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, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after having her vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) the exterior and interior lights would turn off while driving at various speeds, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that upon using the turn signals, the headlights would intermittently turn off; however, the headlights would turn on upon toggling the light switch. The contact had initially taken the vehicle back to the dealer where she was given a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the E-CVVT actuator was defective. In addition, the contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal or lunge forward upon depression of the brake pedal. The independent mechanic linked the failure to the E-CVVT actuator. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 18, 2022
When auto lights are engaged and the blinkers are engaged, the light will turn off and it will blink in the wrong direction for a few times and then blink the correct direction. While in auto lights and you turn a curve they will sometimes go off. Now I have an issue with my AC - it goes on and off randomly. Had it looked at and they cannot find an issue with the components but said it could be an electrical issue. BYW, Hyundai replaced the motor in this car as well because it had so many issues. I was told the issues now could be caused from them replacing the motor and causing an electrical issue. The paint is also peeling and they had a recall on the paint, but the paint on my car didn't start peeling until after their warranty had expired. This is a known issue with 2015 models - they know the paint is bad but won't fix it. Car manufacturers should be held accountable for what they put on the market, or at least fix what are known issues for multiple vehicles.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2022
Multiple times, when the car start up and is put in to reverse, there is no throttle response. Simultaneously, it can not be put into the manual gear select mode and the car lurches into second gear.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 21, 2022
My ABS lights came on and then minutes later my check engine light kept blinking while my car kept stalling or not let me accelerate in the middle of traffic. It’s like the engine dies but the car is on. It only stalls for a second then accelerates then stalls again and accelerates. Almost caused an accident. Seems that this is a problem for a lot of these models. It’s just crazy how it all happened back to back. My car has been running fine otherwise till that happened.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2022
While driving on the interstate, the car began to jerk, and then the engine proceeded to rev as if the car needed a power boost to continue performing. The dashboard then said "Hybrid System Warning! Stop and Do Not Drive" and then the car would no longer accelerate and I had to pull over. This was an extremely dangerous and unsafe situation to be in, and unfortunately, the error only presents itself while driving so the mechanics are unable to get a code that clearly defines the issue that needs to be resolved. I have spent numerous hours on forums with complaints from Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners who had the same issue and have visited various mechanics to fix the issue, only to end up having the issue arise yet again, further endangering their lives on the road. I believe the best solution forward is to take a serious investigation into the issue and issue an open recall so drivers can get the assistance they need to remain safe on the roads.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
The powered driver seat returning from a reclined position can get stuck in the recline position for some unknown reason. The seat motor, electrical wiring system and the switch have all been examined and replaced and yet for some unknown reason it continues to occur. Two different mechanics thought it was the switch for the seat being faulty but its been replaced twice and still this issue can occur where the seat after reclining any amount the seat will remain in that recline position for an extended period of time (multiple days) and can if reclined completely, remain in the full reclined position unable to return in the direction so as to raise it to a normal seated position. The seat switch will only recline but will not return back to the seated position to any degree. All of the other swithces and buttons with the drivers side seat continue to remain operational and work even when the seated position direction does not function. To operate a vehicle in the fully reclined position is dangerous as you have no back support while driving, there is also no whiplash protection or support in the event of a collision. It can also impair the drivers ability to reach the pedals or operate the vehicle properly. It also makes the seat behind the driver unusable. Further adding to the danger the seat has no manual options and therefore is unable to be manually returned to the seated position, thus once it is reclined back it remains stuck in that position until the switch begins to function again or the seat is removed. There are no warning lamps or indicators and the seat continues to properly function in the recline direction. Only upon trying to return to a seated position is there any indication of an issue. This has happened at least 3 times in the past year. Repair shops have examined the electrical wiring and the switch and cant seem to keep it from happening
