2015 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,144 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 34 involved a crash and 48 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, turn signalSep 24, 2021
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 activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
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 this recall is 210.
Campaign 21V749000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brake, indicator lightJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Campaign 17V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyOct 11, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Campaign 16V726000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Campaign 16V232000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelOct 20, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Campaign 15V678000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyJun 30, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, to December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the front passenger seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 130.
Campaign 15V414000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftDec 9, 2014
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 1.6 liter model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured August 29, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft separating from the transaxle differential.
If the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a separated axle shaft may allow the vehicle to roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, dealers will inspect and replace the axle shaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 126.
Campaign 14V784000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperDo not drive until repairedJun 24, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, through June 16, 2014. Due to a manufacturing error, one or both of the front brake calipers may fracture.
If a brake caliper fractures, brake effectiveness would be reduced, lengthening to distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai contacted the affected owners on June 19, 2014 and instructed them not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 120.
Campaign 14V368000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringDo not drive until repairedJun 12, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014. A poor connection within the vehicle's wiring harness may result in a reduction of steering assist from the vehicle's motor driven power steering system or the inability to move the vehicle's shifter from the Park position.
The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Sonata vehicles and has published recall bulletin 14-01-024 providing a service procedure to repair the affected vehicles. On June 7, 2014 Hyundai began to contact the affected retail customers. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 119.
Campaign 14V325000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
167 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 25, 2024
Engine sputters, no power. Warning light comes on that there’s a malfunction pull over and do not drive. We had the dealer look at it and he couldn’t find anything wrong.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 8, 2024, fire
I was driving down the street I went to show down by hitting my brakes they wouldn't slow down the vehicle then the car caught fire
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Traction control system, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,107.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 22, 2024
I took the car for 4 recalls it had 2 of which were physical and the other two were software according to them. Took the car back to drop someone off, turned it off and then on; it began losing and breaking on its own at slow rpm’s slamming on the breaks. a minute later after having turned the corner I turned on my hazards and it had continued to randomly happen to the car. It is not consistent it is completely random and I have had a mechanic only inspect it while it happened once because I’ve only been able to have it happen while being inspected out of luck . I’ve gotten several error codes to the car since from p04 misfires. Evap leaks etc. the car was in pitch perfect condition and after that day it has since stopped working properly . I have photos of the mechanics that day even leaving food in the back of my car as if they just relaxed and didn’t do their job as professional as it could’ve have been . They denied anything is wrong with the car and have offered me discounted inspections after claiming nothing was wrong they gave me one free inspection and I haven’t gone back . My engine or censors are messed up. It puts my health and others at safety because it slams on the breaks unknowingly and randomly at low RPMs. The manufacturer has inspected my car and claimed it was okay although they unprofessionally left food and ate breakfast and left trash in the back. (With photo proof) . Last there was NO issues whatsoever with my car until that day. Never had a misfire . Never had a engine light . Never had a popped tire . It all began they DAY I got my car back not even an hour later. I could not return that day because it was near closing time of the dealership and the day after I went they denied it has been tampered. This happened around the beginning of July 1-8th 2023.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2024
Hybrid system failure leading to complete power loss while driving.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 4, 2024
The air bag sensor located in the front passenger seat does not function. It is available for inspection upon request. Because the sensor doesn't engage, the passenger-side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, leaving my passenger at risk of serious injury or death. The Hyundai of Cool Springs dealership in Franklin, TN, has inspected the car and confirmed that the sensor is not functioning. The sensor, if properly working, will show a glowing red light on the dashboard that goes on when a passenger sits in the passenger seat, and goes off after a few seconds. In the case of my car, however, the dashboard light goes on when a passenger sits and stays on (glowing red) the entire time the passenger is seated. This defective dashboard light, according to the Hyundai service technician, indicates that the sensor needs to be replaced. The cost the technician quoted is prohibitive at $3,500.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2024
I have been driving at night about 3 times now and my headlights have gone off on their own and come back on after about 10 seconds. This has happened on countless other Hyundai drivers vehicles and needs to be investigated.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2024
I was driving on the highway and my engine violently started to shake and I pulled onto the shoulder and the engine shut off. I’ve had oil leak and engine problems with this car for 2 and a half out of 3 years! I’ve had to buy countless gallons of oil. Multiple spark plugs, coil packs, etc. You can’t drive the car for one whole minute without it stalling in traffic and almost causing accidents. So I can’t drive it!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 8, 2024, fire
