The Lemon Index2017 Hyundai Sonata.
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata is worse than average by owner complaints: 200 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 123, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 24 to 42 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Sonata year is 2004.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata, 14.7M views. The 2017 is the same generation.
- Gauges, lights & wiring516K views
Hyundai Sonata (2015-2019): Low Beam Headlight Bulbs Replacement.Morozov Automotive · 251K views · 4 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical364K views
How to Start A 2015 - 2018 Hyundai Sonata With Dead Remote Key Fob Battery "Key Not Detected"PYR Automotive · 150K views · 4 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors360K views
2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata lock actuator, door handle, window replacementRust Belt Auto · 223K views · 2 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors186K views
How to Replace Intake Manifold Runner Control Motor 2015-2019 Hyundai SonataTRQ · 109K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils179K views
How to Replace Spark Plug 2015-2019 Hyundai SonataTRQ · 117K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service134K views
Oil Change 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata. DIY.JONAH VLOGS & DIY · 134K views - Brakes & ABS125K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2015-2019 Hyundai SonataTRQ · 125K views - Cooling system77K views
2015 to 2019 Hyundai Sonata thermostat location and replacement. 1-2TS Mobile Mechanic · 77K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Hyundai Sonata Sedan 7th Generation 2015-201A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 407K views
Hyundai sonata 2018 headlights problems fixLoi Journey · 95K views
2017 Hyundai Sonata Dangerous steering issue / problems steering shaft locked up. Recall?vidsharing10101 · 61K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 879 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Sonata year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 82K miles on the car (284 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 32K–106K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 20K–75K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–58K miles
Recalls 3
- lights 2021
The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intend…
- latches/locks/linkages 2021
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
- airbags 2016
In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 271 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Certain sonata vehicles equipped with the 1.6l turbo engine have a manual alternator belt…
- Improperly positioned oil cooler hose clamp
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDtn air bag inflator rupture2025
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I was at a red light and my car just cut off without warning. I put the car in park and started it back up.
2017 Hyundai Sonata owner · NHTSA complaint 11363714
More owner reports
Takata recall. Pulling onto highway turning left red steering wheel warning light and traction hazard light came on and immediately steering locked up and unable to make turn
NHTSA complaint 11232071
Was driving and the steering got very tight making it hard to even slightly turn vehicle luckily I was driving at a very low speed and could adjust. Red light with exclamation point and steering wheel showed when it happened
NHTSA complaint 11372477
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 123; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Sonata year by this measure since 2010 is 2010.
What are the most common 2017 Hyundai Sonata problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), steering (26%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have?
3 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata get?
24 to 42 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Hyundai Sonata problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 82,800 miles. The middle report was at 53,600 miles, from 284 complaints.
Does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Sonata year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works