20 of the
1,000 complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata are about the
throttle and cruise control — 2% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
26,000 miles.
F
20
Complaints
6
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Vehicle Speed Control
1890.0%
Cruise Control
15.0%
Accelerator Pedal
15.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control across every Hyundai Sonata year
I am leasing a 2017 Hyundai Sonata from Car City in Michigan. In May 2025, the vehicle received a brand-new engine replacement due to previous problems. I picked the car up on [XXX], and on the same day, the vehicle began malfunctioning. It would not accelerate properly, jerked and stalled, and multiple warning lights — including the check engine light — came on immediately. This made the car unsafe to drive. I contacted the dealer, but they told me to wait until Monday to get it looked at, leaving me with a dangerous and unreliable car. The vehicle had already been in the shop for over two months for the engine issue, and I had only driven it for six months beforehand. I believe the repair or replacement engine is defective or was not properly installed. This creates a serious safety hazard. A car that stalls while driving puts everyone at risk. I am filing this complaint so this issue can be investigated and addressed if others are affected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11678429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpine, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Check engine light start flickering while I was driving down the road my vehicle went into limp mode and I lost all power. I checked my oil for metallic shavings or a creamy look but everything was cleaned. I got a code 1326 for knock sensor. I replaced and changed the oil and oil filter and reset the code. I started it up and it sounded good then I drove to see if it was fixed got on the highway and my engine went back into limp mode I lost power again. And my engine started flickering I stop the car and tried to turn it back on but my engine locked up. Could I possibly get help with getting a new engine. The car only has 127,052 miles. I heard there was a bunch of problems with rod bearing wear and etc with 2017 Hyundai sonata se
NHTSA complaint #11575603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Charles, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle has twice been disabled while driving due to “lost communication with hybrid module powertrain control module.” This breakdown is a significant safety hazard as the car loses power and coasts to a stop without any warning. The second time was on a 65 mph highway. Neither time has had any warning before the malfunction lights appeared. The first time occurred on 10/7, and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Nothing was done besides clearing the trouble codes and test driving with the car, which returned at the end of October—the second time the breakdown occurred about a month later on 12/3. This second time, I removed the code myself on the roadside so as not to be in more danger, and I am currently awaiting an update from the dealership’s service department on their next steps after initially being told to just have it towed in again. Losing power without notice is incredibly concerning. I want to report this safety issue and determine my next steps to resolve it, as this has dramatically impacted my trust in the vehicle and its safety.
NHTSA complaint #11558308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windermere, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving southbound on I429 approaching the Vineland Wintergarden (FL)exit. approximately .75 miles from exit, a bit of an uphill. I heard a ticking noise, then suddenly the car went silent. The screen lit up with every sensor flashing. It took me a few seconds to realize I was in potentially deadly trouble. The car began slowing from 70 MPH to maybe 25MPH as I crested the last hill. To add complications, that stretch is under construction and does not have any shoulder. I could see a wall of cars streaming ever closer in my rear view mirror. I believe my hazzard lights probably saved me from a crash before gliding the last 1/4 mile to the exit where I was able to finally pull over to safety.
NHTSA complaint #11514999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Lauderdale, FLFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle’s engine began to emit a knocking sound that would increase in volume and speed as engine progressed in speed. Engine suddenly lost power, check engine light began to flash and traction control disabled itself. Vehicle was pulled over and turned off when it immediately began to rapidly self immolate over the course of minutes while the power to the engine was completely disabled.
NHTSA complaint #11459462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesShepherdsville, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed seized on the floorboard. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH while driving. The contact veered to the side of the roadway, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11443255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camarillo, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Important: This is hybrid vehicle. With the cruise control set to maintain a constant speed and while descending a long hill, the vehicle speed is maintained using dynamic braking by charging the battery. But if the grade is long - such as on CA 101 just north of San Luis Obispo, (locally referred to as the Questa Grade) there will come a time when the battery “gas gauge” reaches 100 % at which time the dynamic braking ceases and without warning the vehicle’s speed gradually increases and can reach excess speeds. If you are not paying attention to the speedometer the speed can become excessive in a hurry.