On June 30, 2024 I was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and the car caught on fire. There were no warning lights/ dash indicators/ no check engine lights or other warnings present. I had just exited the highway and while sitting at a light, smoke began emanating from the hood and within seconds the smoke turned dark brown at the vents near the windshield. I immediately exited out of the vehicle. I did not have time to pull over out of traffic. The car was engulfed in flames within a very short period of time. I had only seconds to exit the car. I would have struggled to get any passengers out of the backseat safely (i.e. kids in car seats) had I not been the only one in the car at the time. We had notified Hyundai of engine concerns that began in 2023, and they had given us the runaround for many months requiring us to submit paperwork for oil changes for the lifetime of the car and to keep returning to the dealership for "testing" after driving a certain # of miles. They required us to bring the car in to have pictures of the engine taken to ensure there wasn't "neglect" to the car on our part. This excessive and lengthy process by Hyundai took several months after initial concerns were brought up with the dealer. After being required to submit voluminous amount of paperwork and several trips to the dealership for "testing", Hyundai finally agreed to replace the faulty engine. We were told we could continue to drive it until a new engine was ordered. The new engine was scheduled to be replaced on July 11, 2024 however, the car burst into flames on June 30, 2024. Had Hyundai taken appropriate action when the issue was first brought to their attention, this incident would have likely been avoided and had not endangered my life and others helping. Thank you for your attention to this incident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2024
At 40,000 miles the transmission is already jerking, shifting hard into gear and downshifting hard .
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2024
My headlight and break lights constantly go out and need repairs and malfunction each time a change the light bulbs. My engine does not hold oil and it leaks constantly after 20 days of driving I have to get oil change every 30 days. I have repaired this leak on several times by the professionals and it still leaks and locks up my engine due to low oil.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 18, 2024, fire
In April 2023, I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco from Carvana with 56,000 miles. By May 2023, the mileage was around 72,000. While driving from South Houston to North Houston on [XXX], 2023, the car loudly popped as I exited the highway around 5:00 pm CST. I noticed smoke coming from the rear and parked in a construction zone near a convenience store. Upon inspection, the vehicle stopped working, and I saw a significant fluid leak underneath. A bystander alerted me to flames from the bottom and under the hood. I called 911, and the fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage. I later discovered that specific 2011–2015 Hyundai models had been recalled due to fire risk (NHTSA ID: 23V-651000), but this did not include the Hyundai Sonata Eco. The recall was due to the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module leaking brake fluid internally, potentially causing an electrical short and leading to a fire. I have photos and videos documenting the incident. Following the incident, I filed a claim with Travelers Insurance, and on May 28th, 2023, the vehicle was declared a total loss. While I appreciate their offer of ~$13,000, it is insufficient to cover the remaining loan balance of approximately $17,300. I am worried about the financial impact and potential danger I face due to this malfunction. The lack of information highlights the need for better consumer education. I am now looking into options to cover the remaining loan balance, acquire a new vehicle, and, most importantly, advocate for improved driver education regarding this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2024, fire
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with 63k miles does not show any open recalls relating to fires however, my car was parked, went to turn it on, smelled an electrical smell and white smoke began billowing out of the engine. Within minutes the vehical engine compartment was engulfed in flames. I was able to remove my family from the vehicle and fire department came out to extinguish the vehicle. Thankfully everyone movedthere vehicles and no other vehicles were impacted but insurance has inspected the vehicle and determined it's a total loss as the whole engine compartment is melted. If not for me thinking and the action of others, many others cars could have been burned and my family burned and injured as they are still shook up about. Hyundai offered me a low settlement but there is know recall on the specific VIN for electrical or engine issues. The following weekend I met a guy who just purchased a pre-owned Hyundai and after leaving he stopped at a red light and the vehicle engine compartment went up in flames while parked. There is a larger issue at hand here and please help us investigate this so no one else has to go through this nightmare.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 28, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change and an engine flush, the following day while driving at approximately 10 MPH in a stop-and-go school zone, the vehicle stalled and smoke emitted from underneath the hood. All the warning lights on the instrument panel were illuminated. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and safely exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. The police department was at the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department later arrived and successfully extinguished the fire. The contact mentioned that the flames consumed the vehicle and only the framing was left but it was not determined destroyed yet. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 ( Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however the vehicle did not receive the recall remedy prior to the failure. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,765.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2024
While driving our vehicle (Hyundai 2015 Sonata Hybrid) around 25 MPH speed in city road... the vehicle stopped completely by itself in few seconds. Got the message "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive" in dashboard and beep beep sounds. Thank god, no accident, the vehicles behand able to stop and avoid the collision. This is serious SAFETY issue, as this could cause accidents if vehicle stops by itself while driving. This is 3rd time in last few years with this vehicles. The recent incident happened was on 5/1/2024 morning around 8.00 am. We went to the Hyundai Service Center and they did looked at the codes and ran some scans and they found nothing wrong. And they said it could be some wrong system warning and can be ignored, as they can't reproduce the issue. And told us to report if this happens, but the worry is that, if this happens it could be serious life threating accident or injuries. They said they also got similar other Sonata Hybrid got same issue reported same day, but they can't find root cause. Same issue was happened last on 9/30/2022 and one before in that same year. They can't find the root cause that time too. They just updated software that time...and hoped that will fix. But the issue repeated again. While searching on the internet, found many people reporting this same error message and suddenly stopping the vehicle by itself. Very scary safety concern. So that's why we are reporting this to NHTSA. To take action on this with the Hyundai and investigate more. Now worried when we drive this vehicle. I have all pictures taken when this issues happened on 5/1/24 and also 9/30/22. I will share those here. Let me know if you need more information on this.
