264 complaints reported

2017 Hyundai Sonata Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
264
Crashes
2
Fires
6
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

I Purchased my 2017 from Hyundai motors of America in 2017. I am the only owner. I Took the care in for a recall for Campaign 953: ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT to have a a knock sensor placed on the engine to monitor the vehicle for signs of engine failure in 2022. The car has been showing signs of engine failure since the knock sensor was placed on the vehicle and Hyundai claimed that the knock sensor was bad and replaced in. Last week while I was driving the car ok the interstate at 70 miles per hour, the engine stopped running completely while driving. The check engine light did not illuminate until after the vehicle’s engine stopped running. The vehicle lost its ability to accelerate while driving. I was almost hit by a semi as I tried to guide the disabled vehicle to the emergency lane. I took the vehicle to one of the Hyundai dealerships for an inspection. The inspection shows engine failure due to internal failure. The knock sensor from campaign 953 failed to detect any engine problems. I Called hyundai motors of America and was given a case number (41539529). Even though the dealer reported to Hyundai motors of America about the engine failure, Hyundai motors of America is refusing to fix the vehicle due to mileage even though there is an extended warranty through campaign 953. This company is a fraud!! The company wants me to pre-approve authorization payment for them to replace my engine at my expense regardless of the recall, and their negligence!! They are placing people lives at risk.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that there was no oil in the engine, even though the contact had recently added oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 109,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
Sep 2025

I am constantly seeing my oil light coming on. I have placed at least three quarts of oil in the last month while driving around only 1,200 miles. I took vehicle to mechanic who explained this is known issue with the vehicle I own.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2025
Sep 2025

Oil consumption, lossing one quart of oil per week, I drive 250 miles per week.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Sep 2025

Engine burning oil like crazy never had to put so much in for any other car. Risk of engine lock without enough oil also sets of the knock sensor. Every time I get an oil change they let me know that I’ve burned most of my oil and that it’s low so I just started doing my own oil topping it off. Problem has been ongoing since I got the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2024
Sep 2025

I am filing this complaint regarding a significant safety concern with my 2017 Hyundai Sonata. Since around 65,000 miles, my vehicle has experienced excessive engine oil consumption. The issue has progressively worsened, and my car now has 126,000 miles. Despite undergoing an oil consumption test that confirmed the rapid depletion of oil, Hyundai and their dealerships have failed to provide a resolution. This defect requires me to add oil approximately every two weeks. The excessive oil consumption poses a potential safety hazard, as the engine could seize unexpectedly while driving due to insufficient oil levels. The risk of engine failure is further exacerbated by the lack of sufficient warnings from Hyundai regarding this known issue. This situation not only jeopardizes the safety of myself and my passengers but also other drivers on the road. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this matter, as it appears to be a widespread issue among Hyundai vehicles. Prompt action is necessary to ensure consumer safety and hold the manufacturer accountable for addressing this defect. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I am happy to provide additional details or documentation upon request.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2021
Aug 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?\n' + 'The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata is defective. It burns oil excessively, fouls spark plugs and ignition coils, and causes continuous misfires. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection.\n' + 'How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?\n' + 'The engine misfires cause my car to shake violently while driving, lose power unexpectedly, and turn on the check engine light. This creates a risk of stalling or losing control while driving at highway speeds, endangering myself and others. I no longer feel safe driving the car.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?\n' + 'Yes. Multiple independent mechanics have confirmed that the misfires and repeated spark plug/coil failures are caused by the engine itself, not just normal wear. Hyundai dealers acknowledged the excessive oil consumption and advised combustion cleanings, which did not resolve the issue.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?\n' + 'Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Hyundai dealerships (including McGrath Hyundai) and independent service centers (Pep Boys, AAMCO, and others). All noted ongoing oil-related issues and repeated failures tied to the engine.\n' + '\n' + 'Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?\n' + 'Yes. The check engine light has come on repeatedly over the last two years. Symptoms include rough idling, heavy shaking, loss of power, and repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures (monthly or more often). The problem began within the first year of ownership and has persisted ever since despite repairs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
Aug 2025

I have recently acquired this vehicle. There has been zero unrecorded recalls, and I have been told that there is an active recall on the engine in this vehicle. I am inquiring this. The car has recently been taken to my mechanic and he has told me this plus the car engine is using a excessive amount of oil. I have heard that it is possible to have the engine replaced due to the recall I am inquiring about that. On the date of the incident that has occurred. I am putting the date of the purchase of the vehicle order that is on the Pohanka buyers order.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2017
Jul 2025

