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, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
While driving, received Hybrid system warning that shut the car down . Power steering and braking were non-existent so safely stopping and pulling over was near impossible.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has recently been having both electrical and engine problems. Roughly a month ago, I had my vehicle completely stall in the middle of the highway. I lost power and a bunch of lights came on at once. Thankfully, I was in the right lane so I was able to safely get off the road even though I had many other cars speeding around me. I had no acceleration, I was just cruising off the highway at this point. Thankfully, my brakes did still work. Engine light and a bunch of errors turned on but went away once I pulled off and restarted the vehicle. I pulled off the road and once I decided to try and start it and go again, my car felt like it had hardly any power the whole way home. Fast forward to last weekend, I was driving home and my car would not accelerate. The engine light comes on and this time, my acceleration didn’t completely shut off, I was just very limited. I had to ease into the gas because I felt like it was having a hard time shifting gears and keeping up with the RPMS. I felt uncomfortable pushing it above 50. As I got close to home, I noticed a knocking noise in the engine. I plugged one of my code readers in and it spit out 7e8, 7e9 and I believe it was p1326. Super rough start and feels like it’s going to break down if I try to drive it. I’ve left it parked since
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
City driving and the bells and warning message on the dash stated the electrical system was being evaluated for causes why the engine/electric drive failed
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
Several times this has happened. I am driving and all of a sudden my car stops and I get a message that says Hybrid System Warning, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive. The car will coast to the side of the road at times and other times it won't. I have taken it to the Holler Hyundai dealer in Winter Park FL and they told me nothing was wrong with it. They had my car for less than an hour. I told them there was no way they could have fixed the issue but they said they did. Obviously they didn't fix it because it has happened several times since then. Now my car will not even move. It starts up, radio works, AC works, just will not move. It is at the Sanford Hyundai service shop waiting for them to tell me what it is
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2023
2015 Hybrid Sonata, milages at 82,000 km, owned for 8 years. "Hybrid system warning, do not drive" message occurred, car lost 100% of its power, went into complete stop without any warnings on the middle of the highway. Hazard lights do not work and unable to warn incoming traffic that the car has completely stalled in the highway. The car is unsafe to drive. Went to Hyundai (here in Canada) several times, being charged every time for diagnostic and repair works, been told that the issues were fixed via software update. Problem persists. There are compelling evidences from different car forums, websites and NHTSA own database (28 reports under Unknown, 22 reports under Electrical sys. categories...) on the hybrid system failure or/and 100% power lost lead to complete stalled car. Although all these reports did not site any injury, major or death events, NHTSA should compel Hyundai to take appropriate actions to render the car safe to drive for the public because if accidents should happened, it cannot be undone and will affect lives of people. The public relies on a governing body to represent us and hold the manufacturer responsable to ensure that their mkt released products are safe: to save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, May 31, 2023
Rear passenger door will not lock manually or via manufacturer installed causing issues with child safety lock and at high speeds can be opened causing injuries and or death ,Windscreen on panoramic sunroof detaches causing safety hazard
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2023
after taking my 2015 sonata eco to the dealership for campaign 993; campaign 210; and, campaign tww 15-17 I have experienced the following issues: RIGHT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING ALARM GOES OFF 5 MINUTES AFTER LOCKING THE VEHICLE DASH INDICATES MY REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS AJAR WHEN IT IS LOCKED Prior to having the service done my vehicle did not have any of this issues. RUSNAK Hyundai Inland Empire has not been helpful in resolving these issues. I am being asked to pay to diagnose the issues that were not present prior to the software updates.
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2023
“Hybrid System Alert” comes up on the dash and the system shuts down, all electrical is lost including HAZARD LIGHTS and the ability to put the car into Neutral. Since the car shuts down Hyundai says they cannot retrieve the code to solve it. It has been happening on and off for over a year and I’ve been stranded on a dark road with no lights on the car and no ability to push it off the road. HYUNDAI IS NOT HELPING! They need to recall these cars as the issue is widespread. The car restarts after a day or so, but in that moment it is not driveable and very unsafe. It’s clearly a flaw, as there’s no code to be found. It needs to be recalled and fixed. AAA has towed me or come out several times and cannot understand the problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2023
My car was stolen 1week after the recall was performed that was supposed to immobilized the engine. The recall did nothing and now I'm left with the aftermath.
