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
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
Engine had a leak and shaves of the engine were inside the oil line. Had to get engine replaced.
Engine, Jul 28, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
Driving at 55 and the engine blew. No warning, no check engine light, no sign of anything wrong. Power steering loss, limo mode activation. Almost rear ended during catastrophic failure. 111,000 miles
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2022
The vehicle is slow to accelerate and as its accelerating it often will jerk or hesitate roughly. There have also been times when accelerating, such as getting on a highway, that the whole (what I assume to be) throttle system will almost stop and it feels like the car is just going to stop right there on the highway. It's very dangerous as cars behind me are also accelerating and not expecting my vehicle to just stop. The vehicle is available for inspection. There are no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the issue. It has not been inspected by anyone yet.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2022
Vehicle suddenly lost power while in operation. Vehicle was in motion approaching an intersection. When left turn indicator was activated, all lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the engine shut off, and power steering was lost all while the Vehicle was in motion approaching a intersection with stop sign. Vehicle was able to stop before entering the intersection, but would not start again and we were stranded in the middle of the road. Electrical systems appeared to be working. Battery and alternator are functioning normally. After Vehicle sat for 20min, it then was able to start and moved out of the road to a safe location. Vehicle was towed to mechanic that confirmed Battery health and alternator functioning. Vehicle was then taken to dealership for recall 210 safety repair. Dealership service unable to determine cause for loss of power while Vehicle in operation. No explanation, offer of additional service, or remedy has been offered despite requests. I do not feel it is safe to operate this vehicle in the absence of information related to the sudden loss of power during normal operation. Had this occurred in another setting with more traffic or less room for safely coasting to a stop, serious injury or worse could have resulted. The vehicle is still eligible for the 10yr 100k mile powertrain warranty and I am the original owner. We do not feel we can safely operate this vehicle and need guidance on how to proceed with pursuing a remedy to the situation from the vehicle manufacturer.
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.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an engine oil change was performed. After retrieving the vehicle, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was sputtering and the vehicle was hesitating while driving; the vehicle later stalled driving. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 75,600.
Engine, Jul 10, 2022
My Car is burning engine oil at in alarming rate. I put 5 quarts of oil in and my check engine light began to blink and my car would accelerate more pass 50 mph. So in 6 days and 578 miles; my car had less than a half of a quart of oil in it. My car is having engine trouble. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jul 8, 2022
While driving on the freeway the engine began loosing power and there is a knocking sound. My daughter was almost rear ended trying to get off the freeway. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and i was told the rod bearings are bad and the engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle has regular oil changes and does not consume a lot of oil. No warning lights came on. The dealership refuses to inspect the vehicle because it has a salvaged title. The failure happened at 108k miles.
Engine, Jul 4, 2022
Engine had knocking then completely froze while driving due to low oil pressure. Car has been well maintained, regular oil changes and just had axle repaired. Hyundai has extended warranty to cover this issue that is common on these vehicles and should cover the cost of the new motor. Consumer spoke with Hyundai corporate and the case number is [XXX]. Although they are well aware of cars catching fire and are even part of a major litigation lawsuit for this same situation consumer is getting nowhere with them. Consumer's daughter could have been seriously hurt in this incident. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Engine, Jul 3, 2022
Faulty motor. No warning lamps or any other symptoms prior motor failure. At 123,310 miles motor spun lower camshaft bearing cause motor to lock up on a busy highway. Same as the 2013's & 2014's.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the engine replacement due to the previous owner's failure to have the Manufacturer Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,803.
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
The car keeps throwing a code and going into limp mode. For the knock sensor. It was replaced less than a year ago and it is now throwing the same code. And once again in limp mode. The first time this happened was around 10/15/2021,&now today 6/17/2022
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.
