Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 36% |
| Steering | 4 | 5% |
| Power train | 4 | 5% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 3% |
| Power train | 2 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption with an abnormal burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and an oil consumption test was performe
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited malfunctioned. On three separate occasions, the HEV warning light illuminated while I was driving on the highway, followed by a sudden los
NHTSA complaint: Engine
2/25/2026 vehicle was put in service for a safety warranty recall. 2/26/2026 Hyundai approved the replacement of the engine, but there were costs involved that I was responsible for (approx. $800). 3/9/2026 I was informe
NHTSA complaint: Engine
While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definite
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The engine shut off on the highway on two different days. Vehicle was going between 65 and 70 mph. The vehicle engine shut down and all the warning lights came on. Every one. The vehicle still moved but nothing inside wo
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 131,700 miles – Maryland registered While driving, my vehicle displayed the warning “Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine.” The dealer diagnosed a failure of the Hydraulic Control A
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
I was drying my car after washing it(I only use products approved for washing and drying vehicles) when a piece of paint on the hood just peeled off. It has not been wrecked or damaged in any way on the hood so I feel i
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Odometer Fraud. The contact stated that while attempting to purchase a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was not yet purchased. The vehicle mileage was
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. 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 activat
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for t
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number f
| Reliability raw | 65 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 45 | below average |
| Efficiency | 63 | average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 29 of them (36%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 65/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 71/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.