2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in HybridProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-749 the manufacturer reports only 53% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 11, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has problems

32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine170
Electrical system110
Fuel/propulsion system60
Power train40
Vehicle speed control20
Forward collision avoidance10
Service brakes10
Steering10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

53%repaired · 2023 Q3

Electrical system: software

Recall 21V-749 · Sep 24, 2021 · 469,377 vehicles · 249,761 repaired

Risk. A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2019 Q3

Hybrid propulsion system

Recall 18V-166 · Mar 12, 2018 · 2,840 vehicles · 2,545 repaired

Risk. If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Best & worst years

2017 vs. every other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid median. How we score

'16'17'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Loss of Motive PowerDP22003 · closed Dec 12, 2023
    No recall
  2. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What Sonata Plug-in Hybrid owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), originally purchased in California. While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without warning and rapidly decelerated. This created a dangerous…
Complaint 11734703 · Apr 29, 2026
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing this formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous engine failure incident involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Description of Incident: While traveling on CA-85 near Mountain View, California, at approximately 65 miles…
Complaint 11725213 · Mar 18, 2026
While driving at a high rate of speed propulsion to the vehicle suddenly and without warning ceased, the electric and internal combustion engine were non-responsive (ICE stopped; hybrid motor didn't provide propulsion), the warning light said "Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine" I was put at risk…
Complaint 11648675 · Mar 17, 2025

Own a 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.