FaultScore

2017 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems

65 of the 1,000 complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata are about the electrical system — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 24,598 miles.

B

65

Complaints

4

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 64 98.5%
Spark Plugs 1 1.5%

Electrical System across every Hyundai Sonata year

1993 10 0.5%
1999 15 0.8%
2000 39 2.0%
2001 10 0.5%
2002 23 1.2%
2003 19 1.0%
2004 17 0.9%
2005 19 1.0%
2006 86 4.4%
2007 51 2.6%
2008 32 1.6%
2009 62 3.2%
2010 16 0.8%
2011 444 22.6%
2012 234 11.9%
2013 260 13.2%
2014 136 6.9%
2015 167 8.5%
2016 90 4.6%
2017 65 3.3%
2018 60 3.1%
2019 12 0.6%
2020 37 1.9%
2021 17 0.9%
2022 15 0.8%
2023 12 0.6%
2024 18 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Bellmead, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.

NHTSA complaint #11752817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rowlett, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA complaint #11751813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE, equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, is experiencing severe powertrain failures including rhythmic metallic engine knocking, catastrophic oil consumption, and un-commanded surges/jumping in speed while driving. These symptoms manifested following an unauthorized engine replacement performed by Hyundai of El Cajon under Repair Order [XXX], where the dealer covertly outsourced my vehicle to a third-party shop (Legacy Motor Works) to install an unverified used salvage engine block rather than a certified factory assembly. This vehicle is a Class Vehicle under In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation (Case No. [XXX]), and the KSDS software update (Campaign 953) was successfully completed on my vehicle in 2019. The engine knock, surging, and oil consumption are consistent with the known connecting rod bearing failure defect described in NHTSA investigation PE17-007. The dealership is currently denying warranty coverage, citing a mileage limit that does not exist under my Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, and they are withholding physical documentation of the repair terms. The vehicle is also experiencing secondary safety failures, including a continuous airbag SRS warning light (two years) and electrical shorts caused by the salvage-yard alternator installation, which have destroyed 4 to 5 car batteries. This engine failure represents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle periodically loses power and surges without driver input. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of warranty denial, parts-sourcing fraud, and the safety risks posed by this substandard engine installation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11745609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grantsville, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Supplemental Information to Existing NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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

NHTSA complaint #11741174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburn, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11738867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seatac, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Here is your updated review with that included: ⸻ I am very disappointed with Hyundai Motor America and the service I received at Hyundai of Renton. I own a 2017 Hyundai Sonata and received a letter about a required software update and ignition cylinder protector due to known theft issues. I went to the Renton dealer for the recall service. They performed the software update and were supposed to install the ignition cylinder protector. Unfortunately, my car was later stolen because of this exact issue. The ignition was damaged during the theft, and I had to replace it myself just so I could drive the car. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to install the ignition cylinder protector, saying the ignition was broken. It was broken because of the theft — which happened due to Hyundai’s known defect. After the recall software update, my key fob also stopped working properly. I went back to the dealership, and they refused to fix or properly reprogram my key fob. On top of that, the service manager, John, was very rude and unprofessional. This has been the worst experience I’ve had with a vehicle and a dealership. Because of this situation. Very disappointed.

NHTSA complaint #11719428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Mary, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This car is becoming more of a headache than it’s worth. Turned the car on, My car started shaking and my check engine light came on. then I got this message “A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata”

NHTSA complaint #11716294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Demopolis, AL Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by EMS. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11711495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Killeen, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11702016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hammonton, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11685372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmer, TX Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid

NHTSA complaint #11680709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Iowa, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My Hyundai consumes oil and I have to put oil in it every two weeks! Also my ignition coils has had to be changed 4 times. Also check engine light just came on code saying catalytic converter or oxygen sensor changed oxygen sensor a couple months ago. I purchased it brand new and as soon as I got over 100,000 miles nothing has been going good since then please help also my paint on the top of the car is starting to peel. Will never buy a Hyundai again.

