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, Mar 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while accelerating from a traffic sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the contact's residence. The contact did not take the vehicle to local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022, fire
I was driving with my 2year old grandson and my car stalled. My neighbors waving trying to alert me that my car was on fire.By the time I realized that the smoke began to come in through the vents. I had to use the key fobe to open the doors to hurry and remove my grandson from the car. The door's wouldn't open by pulling the handles. There were no warning lights or lamps messages or problems prior to the engine failure. The safety of my grandsons and my life were put to risk because of me not getting any notifications about recalls and defects.
Engine, Feb 17, 2022
The engine rattles and knocks and has stalled out multiple times, crossing traffic and stopping. The airbag light is illuminated on dash. When I’m driving the steering sticks in corners badly I’ve taken to Hyundai and they supposedly did an update to keep it from doing it but it’s still grabbing and sticking very dangerous.
Engine, Feb 15, 2022
Excessive oil consumption-1-2 quarts per week Losing power almost comes to stop on highway-Dangerous Knocking noise at times from engine White smoke at times from tailpipe Rough high idling Code P1326 Code P0010 Hyundai is very aware these issues in their engines. Many complaints on Hyundai forms. Many articles written about these issues with their engines. Class action lawsuit against Hyundai about their engines. Hyundai corporate won’t help nor will the local service department at the dealer. All they want to say it’s out of warranty. Because the issue happened after 100000 mile warranty shouldn’t mean Hyundai shouldn’t fix the issue they are very aware of.
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
While driving on 395 in heavy traffic headed home I hit the accelerator and the car slowed down. The cars behind me almost hit me and swerved to prevent a accident pile up. I was horrified, shaking and crying because I knew I was about to be slammed from the rear. I hit the gas again and I heard a clinking noise. I knew I would not make it home. All of the lights in the dash came on. I pulled to a safe place (downtown near the Capital) and had it towed to the dealer. It was the first exit I could take. 3 weeks later, the dealer is saying it was an engine issue. My car is still covered under warranty but it appears as if they are trying to avoid replacing it. A rep called from the dealership asking about oil and I told him there was no warning lights that ever came on the dash to indicate anything was wrong; everything happened at once.
Engine, Feb 10, 2022
Car engine seized, my safety was at risk because the vehicle was unable to break and or accelerate while drifting over into traffic.Dealership has yet to inspect my car or any diagnostic test on vehicle at all . It’s been 2months . Engine light appeared 2 days before incident.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was unsure whether any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2022
This 2015 Hyundai Sonata LTD ([XXX]) falsely indicates CEL/emissions light. When the vehicle is started and the temperature is appx. 20*F or lower, the indicator immediately displays. It is solid and does not blink. This happened on -3- days this week, over approximately 7 of -9- total ignitions in that time. Various forums show the same issue. Hyundai must recall this because it is either a false warning or else is a component within their control with which they failed to manufacture safely (thus contributing to the problem(s) and CEL). INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 31, 2022
Sonata started having problems with less than 50,000 total miles. The accelerator is flawed and the vehicle cannot keep speed when traveling uphill or get to speed efficiently. The vehicle jerks for a few seconds when pressing the gas and the engine revs but the vehicle does not accelerate like it should. This has almost caused me to have accidents multiple times when pulling out into traffic. The check engine light came on when this started occurring and has been on ever since. I'm having the hyundai dealership take a look at the vehicle and see if there is anything that can be done.
Engine, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed two quarts of oil per week. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and had lost motive power while driving. The check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the oil pan gasket and made other unknown repairs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted independently after a few minutes and she continued to drive. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any open recalls. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys who diagnosed that the fuel system and fuel pump had failed. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,438.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at a moderate rate of speed, the check engine warning light started flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle then began to stall as the vehicle would not shift above the first gear. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the nearest independent mechanic where he diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact then called several dealers in her area and each one informed her that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The contact then notified the manufacturer but received no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Jan 24, 2022
The engine is burning over 5 quarts of oil between 600 and 1000 miles. The engine is the 2.4 litre and it is doing the same as the 2014 and previous model. It is also known that the 2016 has the same issue. Hyundai refuses to replace the motor or cover any cost. They are saying that the car is out of warranty when it has been in the shop for oil consumption pre-mileage but they said it was normal to be a quart or 2 low. Now the motor will be empty by 600 to 1000 miles. The dealers wants to put chemicals in the motor at a cost of 200 plus with now promise of resolving the issue. In addition it has been proven that these quick fixes are catastrophic and will cost more than an engine maybe a life in traffic.
