2017 Hyundai Sonata: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed May 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · UT

Supplemental Information to Existing the federal safety agency Complaint involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) While traveling at approximately 70 MPH on a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost propulsion without warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated in traffic, creating a significant safety hazard for my family and surrounding motorists and requiring emergency maneuvering to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership, where diagnostic testing identified multiple high-voltage battery system fault codes: • P0B68 • P0B6D • P0B72 The dealership diagnosed a high-voltage battery system failure requiring battery replacement. The vehicle is currently non-drivable. During my research, I found multiple owner reports involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles experiencing loss of power, hybrid system failures, limp mode conditions, and propulsion-related incidents. I also learned that Hyundai previously issued Recall 18V166000 involving 2016–2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vehicles due to battery management system and voltage protection device concerns that could result in loss of power while driving. Dealer says does appply for my car. Although my vehicle’s fault codes may differ from those addressed in the recall, both involve battery-related failures capable of affecting propulsion and creating a highway safety risk. My concern extends beyond my individual vehicle. A high-voltage battery or battery management system failure that can cause a complete loss of propulsion at highway speed without warning presents a potentially serious safety risk. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether similar incidents involving Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles indicate a broader safety concern warranting further review. I can provide dealership diagnostic reports, repair estimates, towing records, photos, and videos upon request. Thank you for your consideration, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

Filed May 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AL

I have a Hyundai Sonata 2017 one year after I bought the car I started having acceleration problems. I have had the throttle changed and the valve gasket cover repaired. On April 15, 2026 the check engine light came on. On April 29th I got theta 2 emissions update installed at Hyundai Auburn, Al. I took it too auto zone the same day the code P1326 was showing up and P0014. On May 5th my car entered limp mode for excessive oil leakage, I got an oil change April 6, 2026. My car has never done that until the update was installed. I get my oil changed every 6 months and also have sent them records. They denied my claim due to lack of maintenance.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine · IN

Burns through oil Oil will be black and barely any on the dip stick Cannot make it to recommended oil change miles or date Goes into limp mode

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a permanent and recurring DTC P1326 (Knock signal range/performance) from the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), indicating potential connecting rod bearing wear in the Nu 2.0L engine. The vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power, limited acceleration/speed) on the highway under load, with hard engine vibration, tinkling/knocking noise from under hood, and significantly reduced MPG. These symptoms create a serious safety risk: sudden loss of power at highway speeds (e.g., 50+ mph) makes it difficult to maintain speed, merge, or avoid hazards, increasing crash risk or stranding in traffic. In rare cases, bearing wear can lead to engine seizure or failure. The problem first appeared summer 2024 at approximately 115,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminates (cristmass tree), and limp mode triggers during highway driving. I have an OBD scan showing confirmed, pending, and permanent P1326, plus related hybrid communication codes (U0293, U1004) likely secondary to the protection mode. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times (four visits) by a Hyundai dealer. Each time they scanned the code, performed basic checks, but stated “engine is working normal, no road vibration, nothing” and did not resolve the issue. The code returns immediately after clearing. I replaced the knock sensor, engine mounts, spark plugs, ignition coils myself—did not fix it. Dealers did not perform the full bearing clearance test or follow TSB 22-01-023H (Service Campaign T6G) procedure as required for this known issue (related to Recall 209 and Campaign 966). The component (engine/connecting rod bearings) is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. No police, insurance, or other parties have inspected it beyond the dealer. This matches a widespread known defect in 2011–2019 Sonata Hybrids (bearing wear triggering P1326/limp mode).

Filed Nov 29, 2025 · Engine · FL

While driving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle entered "limp mode" The check engine light was blinking, I took the car to a very close autozone and the check engine light came on with code P1326 (pricture upload files), which is directly related to the known KSDS connecting rod bearing defect. This issue is part of Hyundai’s safety recalls and engine warranty extensions. After that, I called Hyundai directly (reference number for that call #XXX). A kind young woman informed me that my car had been through "Service Campaign 953" and successfully completed a "Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Update." Thanks to this, she explained that my car is under the "Hyundai TXXI warranty" and that, given the noise I was hearing along with the "P1326" code, it was very likely that my car qualified for a free engine replacement. She then scheduled an appointment for me at the nearest Hyundai dealership for the following morning. After more than two weeks of inspection, the dealer confirmed that the engine has internal damage and needs a complete replacement due to rod bearing failure. This is the exact defect addressed in Hyundai’s safety campaigns. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to cover the engine replacement because the vehicle exceeded its mileage limit, even though the engine failure is clearly caused by the known safety-related defect. The dealer acknowledged the problem and documented everything, but Hyundai is denying proper safety recall-related coverage. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, the vehicle is currently disabled and undrivable at the dealership due to the defect. Hyundai is only offering a buyback or a small cash settlement instead of performing the necessary safety repair. I am filing this complaint for many reasons but mainly because the refusal to replace the defective engine, despite the recall-related code P1326 and confirmed bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