NHTSA complaint #11677661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsville, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Steering wheel warning light comes on traction control light comes on. Steering becomes difficult

NHTSA complaint #11671367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Valley City, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The check engine light light is on now giving code p200a I was driving and the center console shut off and the engine died I had to pull over and start the car again it started but the check engine light light is on now for a p200a I’ve looked it up and everything I can find says there is a recall but my car isn’t in it so what can I do I don’t want to cause a fire or an accident because my car messed up o. Me

NHTSA complaint #11652308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Jose, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I keep having both my low beam headlight bulbs burning out and one of them started catching on fire. The driver side caught some type of electrical issue causing it to start smoking and eventually melted the connector and lightbulb housing

NHTSA complaint #11640472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chula Vista, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I can’t drive my car on the highway cause then it will shut off and say HEV system error and I have to shut my car off turn it back on then erase the code with my diagnostic tool. My oil light keeps popping up and whenever I slightly press on the gas pedal or go up a steep hill, it starts to rattle, been noticing my oil burns out fast and I have to replace it when it gets low.

NHTSA complaint #11635989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ukraine, City Chernivtsi, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hello! I bought a car in the USA, I live in another country. Errors that appear in the car are similar to these: [XXX] Еrror appears then, the cogd I give more gas and let go of the pedal. When the engine is heated at different speeds. The scanner showed these errors: P1326 Ignition Control Module - Combustion Quality Input Signal; U0293 Lost Communication With Hybrid Powertrain Control Module; U1004; B2AAA. But the electricians do not know what the reason is and no one can help. So I go for one year with an error ((( Please help! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11635442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mechanicsburg, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The makes a weird shutter noise when accelerating and won't crank over 60. Loses power when turning or when going uphill. Sometimes has problem starting. Enging light came on twice blinking, once I changed the battery it went off and was working fine. Now it's back on again after a few weeks. Plus my oil tank still comes on and I've just received and oil change. I just bought the car in August of this year, dealership sold to me with a faulty battery.

NHTSA complaint #11631925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westerville, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEV battery constantly states that the car needs turned off. Hyundai had to replace my engine as it just died and blew a hole in a pipe

NHTSA complaint #11631140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Claremore, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle itself shakes when accelerating and will start to fail once 60mph is hit. It will also cut out when left turns are made...I have met 4 people with the exact same issues who received recalls but I am not sure why my car is not included. I was almost rear ended on the highway by a semi with my pregnant wife and 4 year old son in the car because of the engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11613460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Anaheim, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The engine light keeps going on and off and I reported to their dealer a couple times during the warranty but when they checked the car the light got off and they asked me to keep driving it until out of warranty and they ask me to pay for fix the same problem

NHTSA complaint #11599594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gulfport, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

driving on the side of the interstate, the hybrid battery indicator continuously dipped low. Minutes after continuing driving on the interstate around 50 to 60 mph, every light on the dash came on the vehicle stopped accelerating, and the warning light check HEV system shut engine off started flashing. The vehicle would no longer start again after this. the dealership said that the fuse was being oversupplied, which is what caused the system to fail. This exact situation is listed in a recall for 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Sonata hybrids. After reading the recall notice., my vehicle had this failure due to the exact reasons listed in the recall notice. due to the damage that was caused by this fuse that could not hold enough electricity my wiring harness also has to be replaced. This could be a three to $4000 out-of-pocket expense for me that should be covered under this recall, due to its exact nature of similarities. please assist me. I do not have the complete invoice due to the fact that the dealership is withholding that information until the repair is complete However, hyundai motor is also aware of this issue, and I am filing this complaint for this investigation to be moved with urgency

NHTSA complaint #11591675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albany, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 03/16/2024; while driving on I-90 the vehicle at approx 60-65 miles per hr, suddenly stopped, and had to be towed to Matthews Hyundai of Schenectady.

NHTSA complaint #11577958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santaquin, UT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

It has happened twice now that check Hybrid system turn of engine comes on. HEV ! And i have to call a tow truck because i cant drive the car.