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2024
Engine light comes on and alarm stating hybrid sytem failure unsafe to drive. Car loses power and can't be driven. Had this fixed twice. This time it only was fixed for two days.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 9, 2024, fire
Car was going approximately 50 miles an hour on a side street when warning lights went on, brakes stopped working, and the engine smoked and appeared to catch on fire. Car was steered into a parking lot and abruptly placed in park. Occupant grabbed valuables and quickly exited the vehicle. At that point, the front of the vehicle, under the hood went up in flames.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 25, 2023
My break went out while trying to make a stop.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2023
My hydraulic brake booster went out, Very dangerous i almost had an accident, the car doesn’t stop, there are no brakes the car would not stop I’f the hydraulic brake booster goes out you have no brakes and if you’re over 50 miles an hour the E break barely does anything it just sounds like you grinding into the ground. Very scary and I had a child in the car. Towed car to Hyundai.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
Hybrid system warning comes up often and everytime I take it to get assessed, something different is getting fixed. These repairs are all expensive out of pocket repairs. The problems continues to happen and I’m constantly repairing something different.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle displayed hybrid warning while moving through an intersection on a highway. The car's engine turned off along with the power steering and brakes. Had the light not been in my favor, I would have been unable to stop on a high speed highway with oncoming traffic.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 29, 2023, crash, fire
Trying to break after being hit to prevent hitting another driver . Ended up hitting the driver still and my car ended up catching on fire .
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2023, fire
The contact's friend owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at 20 MPH, a motorist informed her that there was a fire visible underneath the hood. As her friend opened the driver-side door, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact's friend was taken to the hospital where she sustained severe burns to the left side of her body. The contact's friend had her skin grafted from the right side of her body to repair the severe burns sustained to her left thigh and ankle as well as other parts of her body. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely incinerated due to the failure. The remains of the vehicle were towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. According to the fire report, the fire was caused by an unknown electrical failure malfunction; the source of the failure was undetermined. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 71,820
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2023
Hybrid car with various hybrid system failures that results in sudden loss of power while driving. this has occurred 3 times to me while on the highway (I-75 in South FL). Car suddenly loses power, could not accelerate but I was able to get off the highway safety. This has been reproduced at the dealer and they first replaced the hybrid generator then the hybrid battery and ECM and now it occurred again yesterday while I had 2 children with me and now they blame the transmission. This is a dangerous car that should be recalled and investigated for the true cause of sudden and unpredictable power loss.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 6, 2023
The car has had multiple issues with the hybrid system. I’ve taken it to the dealership about 4-5 times. They “fix” the issue but a little while later I’m having more hybrid warming issues. This last time I took it to a different dealership, paid for a diagnostic test, and was told my hybrid system was bad but because it was repaired too many times instead of replacing it, it’s no longer covered under warranty. The issue from the last diagnostic test showed the master brake cylinder was faulty, I replaced it but I’m still having the same issue. The mechanic I took it to did their own diagnostic test and it showed there is an issue with the hydraulic booster, high pressure accumulator short term charge. When I searched the issue, I’ve found that many people are having the same issue with the same car/year as mine. I contacted the manufacturer and they are still not willing to fix it even though it is a possible defect in the car.