I am writing to request a Goodwill replacement. My car is burning oil faster than I can put it in. The engine heats up so bad that I feel it could catch fire at any time. I loose acceleration because of this, its an extreme safety hazard for myself and other motorists on the road. I am just now finding out about the issues Hyundai sonatas are having with this said problem. I would like it fixed asap.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2024
Jul 2025

My 2017 Hyundai Sonata has a major oil consumption problem. The car does not leak oil. It burns oil average 3000 miles. I have to add 5 to 6 quarts of oil every time I bring it to the shop and ask about it they tell me Hyundai has a problem with one of their engines, I see the recall on other models, but not my model. it’s been ongoing for about a year.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2025

Engine started making a noise and then the car died and would not start. We were on the highway service road when the car died in the middle of the road. We took the car to the dealership and they confirmed the vehicle engine has seized up. This is covered under warranty. The manufacturer denied the claim because of a sensor recall in August 9, 2018. We purchased this car used on July 11, 2018 and never received the recall notification for this sensor. The manufacturer is refusing to repair the engine that is under warranty.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Premature rod bearing failure at 126,750. Dealer said there was extended warranty for this failure. Turns out that Hyundai denied this because they say Recall 953 was not done. This does not reflect what I show, I show this a Service Program and probably a notice does not get sent out. I have gotten an estimate for $7848.50 for engine replace. I do not agree with this decision since it is a know problem with multiple class action lawsuits.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2025
Jul 2025

We bought the car 9/27 was told the car past the dealer inspections. The cars oil was checked and i am sure it was changed and all prior to us. We drove it home and she has drove it to school. On 10/15 my husband did a routine oil check and it was over 2 qts low. He did a complete oil change and changed the pcv valve and as of yesterday it has used another 1 gt. This car was just bought 8900 and now i am assuming it needs rebuilt or new engine. I would like for this to be reimbursed. This is outrageous. When we reported the prob it had 149000 miles on it and Hydunai gives to 150000. I need this issue to be fixed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2025
Jul 2025

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Sonata which suffered an unexpected engine seizure on January 22, 2025, while my daughter was driving. The incident occurred without warning and left her stranded in a hazardous location, putting her in immediate danger. This appears to be part of a wider, documented issue affecting Hyundai vehicles. My understanding is that engine failures—particularly in Sonata models—have been the subject of recalls and class action lawsuits. However, Hyundai Motor America has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle. Instead, they replaced the engine with one that now carries less warranty coverage than the original (12,000 miles vs. 26,000 miles remaining). Since the engine replacement, the vehicle has presented new problems, and now needs a new battery after sitting on the lot for so long. Hyundai has failed to offer meaningful support, leaving my family without a reliable vehicle for over two months. Hyundai has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle, and I am now stuck with a car I cannot drive, cannot sell (due to the engine failure now reported on Carfax), and cannot rely on to safely transport my daughter. I believe this represents not only a serious safety risk, but also a pattern of negligence that could affect other drivers unaware of the risks. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue further and consider expanding oversight into Hyundai’s handling of these engine failures. I am available to provide full documentation, service records, and communication history.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

I purchased this car in 2018. Noticed it would be low on oil frequently by year one of having it I took in in for regular maintenance at the dealer by year 2 car began giving me more issues with oil and engine I have had the manifold replaced and other parts in the engine several times and keep running into the same issues and from what I found out I’m not the only one dealing with oil consumption issues I was told by the dealer this is a regular issue with this car and that Hyundai will not cover it I feel it’s very unfair to the consumer that they did not disclose this to me when I explained I needed a dependable vehicle because I had a disabled child I have put so much money in this vehicle I could have bought a new one by now

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2023
Jun 2025

My car is blowing a large amount of white smoke due to the head gasket being cracked, I was quoted 2 grand to fix it. The car is not old enough to need a new head gasket, this is completely due to how the car manufactured and I have seen many other reports of this, there should be a recall and this should be fixed free of charge.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