NHTSA complaint #11428598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving the engine light comes on and blinks rapidly and the car drops from the speed of 65 to 15 or below in second. The code was p1326 with is the knock senor. I changed it and the code went away. Weeks later the code returned while driving again with me and my 3 little babies in the car again. Same issue engine light came on blinking speed drop rapidly. Read this is an occurring issue with this car and it must be taken in to the dealer for fixing.Dealer refused to check out the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11418560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,067 milesWillimantic, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HAD OPEN RECALL ,, AN ECM UPDATE AND WILE HYUNDAI IN COLUMBIA CT. AND AFTER IT WAS DONE THE CAR WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK , NOW I'M LACKING ACCELERATION FOR MILES PER GALLON HAS DECREASED 50% BURNING GAS QUICKLY PLUS IS BURNING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL A WEEK, BUT THERE'S NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS AND AIR FILTER STILL THE POWER HAS DECREASED 30%. I NOTICED THAT DECREASE IN POWER WHEN ENTERING ON TO A HIGHWAY AND I TRIED TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC BUT IT DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT FIRST UNTIL IT STARTED BUCKING AND THEN IT'S FINALLY GETTING SOME MOMENTUM. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CHANGED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSIST! STILL AT THIS TIME THE PROBLEM IS UNKNOWN TO ME
NHTSA complaint #11413679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,080 milesNewark, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE, ABS, TPMS, TRACTION CONTROL, AIR BAG, ELECTRONIC STEERING & EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. & AT THAT SAME TIME THE SPEEDOMETER & TACHOMETER BOTH DROPPED TO 0, THE DIGITAL DISPLAY OF THE ENGINE TEMP GUAGE, GEAR SETTING & OTHER ONBOARD DISPLAYS WENT DOWN WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER BUT ONCE THE CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK THE SHIFTER LOCKED & I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO CHANGE GEAR SETTINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11353271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,500 milesQuitman, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
STEERING- WILL LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING AS THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND BECOME TO HARD TO TURN. THIS HAPPEB WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN. ALSO WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. I HAD TO KILL MY CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON. SPEED CONTROL-WILL TAKE OFF OR SLOW DOWN AS IT WANTS. CAR CHANGES BETWEEN ECO MODE OR SPORT MODE AND I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHEN IT WILL DO IT OR WHEN IT HAS. CAR WILL JUMP WHEN IN PARK AND FOOT ON BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11351349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesSavannah, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ISSUE: CRUISE CONTROL SPEEDS UP TOO MUCH GOING UPHILL, AND SLOWS DOWN TOO MUCH GOING DOWNHILL. DESCRIPTION: I SET MY CRUISE CONTROL TO 75MPH, THE CAR WILL GO OVER 77MPH WHEN GOING UPHILL, AND SLOWS DOWN BELOW 73MPH WHEN GOING DOWNHILL WITHOUT ANY DRIVER INPUT. THIS DOESN'T OCCUR ON OTHER GASOLINE ONLY HYUNDAI I DROVE SUCH AS SANTA FE. IT ONLY HAPPENS ON MY SONATA HYBRID. I GUESS HYUNDAI MAY NEED TO LOOK INTO HOW THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WORKS WITH CRUISE CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11324342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesSalem, NH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND CHANGING LANES, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SLOWED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED KEY HYUNDAI OF SALEM 470 S BROADWAY, SALEM, NH 03079 (603) 841-3099, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11307240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,591 milesScottsdale, AZCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* MAY 3, 2019 2:34 P.M, CONTACT WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY TO MAKE THE TURN INTO MY ASSIGNED PARKING SPACE, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, ON ITS OWN, MY CAR ACCELERATED AT GREAT SPEED, FORCEFULLY PRESSING ME AGAINST THE SEAT BACK, FLYING OVER THE STOP CURB AT THE FRONT OF MY SPACE, CONTINUING ACROSS THE GRAVEL LEEWAY BEFORE SMASHING PART WAY THROUGH THE CEMENT BLOCK WALL THAT SURROUNDS OUR PROPERTY. DEMOLISHED THE FRONT OF MY CAR AS IT PUNCHED A LARGE HOLE IN THE CEMENT BLOCK WALL. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING DEEP BRUISING, SWELLING AND ABRASIONS ON ARMS, LEGS AND STOMACH. MY LEFT SHOULDER JOINT AND UPPER BACK WERE WRENCHED ENOUGH THAT I AM HAVING TO DO PHYSICAL THERAPY. FIREMEN AND EMT'S WERE THERE AND CHECKED ME OUT. THE POLICE WERE ON SITE AND FILED A REPORT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE CAR MOVED TO A COLLISION FACILITY AND DECLARED THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW WITH 1350 MILES ON IT. THE MILEAGE WAS JUST 3,591, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, OUT OF CONTROL AND SMASHED THROUGH THE CONCRETE BLOCK WALL. THE CONSUMER STATED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH, THERE WERE INJURIES INCLUDING A WRENCHED SHOULDER AND UPPER BACK. THERE WAS DEEP BRUISING ON THE ABDOMEN AND ABRASIONS ON THE RIGHT LEG. *JS *DT *TR
NHTSA complaint #11205825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesLusby, MDCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY TO MAKE A TURN INTO MY GARAGE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND HIT THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE BREAKING THROUGH A PATIO GUARD RAIL. THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE CAR WENT OVER THE BULKHEAD. INSURANCE COMPANY SENT A WRECKER TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAD OCCURRED ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE ROAD IN CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND THE SET CRUISE CONTROL SPEED. THIS OCCURRED AGAIN ON THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAD ALSO OCCURRED WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHILE IN SPEED CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11180985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesCarbon Hill, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT RAPIDLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. HYUNDAI OF JASPER IN JASPER, ALABAMA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11099226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesStanton Island, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE STATIONARY ON "AUTO-HOLD", THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING AT 40 MPH AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. AFTER THE CONTACT RELEASED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SLOWLY CAME TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SKYLAND COLLISION IN STANTON ISLAND, NEW YORK. ISLAND HYUNDAI IN STANTON ISLAND, NEW YORK WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE CRASH AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE INHIVORATOR SWITCH OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 10776147. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11052267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesBeaumont, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON 10-15-17 I HAD AN INCIDENT OF AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AS I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR MADE A LOUD VROOM NOISE AND I TRIED TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKES FAILED ME AND I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND IT STILL MOVED WHERE IT HIT MY GARAGE DOOR. I HAVE TIRE MARKS ALL OVER MY DRIVEWAY FROM THIS INCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING A HYUNDAI SONATA SPORT AND THE DEALERSHIP OR CORPORATE DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE BACK THE CAR OR DO ANYTHING FOR ME BECAUSE THEY CLAIM NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BUT I KNOW THAT IS NOT TRUE.
NHTSA complaint #11046335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesBeaumont, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GOSCH HYUNDAI (100 CARRIAGE CIR, HEMET, CA 92545), BUT THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
NHTSA complaint #11046077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesManalapan, NJCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE DROVE ONTO A NEARBY LAWN AND EVENTUALLY CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND WRIST AREA, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11020404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.