Engine, Electrical system, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and then stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the mechanic discovered that the spark plugs had disintegrated causing the piston rings to be damaged. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2022
2 days ago my car had red orange like engine light came on while i am driving on [XXX] near [XXX] . next to [XXX] my car stopped running so I pull over and I call my local mechanic who sold me the car. JS AUTO In SANTA ANA, CA. He came in a towing truck. [XXX]. ALSO [XXX]. THEY WORK IN JS AUTO REPAIR MECHANIC SHOP. HE ALSO PUT A ENGINE IN MY SONATA HYBRID AND REDID THE MILEAGE ODOMETER IT WAS 49000 but the DMV REGISTATION PAPER SAID 146900 any way. I went to the mechanic shop last week complaining about engine light and they swap the something near the fuel hose entrance area. then 2 days my engine light came back on and [XXX] CAME TO ME ON [XXX] with towing truck ,he was asking what happening, and he ask for the KEY FOB. HE start the sonata and told me follow me in my towing truck to JS AUTO SANTA ANA TUSTIN SHOP SO I DID> I SPEND 5 hours not having lunch and break fast. I mention to him about LEMON LAW FOR PURCHASE USED CAR. HE TELL YELLED AT ME> I SAID I GAVE U COMPANY CASHG CHECK FOR 10,000. don't tell me what I can say can not say in front of your customers. he said go talk to TUSTIN HYUNDAI NEAR YOU> AND I LET LEFT THE SHOP AT 445pm because shop closed at 5,pm I thanked MANAGER [XXX] for buying LUNCH AT REDHILL CAFE STEAK CHEESE STREAL 12 inch sub sandwich. then I came home and google search on EVAP LEAK. because MANAGER [XXX] TOLD IT WAS EVAP LEAK ERROR ON THE MACHINE BECAUSE THEY BRING THE EVAP LEAK TESTER FROM JS AUTO GARDEN GROVE LOCATION< PLEASE GOOGLE JS AUTO GARDEN GROVE SO ANY FAULTY EQUIPMENT THEY ARE USING AND ANY BAD FINANCIAL DEALING THEY ARE DOING < I THINK THEY MIS CALCULATED MY USED CAR> I SHOULD PAY MAYBE 8500 or 7500 US DOLLARS> INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2022
While driving, the following warning appeared: Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, due to the fact that this same warning appeared in the summer of 2021, where it was towed to the dealer and they were unable to discover any problem. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer this time they found the code P1B70, high voltage battery to low, there was a flash update for the BMS module to correct the issue. My issue is that you do not always have a appropriate spot where you can stop the vehicle and leave it for a tow. Perhaps this flash update should be installed in all 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids as a recall so as not to leave the drivers in an unsafe condition
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2022
Fuse-High Voltage blow, no continuity. Forced us to pull off one lane highway. Turned off car and it would not start after that. Car displayed "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" on dashboard, while driving.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2022
While going home on highway 95 at approximately 70 mph. The vehicle stalled almost causing many accidents. Thank goodness I steered it on the shoulder and it will not restart I had to call for a Tow. This was the 3rd time this happened. The first time was approximately a month in 2015 after my purchase it stalled on the highway. Again, in 2017 it once again stalled on the highway while I was driving. The dealership has told me on all 2 previous occasions that they had fixed the problem and it wasn't going to happen again. Here we are in 2022 and it stalled again. Why can't they just replace the engine? This is the second week and my car is still in the dealership which they are saying they don't know what the problem is smh.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 4, 2022
Out of the blue, I heard a very loud knocking noise coming from my engine. I was driving my children to school and as I hit the gas pedal the less power my car had. Not only would it not accelerate much but even the lights would dim. I am now paying over $400 a month for a car that I can not drive and walking where I need to go. My vin number does not qualify me for the engine recall Hyundai has, even though my car is the right year, make and model, engine size and problem that the recall is for. Awesome right?
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 3, 2022, fire
The car caught fire. I only had the car for 3 weeks. I had just started the car for work. There were no warning lights on. If some unknown guy have not told me to get out my car i would had died.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2021
Check engine light on. Taken to hyundai dealership for recall repairs. At the time, 3 recalls on vehicle. Informed that check engine light was on due to recalls. Dealership kept car for 1½ weeks and notified me that 1 recall (filter) was not completed because parts are on back order. Dealership had me pick up vehicle and said that it is okay to drive car; however, after calling another Dealership, the Service rep informed me that cars should not be driven while engine filter recalls are open because it could potentially further damage vehicle. Vehicle has now been sitting in my garage for over 2 months and I'm making payments for a car I cannot drive.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
