2017 Hyundai Sonata Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Sonata
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (384 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 384 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (173 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 173 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (65 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 65 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (55 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 55 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (37 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 37 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
52 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
3
Air Bags Red flag
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Exterior Lighting Red flag
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Sonata–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Sonata. The most serious involve Air Bags (16V956000) and Exterior Lighting (21V749000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Sonata?
The top complaint areas are Engine (384 complaints) and Steering (173 complaints), out of 764 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Sonata?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 384 complaints for this model-year.