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2023
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIER VEHICLE WAS BUILT WITHOUT AN IGNITION IMMOBILIZER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 27, 2023
A Aknocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. A Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. A Illumination of the "check engine" light in the instrument cluster.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2023
Sensors lights would indicate an issue and would disappear sometimes without any reason (mainly Check Engine and Tire Pressure Sensors). Indicators would trigger the opposite direction (indicate right and the left indicator would turn on). Burning more fuel than expected. Primary fuel pump stopped working resulting in car stopping in the middle of the road.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 10, 2023
Engine keeps losing power not sure why & also abs brake system out of nowhere when accelerating in freeway they automatically brake sometimes for safety feature
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2023
After taking my car in multiple times to be serviced for a "Hybrid System Warning" mid last year, they were unable to read any error codes or diagnose any issue. I took it to two separate dealerships with no luck fixing the issue. I then completely broke down due to the same "Hybrid System Warning" on the highway on 7/26/22 heading to Pigeon Forge, TN with two children in the car. I had to have my car towed to the closest Hyundai dealership in Knoxville. They were unable to diagnose and fix my car within the timeframe I was in town. Since Hyundai would not provide me with a loaner, I had to get a rental car to get home that I was not reimbursed for. We ended up paying out of pocket to replace the safety plug/fuse and the power relay assembly on 8/9/22. After having the car back for three months, the warning popped up again on 10/18/22 just as it did earlier that same year. I immediately called to schedule a service appointment with Hyundai and had to wait almost four months to get a service appointment here in Cincinnati. The appointment was on 1/26/23 and they have yet to "replicate the issue" so they are unable to diagnose the car. I am supposed to pick up the car this week even though it's a safety hazard. I have had two cases open with Hyundai Customer Affairs but since they cannot diagnose the car, there is nothing they can do. They have been absolutely no help at all.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2023
When automatic headlights are on there are time that the headlamps will turn off when engaging the turn signals until turn signals are disengaged.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2023
After driving for 15 or more minutes, the power steering fails. The warning light for the power steering and stability control turn on at that moment, as well. This failure occurs while driving and the wheel jerks a bit if the car is in a turn. There was a power steering recall for other Hyundais of the same era, which is very coincidental.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 25, 2022
This is the third time this has happened. The car just starts to beep and stops working wherever it is. Its died on the highway and another busy road during rush hour causing a dangerous backup in which the police needed to be called. The car just beeps and flashes on the dash "Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive". Also, "check charging system". The car just stops and basically dies on the road when this light comes. When this happens the steering wheel does not really work and the gas/breaks have limited function. This could cause a major accident on a major highway or even off of a highway. I am quite surprised that there has not been a recall for this serious safety concern.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
Alternator tensioner bracket broke, causing the alternator to hang loosely, which caused the car to gradually lose electrical power to all accessories and safety equipment due to the serpentine belt being loose from the broken bracket. During traveling immediately before failure, the battery warning light illuminated on the dash panel, going on and off intermittently. Thereafter, I began losing control of all my electrical safety features, including power steering, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning system, and eventually power to my entire vehicle as the battery was drained of all charge. At the time of events, my family of 4, including a 2 year old and a 10 week old, were all occupants of the vehicle. With the power of the vehicle declining, the power steering was activating/deactivating intermittently causing the car to jerk one way or the other unexpectedly. Had we remained traveling on the highway at highway speeds, our safety would have been greatly compromised from the unexpected power failure to all electrical safety features. The vehicle and fractured tensioner bracket have not been inspected or confirmed by dealer or independent service provider as the vehicle is not drivable. The broken tensioner bracket is apparent and indisputable.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2022
The power steering started malfunctioning and then caused all warning lights on the dash to illuminate including check engine, power steering, abs, and after coming to a stop and waiting several minutes the lights went off but power steering was still not operating correctly
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2022
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO EXCESSIVELY BURNING OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS BURNING 1QUART OF OIL MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY THAN EACH 1,000 MILES AND HAS TO CONSISTENTLY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that she had to use the shift release button to shift gear. The contact then stated that all the lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hub sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (Steering, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2022, fire
While I was driving, my check engine light came on. It wasn’t flashing so I was going to continue driving to a parts house (because the dealerships around me were closed) and have them check the codes that were present. Immediately after I had that thought, I noticed the car was smoking and the battery light and the traction control light had come on, so I proceeded to pull over and shut the vehicle off. I got out and noticed the hood had soot on the edges. I called 911 and watched the car go up I’m flames. This all happened in less than a mile. I noticed a fluid of some sort had sprayed out of my vehicle onto the road and the underneath the vehicle was coated in the fluid. This is still being investigated but I know of a lot of Hyundai/Kia vehicles have caught on fire while driving. I’m not 100% sure of the cause yet, but I want to document that this did happen to my vehicle. I would love to update as soon as we figure out what has caused the car to catch fire while I was driving.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 22, 2022
The issue is with the hybrid system, which malfunctioned and apparently ruined the rest of the car. The damaged components are adding up to over 75% of the car's value. The vehicle slowed and stopped suddenly on a busy road when the issue started. Currently, it has been inspected by two different shops and they have both given me the same diagnosis.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2022
This is yet another incident of a Sonata Hybrid hybrid flashing a warning to the driver and the the engine shutting down. This time it was Sep 7, 2022 in Morristown, TN. A brief internet search led to this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Hyundai/17-HC-003-1 indicating that the issue is known to Hyundai. This is definitely a safety issue, this is a known problem, why was no recall issued?