NHTSA complaint #11576716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fresno, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Problem 1: I made a right turn at a red light. As I turned my power steering light turned on and my steering wheel locked up and I lost control of the vehicle. After stopping and turning off the vehicle, I restarted it. At this point I was able to regain control of the car. A few days later the same thing happened again as I made a right turn from a parking lot into the flow of traffic. One again I stopped the engine and restarted the car, then I regained control of the car. Problem 2 (May be related): My passenger side headlight was replaced a year ago. Recently the light went out again. I took the car in to a mechanic to repair it. It was repaired so I thought. Two days later the light went out again. The mechanic believes their may be an electrical issue. Problem 3 (May be related): My driver side brake light was replaced about a year ago as well. It has now gone out again. I have had my vehicle serviced twice by a Hyundai dealership at least twice since the first incident.

NHTSA complaint #11562856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Union City, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEV lights came on stalled car and stated to turn engine off, barely made to a parking lot. Car was towed, in shop Dec 29, 2022 to Jan 10, 2023. knock sensor replaced, rusty spark plugs slots cleaned out, no communication with power train, case #20817405 June 16, case# 21597503 part A: Hev lights again chugging and stalling. Car towed in shop 22 days, returned 7-5-22.actuator 2nd time failure, knock sensor issue, clogged, emissions were cleaned: part b: Aug 14, to Oct 4 2023HEV system lights again, car stalled and died then towed : combustion cleaning 2nd time, spark plug corrosion replaced 2 time issue, 4 injectors replaced, recommend replace manifold (which I cannot pay for) dealer tech test drove 2 days and put 211 miles on car, more than we do in normal week driving to work and shopping In shop this time 52 days. This car has been taken in for all recall campaigns. Work done at same dealership every time. Is a sonata Hybrid SE I am attaching two files if you need more Please let me know. Your date entry below does not allow for each of the 3 times in shop total roughly 85 days four months Would like Hyundai to buy car back as no trade in value now and I cannot afford more rental fees and repairs and the balance due of $495.75 from 1st rental. Car just entering 6 year when first issue started.

NHTSA complaint #11554942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Louis, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The hybrid system failure. Chrck engine light is flashing. Abs system failure. Battery failure. Car can't go over 45mph, lost a job because of the issues. I'm afraid the car is going to blow up or catch fire. I'm afraid to drive it. The acceleration is barely there. It's like the car doesn't even wanna go. It sucks through gas like no other.

NHTSA complaint #11547652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chino Hills, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving the car on the freeway, the battery light came on, and after that few other warning lights came on and I pulled over by then the car stopped and didn't turn on. It was scary since I was on the freeway. No other warning prior to that and the car was very well maintained even during the last recommended service everything was checked and no recommendation was made regarding the alternator. It was the alternator that caused the problem according to the dealer diagnosis.

NHTSA complaint #11546476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Covington, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEV light comes on and the car starts slowing down & beeping. Unsure what the issue is but this started once the car had more than 100k miles on it

NHTSA complaint #11542868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Laguna Niguel, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2017 Hyundai Sonata that has had 3 recalls. I purchased the car in 2019 and all three recalls have been issued after 2019. Since I’ve had the car I’ve never taken it to Hyundai to get the recalls taken care of . Until recently I took my car to get the recalls fixed and they told me they had already been taken care of . The gave me the dealers contact information and I’ve never taken my vehicle to them they claim to have serviced my car at 122000 miles and I only have 94000 miles in my car. I believe they used my vin number to summit they fixed the recalls when my vehicle was never at their dealer. I contacted Hyundai and have not received any call back . The recalls for my vehicle are very serious recalls that I need to get fixed . One of them is the malfunctioning of the trunk latch my trunk does not open or close right now. I have a 6 month old baby and I need to put her stroller in trunk and I’m unable to do so. Also my car vandalized twice they tried to steal it. I need the security update . I just don’t know who I need to contact to help me get this resolved .

NHTSA complaint #11541075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Hyundai Sonata problems

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