We received a notice for an IMPORTANT Safety Recall for our 2015 Hyundai concerning a turn signal malfunction. According to the information given to us, this problem could understandably be very dangerous and life threatening. So we tried to schedule an appointment at our nearest Hyundai dealer, but were told they weren’t even taking appointments until January (So much for taking care of a dangerous situation). This dealer was San Tan Hyundai in Gilbert, AZ! If this repair takes only an hour or so as the notice predicted, I’m wondering why such a delay for an emergency service? We continued to call around and finally scheduled for a Dec. 1st appointment at another dealer. That we can live with, but their is no excuse for a similar dealer not being able to deal with this problem sooner. The person on the call was not very polite, which is par for service it seems now days. Anyway, I think this dealer should be noted in your records in case you receive other complaints. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 24, 2021
I was driving at 55 mph and vehicle stall and cut off pulled side the road tried to crank back up and nothing happened. after each oil change no oil show on stick and also when i get an oil change they tell me barely any oil in vehicle. this has happened every since i purchased the veh on Dec 10 2019
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contacts son stated while driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle's steering wheel became hard to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with being an electrical issue. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the same issues. The manufacturer was informed of failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2021
Turn signal sometimes does not work or causes opposite side to activate leading to increased risk of crash, no remedy provided currently from current recall on vehicle. There's no warning as to when this can happen which leads to driving the vehicle a risky bet.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2021
I was driving under normal conditions and every warning indicator light and chime went off, speedometer and tachometer gauges went to zero, digital display of speedometer went blank. I immediately pulled into a parking lot and shifted into park. I called the nearest Hyundai dealer to speak to a service rep, but was told they were busy and would call back. The car would not shift, it was locked in PARK. I turned it off, waited and turned back on, all warning indicators were still flashing, but I was able to shift into drive, and went straight to the dealer. Diagnostics by dealer was that "CEL WAS ON DUE TO HISTORY CODES. CLEARED CODES AND TEST DROVE THE CAR AND EVERYTHING WORKS AS DESIGNED." 200 miles later, same problem. I will gladly make my vehicle available for inspection upon request. I searched the internet and found others were having same problem. URL: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/all-dashboard-warning-lights-on-rpm-gear-indicator-blank.660496/
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2021
VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY ALERTS THAT THE HOOD IS OPEN WHEN IT IS IN FACT CLOSED. HOOD LATCH IS IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS HAPPENS VERY RANDOMLY, EVEN WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 4, 2021
THE AIRBAG DASH LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON AND OFF, IT HAS THROWN A B1490 CODE ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY MAJOR ACCIDENTS BEFORE. I HAVE READ THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG VEHICLES LIKE MINE, HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL THOUGH I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT ON ONLINE FORUMS.
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2021
THE RECALL OF THE ECU FLAMMABLE SOFTWARE RECALLED WAS FIXED AT HYUNDAI TYSINGER DEALERSHIP IN HAMPTON VA JULY 2020 WHEN I RETRIEVED THE CAR THE TPMS SENSOR WAS ILLUMINATED THEY ASSURED ME THE SOFTWARE PKG THEY UPGRADED AND OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED WERE NOT RELATED TO THAT HAPPENING. I HAD A SECOND OPTION AT RNR HAMPTON VA WHO ENSURED ME THAT REPLACING EACH TIRE VALVE WOULD FIX THE ISSUE. THEY CHARGED ME 400 ON 9/16/2020 FOR THAT SERVICE WHEN THE CAR WAS PICKED UP THE TPMS SENSOR NEEDED TO RE-SET ITSELF AND DRIVING IT WITH IT WAS FINE - IT WOULD ASK TO PROMPT ME TO RE-SET IT AND / OR DO IT AUTOMATICALLY THE NEXT 24 HOURS - IT DID NOT DO THAT - IT IS JAN 18 2021 I JUST HAD MY DIAGNOSTIC FOR THE TPMS SENSOR FOR THIS 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA AT HALL AUTOMOTIVE THEY ARE SAYING ALL FOUR VALVES AND SOFTWARE THAT THE VALVES PLACED WITH RNR WERE NOT COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI SOFTWARE AND SHOULD OF KNOWN THAT - IT STATES THAT PROHIBITION OF 49 USC 30122 ARE TO BE INTEGRATED AND COMPATIBLE BEFORE PROCEEDING THE DEALERSHIP - RNR AND ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP SHOULD ALL ME ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS 2000 ERROR
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 14, 2020
VEHICLE DRIVER RECEIVED AUDIO AND VISUAL ALERT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED THAT THE "HYBRID WARNING FAILED AND TO CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM-TURN ENGINE OFF" AND TO PULL OVER SAFELY. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE LOCKED AND LOST ALL POWER MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE INTERSTATE ALMOST INSTANTLY AFTER THE ALARM. UPON RESEARCH, I MANAGE A LARGE VEHICLE FLEET, WE HAVE MULTIPLE OTHER SONATA'S WITH THE SAME ISSUE-AND THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS KNOWN SAFETY FAILURE (17-HC-003-1).
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 1, 2020
THE CAR HAS FAILED TO START ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I ENTER THE CAR, PRESS THE BREAK AND THE PUSH TO START BUTTON, AND THE CAR FAILS TO IGNITE. IT HAPPENS NORMALLY WHEN IT IS COLDER, BUT WILL STILL DO IT WHEN IT IS WARMER OUT.