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
1/2022. My vehicle start leaking oil. Vehicle was under warranty. Had multiple things replaced. I thought oil leak was fixed. Not even a month later in 2/2022, the vehicle was leaking oil again. Brought it back to dealer & they redid gaskets, seals, etc. Now on 4/22/22, I have not even put 3000 miles on the vehicle since it was at the dealership & there was a knocking noise coming from under my hood. Called the dealership and they said I needed to get it back to them. Oil consumption test was never done because it was assumed that my oil was low because it was leaking. Both times oil was put in my vehicle. On 4/28/22, I was at work and went outside to check my oil and there was little to no oil on the stick. I immediately added 5 quarts of oil which is required for my vehicle. The knocking did not stop. I left work to run a brief errand on 4/29/22, and had just pulled out of work onto a very busy four-lane highway. All of a sudden I hear this big boom under my hood, my car locks up and my oil light comes on. I immediately took my foot off of the gas and coasted into the next driveway at a business. There was oil all over the road and pouring out from under my car. It happened to be an auto parts store. A mechanic came outside and looked and said a rod went through my engine block & oil was pouring out of my car. I started to have an anxiety attack and went into shock. Luckily I was not on the interstate because it could have been very bad. I am now without a car. None of the rental car places have any vehicles available and I have a full-time job & am a single mom with 2 kids. The dealership was nice enough to have my car towed to them 45 minutes away. They then told me about an oil consumption problem with Hyundai and there is a big class action lawsuit. This should have never happened. Apparently the oil consumption was never sent out as a recall or anything else so I was unaware of it to even know to check my car other than regular oil changes.
Power train, Engine, Jun 5, 2022
Was driving with cruise control on and driving close to 70mph and the RPMs shot up passed 5 then the car jerked and my speed had went from 70 down to 50 and 40 the cruise controle turned off on its own and the car lost power but was still on but it just wouldn't drive passed 2 rpms and the check engine light was flashing so I turned around and headed the opposite direction so I could get the car off the road then it made this loud noise sounded like throwing metal inside a metal bladed fan and then the car shut off and hasn't started since. The car did not over heat or have any smoke coming from it.
Engine, Jun 5, 2022
I had closed from work one morning and was headed home. Just a few seconds after taking off, my engine completely shut down. Thank goodness I wasn't in on a highway or at a heavy traffic area. I managed to park my car by the road side & tried to restart my engine, but the car wouldn't start. I towed the car to the nearest mechanic, only to hear that my engine is done & needs replacement. I've constantly kept up with frequent oil changes & always used synthetic oil. Current odometer reading is 153k & I believe the car still has the potential to stay on the road a longer time if the engine is taken care of. I've reported the issue to my nearest Hyundai dealership & they've asked me to tow it to them, but they can't promise that they'll take care of the problem. Worst of all, that's the only car I have & I'm still making payment on the car.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. After checking the dipstick it was determined that the engine was consuming one quart of oil per week. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Engine, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was stalling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
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)
Engine, May 25, 2022
Was diving the car and experienced system failure, no prior warnings or issues. Had regular oil changes throughout, however, a few days ago in normal driving conditions, the check engine light began flashing and car felt like it was losing power. Had to pull over to the side of the road and shut the car down. Vehicle would not restart and had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. Dealer informed us that the "engine was locked" and had to be replaced, car only has 62K miles on it. Research online has uncovered others that have had the same experience and issue with the 2015 sonata that has resulted in replacement of the entire engine. Dealer has not confirmed if repairs will be covered, but if we had been in a high traffic area the car losing power suddenly without warning could have resulted in serious injury getting the car out of fast paced traffic. There appears to be an known issue, as when we asked the dealer about others on-line who have had this happen, dealers response was "we have seen this before, yes." But, now we have been close to a week without a car, no loaner from the dealer, and no indication on how this will be fixed.
Engine, May 24, 2022
I was driving on the expressway. After about 18 miles the vehicle slowly decelerated to a stop. I was able to safely exit the expressway to the side street. I turned the car off for a few minutes. It started back up but has not accelerated pass 20/25 miles. There’s also major oil consumption. Camshaft position & ccv issues yearly requiring sensors to be replaced. Increased gas consumption. There’s also been a humming sound coming from the car that’s not been able to be diagnosed by any mechanics.
Engine, May 23, 2022
The contact called on-behalf of her daughter who owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. Additionally, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 35 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Engine, May 21, 2022
I have to continue to put oil in my car and get my oil change every 30 days due to oil leak. I have been to the mechanic and had my oil gasket changed, engine clean etc… and I’m still buying if oil and getting oil changes. I would get oil change and as soon as it gets close to 30 days my oil light comes on.