Diagsheet

2017 Hyundai Sonata · symptom sheet

Engine knocking or ticking

  • 54owner reports
  • 100,000median miles
  • $3,880median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Jun 22, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

54 of the 146 reports of engine failure on the 2017 Sonata describe engine knock.

Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (146 reports) · also: engine seized

Tick what matches of 54 reports

54
8
13
6
4

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the knock sensor (21 reports), the rod bearing (8 reports) and the engine (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sonata

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
Engine · model years 2006 to 2021

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as
EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021
Engine · model years 2011 to 2016

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY
RQ17-004opened May 18, 2017
Engine · model years 2011 to 2014

Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-226.

NHTSA summary
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai?s Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226), and Hyundai?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Hyundai to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-004. NHTSA?s assertions included that Hyundai may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including the untimeliness of Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226, inaccuracies in Hyundai?s recall reports, and that a required report describing potential safety-related issues contained certain inaccuracies or omissions.Under the Consent Order, Hyundai agreed to a total civil penalty of $140,000,000. The total civil penalty included payment of $54,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount. Hyundai also agreed to a sum of $46,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Additionally, Hyundai agreed to a $40,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Hyundai to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations and Test and Inspection Laboratory obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Hyundai?s safety practices, and requires Hyundai to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-004, the Consen

What owners paid

10 of the 54 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $495 to $4,385.

$495$3,880$4,385
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 53,000 and 115,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.

319
321
1522
823
1124
725
726

What owners wrote

“The car went into limp mode activated by the knock sensor. Audible knocking noises were emitted. Hyundai dealership replaced knock sensor. Car drove 63 miles before knocking noise repeated and car went into limp mode. Hyundai dealership requested new engine as problem is covered by extended warranty for known issue. It has been declined by corporate office. Car is at dealership and unsafe to operate.”

Filed May 2, 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.”

Filed Apr 9, 2025

“The engine is losing oil at a much higher rate, causing a knocking sound. Not accelerating at it should without the sound getting louder and hesitating. This vehicle has been inspected by a licensing mechanic ( Goodyear). The check engine lights and multiple codes have appeared while driving for about the last 4-5 months.”

Filed Nov 14, 2024

“UNKNOWN I’ve had to replace the knock sensor twice in my vehicle in less than 2 months, my paint on my car is also peeling off really bad.”

Filed Mar 17, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 54 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

Other problems on this car