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
During weekend road trip, on the way back, engine has developed knocking noise, unusual vibrations, and loss of power. Car was able to make it home at low speeds with minimal acceleration. Oil check revealed that all of oil was burned up over a few days, as the oil check before the weekend trip showed full levels. Dealer would not even accept looking at the car for over a month, before their first available appointment. Independent mechanic confirmed engine knocking, burned up oil. They recommended engine replacement, but were not able to complete the job as the company would not make replacement parts available to them. Dealer has finally accepted car, also confirmed knocking noise and burned up oil. It would take another month for dealer to produce a repair quote -- $14,000 for engine replacement and additional 2 months of wait time for some parts to arrive -- much higher than what I understand it typically costs for a full engine replacement, but the dealer is left as the only option to charge however much they want, as independent services are blocked from acquiring needed parts. 87,000 mi in just over 6 years of use. No warning lights on the dash. No OBD status codes. All together this would add up to at least 5 months of inoperable car, and what looks to be a very inflated repair bill. Dealer is recommending a purchase of a new car from them instead.
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
Hyundai reprogramed their Theta engines to prevent an ongoing problem related to Theta engines not receiving oil to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings. The software modification was done by an unknown software house. When I got the first notice, I asked both the local dealer, and the official Hyundai site if this software would cut power, potentially at the wrong time, like going up an entrance ramp. I got no response and I found out why. I tried entering a highway where traffic was at 75 mph. When I got onto the ramp the car was running fine. Suddenly the power just went away. I had the gas pedal all the way to the floor and watched the tachometer and speedometer go down rather than up. I pulled off at the next exit and switched the programming on my transmission to normal from econ mode. Up the ramp I went, and car started slowing down. Tried one more time using the sport mode and the power went away. I'm afraid to try and run on a freeway at rush our because of the lack of power. I think the needs to be a review of the software and see if changes can be made.
Engine, Jan 17, 2022
Car engine light turns on indicating connecting rod bearing failure. Vehicle has stopped running properly while driving at high speeds & caused safety concerns. Issue has shown to be consistent across many other Hyundai vehicles. Issue has not yet been checked by manufacturer but is available for future inspection.
Engine, Jan 15, 2022
The Camshaft Seals are defective and cause the engine light to come on and also I experience power loss while driving on the highway.
Engine, Jan 15, 2022
Vehicle info: 2015 Sonata Se. 97450 Mileage. As with most all complaints with this engine, it is deteriorating slowly as the knock sensor code P1326 has sensed a knock. A private mechanic has verified that a rod bearing is either bent or broken and knocking against the engine. This is after two Hyundai dealers have denied even inspecting my vehicle. Due to the title status of my vehicle (rebuilt title) Hyundai dealers (King Hyundai in Deerfield Beach, FL and Coconut Creek Hyundai in Coconut Creek, FL) are denying repairs because the engine has no active campaigns or recalls on the engine even though Hyundai Motors of America has extended the warranty to a lifetime duration for this exact issue. This is a huge liability situation as these engines are known to catch fire for this very issue and Hyundai/Kia has been fined $140 Million for not acting sooner on this matter. These vehicles have been known to catch fire inside the dealership service center while going through diagnostic testing by certified mechanics. I have had the Campaign 953 serviced in 2018, which was a software update to alert owners when the engine is already failing (sensing a bearing rod broken). This campaign did not address the faulty engine but only alert you. Hyundai Motor America has told me that a Hyundai dealership should not deny me warranty coverage however every dealership in Palm Beach and Broward counties are denying my service order approval. Service managers refuse to send in a pre-authorization to Hyundai Motor America despite corporates approval of this warranty coverage therefore nobody wants to take responsibility nor liability for a known safety defect in Hyundai engines.
Engine, Jan 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the vehicle was hard to start. After the vehicle was started, the started shaking abnormally. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact about the engine combustion. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that oil was leaking onto the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
Engine, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and diagnosed that there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The mechanic added four quarts of oil to the oil reservoir and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Engine, Jan 8, 2022
Driving my sonata in town 40 miles per hour got to a light and check engine light started flashing I pulled over and parked it in an advanced auto parking lot parts man come out put scanner in car and read code p00137 knock sensor so I had it towed to home due to I called hyundai and mechanic said it would be around the 16th before he could look at it. I tried to start cat again and would not crank I went on line and jumped car from relay and motor is seized up. Have about 135 ,000 miles roughly and now looking into problem car drinks oil like fierce and now motor is bad
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.
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
While traveling on the interstate, the car started shuddering. Pulled off and went to auto part store and they read the code #4 misfire. Took car to my mechanic and he said #4 cylinder was dead. Proceeded to take car to dealership and they said #4 cylinder had burn valve with hole in valve. We hey gave a quote for engine replacement. Took car back to my mechanic and he replaced engine at a cost of $5466.28. The replacement engine was a 2014 with 13k miles. The car only had 107186 miles at time of incident.