Filed Oct 5, 2025 · Engine · MA

Purchased the vehicle and immediately noticed a drip in the driveway. I was concerned so I started checking the dip stick. I booked a diagnostic appointment with a Hyundai Service Center. I wanted to be sure I purchased a quality vehicle. Upon what i thought was a complete diagnostic, a cracked oil pan was discovered. I agreed to purchase and pay out of pocket, everything else had checked out. I was told I could drive while I waited for the pan to come in, service was scheduled. The car never made it back. I continued to check the dipstick but while driving on a very busy interstate, the engine light went on and lost power. I barely managed to get to the breakdown lane. A complete safety hazard. I was towed to the closest garage where the owner suggested he see’s 3-4 of these a week. He would not touch it, have it towed to Hyundai. I paid for another diagnostic and now a flat bed tow. Key Hyundai of Salem NH accepted the vehicle. I paid another $498 to have an “engine tear-down” send a detailed finding report to Corporate. I called Corporate and filled my own case number. I was denied by Corporate, I was told I was a subsequent owner. The dealership didn’t match, I’m denied because the engine didn’t seize because of Rod issue. Well Hyundai is praying upon consumers. They knowingly initiated the KDS Recall and installed sensors to place a vehicle in “Limp Mode” so the rod isn’t the issue and they deny coverage. I paid a private mechanic verify cylinder 3 has low compression. Had the car not gone into “Limp Mode” the rod bearings would have failed.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine · VA

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE is experiencing symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure covered under Hyundai’s KSDS extended warranty program. June 22, 2019: KSDS software (Campaign 953) installed, qualifying the vehicle for Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for bearing failures. August 2022: Campaign 208 engine recall performed. Hyundai’s record shows Aug 15, 2022, while Wright Way Hyundai’s service history shows Aug 13, 2022 (discrepancy unresolved). March 2025 (100,238 miles): Vehicle went into limp mode with tailpipe smoke and loss of power. It was towed to Wright Way Hyundai, which kept it for several days but returned it with “no issue found.” The smoke continued. June 5, 2025 (103,996 miles): Oil change performed. August 27, 2025: Oil light illuminated, dipstick showed no oil. Vehicle now exhibits severe drivability issues consistent with bearing damage. Hyundai has incorrectly tried to reframe this as an oil-consumption issue and directed me to pay $600 for a combustion chamber cleaning. My issue is not oil consumption — it is a bearing-related failure already covered by warranty. Hyundai’s obligations include a no-cost inspection/diagnosis for connecting rod bearing failure, yet I have been denied that process. Despite repeated written requests, Hyundai continues to attempt phone communication instead of email, even addressing me by the wrong name in correspondence, which suggests reliance on standardized or generic responses. I have exclusively maintained the vehicle at Wright Way Hyundai, following Hyundai’s service schedule. I am resorting to filing this complaint because after weeks of email correspondence, Hyundai’s corporate agent refuses to help and the manager insists on only calling by phone — which I will not answer out of concern they will attempt to mischaracterize or dismiss my complaint verbally. This failure poses a safety risk because the vehicle has lost power suddenly and requiring restart.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NV

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is defective. Oil pressure failed testing, oil contamination was found on the oil pressure sensor and connector, and the vehicle has experienced excessive oil issues. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has gone into limp mode on the highway, which caused a sudden loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The car also shakes, misfires, and loses power unexpectedly, which could lead to stalling or loss of control at highway speeds. I do not feel safe driving the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Multiple Hyundai dealerships have inspected the car. One confirmed low oil pressure and oil contamination at the sensor. Previous visits dismissed the oil warning and charged me for oil replacement instead of identifying the underlying defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealers multiple times. I also have two inspection reports from the same dealer just two weeks apart with contradictory findings the first showing no oil issue, the second confirming oil contamination and failed oil pressure. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The oil warning light and check engine light have both come on. The vehicle has gone into limp mode, and symptoms have included shaking, misfiring, rough idling, and loss of power. These issues began months ago and have continued despite repeated service visits.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The camshaft position sensor internal rubber plug is faulty and it allows oil to leak into the sensor housing. Ruining the sensor and the brushes and housing. It causes the check engine light to come on the idle races and car takes off on its own. Can’t drive it because it’s to dangerous. Once it takes off then it goes into limp mode and you can’t pull out because of no power. 40000 miles. The internet is full of owners having the same problem

Filed May 2, 2025 · Engine · TX

The car went into limp mode activated by the knock sensor. Audible knocking noises were emitted. Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensor. Car drove 63 miles before knocking noise repeated and car went into limp mode. Hyundai dealership requested new engine as problem is covered by extended warranty for known issue. It has been declined by corporate office. Car is at dealership and unsafe to operate.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Engine · GA

My Hyundai Sonata sport had a Manufacturer defect causing oil consumption. When my engine starting having issues they replaced it for free. I got it back and the engine light came on so i called they ask me to bring it back and i did. They told me the code was a po326 powertrain control module or faulty knock sensor. They said the code was a history code and they cleared it out drove it and the light did not come back on. I picked it up drove it and the light came back on. I called they said bring back again and before it could get it back over there the transmission went into limp mode or safety mode. They said my transmission was gone and needed a a new one. $4385.44. I wasn't having any issues before the engine replacement. All other mechanics think something happened when the replaced the engine. I just dont want to be taken advantage of. Long Hyundai Chattanooga Tennessee.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Engine · 150,000 miles · IL

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, failed to accelerate, and went into LIMP Mode. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was linked to DTC code: P1236. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the computer needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who confirmed there were metal shavings inside the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. While the owner was driving, at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.