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: engine
642 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 15, 2022
told the Hyundai dealer 2 years(March 2021) ago that I was concerned about my oil light flashing periodically between scheduled oil changes. No action other than oil changes and one time they added a couple of quarts "no charge" as it again was low. Continued to change oil more often than necessary and the frequency increased. Multiple other car repairs have been happening and the oil now has to be added weekly to maintain proper amounts. Had to change spark plugs 2 times with in 5 months and now another engine light came on today 11/15, and when I check the code at a parts store I was told is was a P03001 and P03002 which was something to do again with the cylinders misfiring. Everyone I have spoke to says this is an engine issue and it is under recall. I did place a claim with Hyundai Care USA after being told by the dealer that it would be better if I did this instead of them. The assistant manager also confirmed that the engine is covered 100%. I did this in September after the second repairs. The Regional Manager finally called me back and indicated he agreed about the problem needing to be resolved and would call me after he spoke to the dealer in a day or two. It has been over a week and no one has called. I keep leaving messages. I now have the same error codes, it is November 15 and the spark plugs were all changed less than 2 months ago for the exact same reason. I have been stranded and at times when I accelerate onto traffic the car will not respond. I do not use the interstate anymore as I cannot predict when the car will slow down and not get enough speed and cause an accident. I only drive to work and back right now. I was given this website by the employee at the parts store along with some information concerning P1326 codes and they are engine related. I will upload the most recent repair receipt.
Engine, Oct 29, 2022
Intake actuator for camshift seal failed. Internal oil seal plug is leaking. There is a recall for this already but Hyundai is telling me recall is not attached to my VIN so they are refusing to fix it. my make model year is 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4l. Engine light is on. It is unsafe to drive as engine revs extremely high, and when I take my foot off break engine lurches forward. This is a safety issue making car unsafe to drive. I have been fighting with Hyundai for 6 weeks now, and they still refuse due to national recall in place, is not attached to my VIN. Please attach recall to my vin as this is exact issue I am having.
Engine, Oct 25, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that soon after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel smell and that when he was stopped at a traffic light, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that once he was home and parked the vehicle, he was unable to open the hood because of how hot it was and he then saw flames coming from underneath it. The contact attempted to extinguish the flames with two fire extinguishers but was not successful. The fire department was called and they extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the instrument panel and all of the front of the vehicle were melted. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact's insurance company and attorney advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
My engine failed and was repaired under a campaign recall. Tim Short in Pikeville ky kept my vehicle 3 months to install new engine. Check engine light came on on the way home the day I picked it up. Made appointments to go back and have it checked and they said catalytic converter was clogging up but it would be my responsibility to fox it at my cost. Asked If it would be safe to drive oh yes you may lose a little Power over time but should be fine. Left the dealership and didn't make it home the car started vibrating and shit down got it started back and barely made it to a place to pull off. Car had no power, smoke boiling out of engine and exhaust. Dealership and hyundai refused to cover having it towed back. This last engine was the 3rd engine put in this vehicle due to recalls and this one didn't even make it 3 weeks . There is definitely an engine problem with hyuandi.. inhav been left without a vehicle for 3 months and have to have it towed back again at my cost. I wasn't even given a rental while it was being repaired. The car has 121,000 miles but has had 3 failed engines. Something needs to be done.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle off to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still shaking. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence at approximately 10 MPH. The contact had called an independent mechanic to her residence who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The engine is consuming excessive oil. My vehicle is available for inspection The problem has been confirmed by an oil service company Valvoline in Munster, Indiana The "oil" lamp appeared on my dashboard for a brief moment. I filed claim with BBB Arbitration for the Hyundai Theta Engine Recall but since my engine hasn't blown up, they will probably deny it. Case # HEE2220129 Jump vs Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement Extended My engine is consuming a quart of oil every 3oo miles or less. 1)12/15/2021 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 101,230 Oil services, based on being “Offstick” resulted in new oil filter and engine cleaner. 