The engine was eating up oil and failed. I have regularly had to get oil changes within 1000 miles of each other. Kept oil in my car like spare gasoline to top off every 4-7 days. Took my car in immediately when the check engine light came on to which the dealership said I have been negligent in my oil changes. The check engine light never came on prior, and I had an oil change the day before it did come on. It put my safety at risk because the engine could have just burst at any moment, and to my knowledge nothing was wrong since I was regularly putting oil in or getting an oil change. Yes the issue has been confirmed by the dealership. There was no warning other than the low oil light continuously coming on. I took it into the dealership last Spring to which they said there was no issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

2017 Hyundai Sonata having severe oil consumption issue. Having to top off with a quart of oil every 500 miles. Was purchased last June and has been a nightmare since. We contacted Hyundai consumer affairs and they opened a case and made an appointment for us to go to a local Hyundai dealer. The dealership told us we didn’t qualify for oil consumption test be cause we are second owners and the vehicle had 62,000 miles on it. We did purchase an extended warranty when we bought the car but they won’t cover oil issue. Local mechanic won’t touch it and refers us to Hyundai dealer. Just getting so frustrated and worried about car safety and engine damage. I read on another sit that Hyundai issued an oil consumption recall in 2025 but our vehicle is not listed. Please help us.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2024
May 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the engine oil level was low after an oil change. The contact stated that three quarts of engine oil were added every two to three weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,606.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2025
May 2025

HYUNDAI OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL. MY 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA BURNING OIL I CONSTANTLY SCHEDULE OIL CHANGES. WHEN WILL NOTICE FOR REPAIR BE SENT TO MY ADDRESS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. MY DAUGHTER DRIVES THIS VEHICLE ALSO. SERIOUS ISSUE NEEDS TO TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
May 2025

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 ā€œengine tear-downā€ 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 ā€œLimp Modeā€ 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 ā€œLimp Modeā€ the rod bearings would have failed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2025
May 2025

Engine is burning up full tank of oil in a few days there are no oil leaks coming from the car. The car has been expected and worked on by multiple mechanics. The engine lights keeps coming on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
May 2025

I am writing to request your assistance in enforcing the terms of the class action settlement and extended warranty coverage for my 2017 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). Despite clear evidence of a defective Theta II engine, Hyundai Corporate has refused to authorize a full engine replacement unless the engine ā€œblowsā€ completely. This directly conflicts with the express terms of the ā€œIn re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigationā€ settlement, which requires Hyundai to cover any engine exhibiting failure‐mode symptoms. Below, I have summarized all relevant facts, diagnoses, and correspondence. I purchased this Sonata used from Oakes Kia (Kansas City, MO) in May 2023. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had 77,000 miles. To my knowledge, I am the third owner of this vehicle. Since I bought this car, I have followed the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule: All routine oil changes (every 5,000 miles, or sooner) at Oakes Kia, plus one oil change at Northtowne Hyundai in April 2025. The engine currently has approximately 98,650 miles. I have driven it about 1,000 miles since December 2024 to avoid further damage and due to the danger, it puts me and others in on the road. Since December the vehicle has had persistent shaking, hesitation on acceleration, strong odor, and illuminated Check Engine Light. Car condition has worsened since last oil change and even after coil packs and spark plugs were replaced, there was no improvement. The last oil change was done at Oakes Kia along with a tire rotation and multi-point inspection. They Installed UM018 CH074: Mobil SP 5W30 SN, 21513 23001: Gasket-oil plug and 26300 35505: Filter assy-engine O Service Advisor, Fernando Perez said they did not identify root cause of the shaking, hesitation and strong odor; they instructed me to return to the mechanic who had replaced spark plugs/coil packs, possibly I got a bad spark plug or coil pack. I did this, it was not the problem. I have files to share but they are too big! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil onto the ground, and smoke was coming from the engine compartment while driving. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for an oil change. The contact stated that after the oil change the engine consumed two and a half quarts of oil after driving a thousand miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an oil consumption test, and the engine passed the test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 92,672.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Apr 2025

I am the original owner of a 2017 Hyundai Sonata with the oil consumption defect Hyundai is well aware of. For years I have been adding a quart of oil every thousand miles and had my spark plugs replaced three times in two years now. Why am I not included in the recall so I can have the repairs done free of charge? The dealer wanted me to start having them monitor my oil consumption first which will cost me around seven hundred dollars for something they already know is defective. I submitted repair bills for the spark plugs to Hyundai around a year ago, but they would not reimburse. This is a safety issue as car starts to run badly with fouled plugs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2025

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata has 264 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.