a burnt valve and not part of warranty. But never checked rod bearings. When I called corporate. They said nothing they could do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Questions about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata engine

Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have engine problems?

Owners have filed 403 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata, 52% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2017 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Hyundai Sonata have bad engine?

The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (1,012 complaints), 2013 (776 complaints) and 2015 (650 complaints).

Other 2017 Hyundai Sonata problems

Steering 173Electrical 65Transmission 56Body 37Fuel system 33Airbags 22Brakes 22Acceleration 20Lights 20Locks 17Driver assistance 11Seat belts 8Suspension 4Tires 3Visibility 3Wheels 3Seats 1

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