4/25/22 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 103,003. Only 1,773 miles between the oil changes. 7/11/2022 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 104,423. Only 1,420 miles between the oil changes I contacted Webb Hyundai in Merrillville, Indiana for a recall that needed to be performed. I subsequently contacted Hyundai Customer Service and informed them of my oil consumption problem. Given a PA Case number and told to ask Webb Hyundia to perform an oil consumption test. 7/28/2022 Webb Hyunda They indicated that they added ½ quart of oil to my car I requested it to be added. A ½ quart of oil on 7/28 after I had 3 quarts of oil added on 7/11/2022. Being at “at stick” level results is terrifying as my engine could combust. Plus the additional costs of cleaning out the engine as well. Please refer to Webb Hyundai Vehicle Inspection Report for more details pages 1-5. NOTE: The category “UNDER HOOD” specifically next to fluids. The box is marked in RED. Which means “requires immediate attention”. 6)On 8/17/2022 I had my oil checked and in ONLY 400 miles I was 1 quart low. 7)On 9/10/2022 I had my oil checked and in ONLY 286 miles I was 1 quart low.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2022
on aug 18 i was driving on the interstate at 80 mph , suddenly i could no use my gas pedal it lost power , the engine and oil flashed lucky i was able to get my car pulled over out of harms way and called a tow truck , i had it towed to my nearest Hyundai dealership ,on september 22 my car was denied for engine replacement due to me being the second owner , i've only had this car a year , i would like to warn any one with a Hyundai to take caution because their is no warning signs until it happening .
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.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
The vehicle is used as a commuter car, and driven primarily on NJ Turnpike at high speed. Over a two month period, on four occasions, the engine has shut off. All dash lights came on, and all power assist controls failed. Managed to get to shoulder of road, and after a few minutes, car would restart and run properly. The fourth time it happened, as I coasted onto shoulder, the car restarted by itself. Took car to dealer for diagnosis and repair and was told there were no codes and it "could be" any number of parts not working properly, but no actual diagnosis. Was charged $160 dollars, and I took vehicle home. But when I looked over the invoice, I found the description of problem was not what I had told service rep, so went back to talk to service manager. He told me to bring it back in and he would have it rechecked. Was told they drove car 35 miles a day but it never stalled. However, invoice shows same mileage went brought in and sent out. Again, they said they could find no codes, so they could not diagnose any problem. I went and picked vehicle up, but I drove through the dealer's parking lot to leave, I saw the engine service light was now illuminated, and returned the car to the service department. Was told they would check it out, and I went home. After three weeks, I called to find out status of car. Was informed they had yet to look at it, but would do so shortly. A week later I was told problem was a bad VCM Motor Assembly, and I was charged 788.70 dollars, to replace a part that apparently fine, when I dropped the vehicle off. Read numerous posts online by owners reporting this same engine shutting-off problem, since 2016. But no one has stated a definitive cause, or repair, by dealers. As to whether that was the cause of the engine shutting off, I will have to see.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2022
My power steering light came on last night when I arrived from work on Saturday night. Was hoping to take it in to be looked at but the dealership I bought it from is closed till Monday at 10. Woke up Sunday for work decided to see if the light was still on but it was off but about 7 minutes into the the light came back on along with the abs light, engine light, and oil light. I believe a couple more lights came on but not sure which ones but the car stopped working and starting completely
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.
Engine, Sep 12, 2022
We had taken out 2015 Hyundai Sonata to the repair shop because the check engine light came on. The repair shop said it gave the error for low oil, but the oil in the system was not low and we were barely past the oil change mileage. We had the oil changed and picked the car up. The next day, the car lost all power and locked up completely while going about 45 mph down the highway. We had to push the car off the highway. Car was towed to same repair shop and we were informed the motor was blown. We called Hyundai but they offered no assistance since we were past 100,000 miles. The engine blew at 114,000 miles.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2022
My daughter was driving on the interstate when the car went into limp mode and the engine light was flashing. We had it towed to hyundia dealership where they did an engine update. Had it for 3 months when it did the same thing to her again. Had it towed again to same dealership where they are telling me it needs a new engine.
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.
Engine, Sep 2, 2022
My wife is concerned for her safety and our three children. On start up and driving engine feels like it's shutting off and turning back on. I was told by a local mechanic that there are several issues that Hyundai knows about and basically aren't fixing. Engine light keeps coming on and off with a different code everytime. Issue has been going on for about a year replaced spark plugs and had decarbonization process done to no avail.
Engine, Aug 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a cranking noise coming from the engine. There was an engine overheated message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,785.
Engine, Aug 23, 2022, crash
Engine failure while driving on freeway. Lost control unable to accelerate, almost got hit by semi due to inability to move out of way swiftly. All engine oil came out due to rod bearing punching hole in engine block and car started smoking, fire department said I had maybe 2 minutes before my car would’ve been engulfed in flames.
Engine, Aug 15, 2022
The engine constantly needs oil added. There is no oil leakage showing on the ground. I have to add oil ever week. The engine also knocks going at slow speeds up hill and has started knocking when started if you turn it off and restart it it will run ok. The dealer says the engine has to fail completely before the recall will be completed. So I have to drive it until it fails somewhere on the highway and could easily cause a serious accident.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
2 recalls were found on my car and a service campaign. After taking my car to a couple auto shops, within 2 years my car has had the same repair issue involving P010 & P011 codes. After researching and finding there was a service campaign and 2 recalls, I decided to take my car to the dealership due to address the recalls. I took my car in on 8/1 and had a full inspection done on my car. Outside of the normal wear & tear, I was advised that the ECVVT cap was installed incorrectly, that it was leaking oil. I was told that cleaning the oil & reinstalling the cap would correct the problem, it didn’t and I’m out of additional money ($562) and the problem is reoccurring. I’ve called several times recently, as well as one of my mechanics, hadn’t received a return call not until I filed a BBB complaint. It seems they are not honoring or even considering the service campaign (ECVVT Seating issue) and it is my belief, will continue to send me in circles to pay more money. A full inspection was done on my car, wasn’t nothing major but my engine light came back on in route home. I called the advisor and he couldn’t give me a definitive response as to when I could bring my car back & get it checked again. I wanted another appointment time so that I wouldn’t be inconvenienced by sitting at the dealership all day until they decided to check or get to my car again. It took me almost a month to get the 8/1/22 appointment. The staff I spoke with has tried to convince me that the issue with my car has nothing to do with the recalls or the ECVVT service campaign, I disagree especially experiencing the repeated P010 & P011 codes. One of the recalls also was for the ECM.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
Engine problem. Massive oil consumption. We bought our 2015 Sonata new and have taken it for service and maintenance at the dealership. I have all records from dealership maintenance. Have been told that its just normal for that engine and to keep adding oil. Now I have to check and add oil weekly or it will be empty. Started having issues in 2017. Hyundai knows there is a problem with the engine. I dont know who to talk to or what I can do.
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
It happened with me twice when I noticed that after about 1800 miles after my car’s oil change, the oil light comes up when there’s a turn or a speed bump. After checking the dipstick, I noticed that there was no oil in the engine. I got it checked for some possible leaks in the car but there were none. This narrowed it down to the cause that the car is burning oil too quickly and that it could also lead to to engine seizure if on a long drive. I also did some research on the same and found that I wasn’t the only one and that there still hasn’t been a recall on the same. I believe it is a safety issue if the engine malfunctions while driving, be it long range or a short one.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 27,055.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 2, 2022
The engine stalls out randomly. This is the third time it's done it. The first time was while I was exiting the freeway on March of 2021, which I thought was a fluke. The second time was July 19th and the third time was July 30th. There were NO warning lights or messages. Took it to the dealer and they said that everything came back fine with the engine. They confirmed that the RPMs were too high when it was in a parked position and the engine was on when they first took it in. They suggested I replace the starter. I'm going to a different mechanic for a second opinion. The car was in motion with my foot on the gas pedal when it started to stall. There is no way that it is from a starter.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2022
Engine burns 2 quarts of oil a week. Took it in for oil consumption tests and Hyundai figures out ways to not replace these faulty GDI Engines. Also car has a strong gas smell inside car. Maybe gas leaking. Airbag warning light has been on for years. Took it to the dealer in the past they said it's ok(Hub Hyundai Katy TX) but I don't feel confident.