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, Nov 28, 2023
Oil consumption issues. Had a brand new factory motor to replace original motor due to engine failure from oil consumption issues on June 29 2020 at 154,285 miles. The new motor only has 56,665 miles on it and I'm having to add extra oil in between changes because it is bone dry after about 1800 miles from oil change each time.
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The vehicle is demonstrating clear signs of engine failure based off the symptoms Hyundai states on its website for the rod knock bearing recall (no power, enters limp mode, white smoke out tailpipes, etc.) Hyundai states vehicle passes testing. Engine also has oil consumption issues, has had its PVC value fail twice in ten months, and burns through 1.5 qts of oil every 496 miles (has failed all 3 consumption tests). The vehicle has stalled out on multiple occasions and risked my/my child's life, has required cylinder cleanings and fuel injection cleanings, and the engine gets extremely hot. This is the second failed engine in the Sonata, and Hyundai has not stated if they will replace it.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact added oil to the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who referred her to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ball bearing and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The rotors and brakes were metal-to-metal, and the vehicle was losing oil. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
After Hyundai Dealership performed RECALL 953, vehicle is having uneven engine idling, especially while stopped at traffic lights/stopsigns and when starting the vehicle. It is noticeable enough that I am concerned the theta ii engine is failing, or about to fail.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to neutral and pushed the vehicle off the road and parked in a nearby lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2023
My oil is burning with in a weak. And flludding out my spark plugss And then when I push the gas, my car just vibrates everything and it doesn't wanna go..Iknow other models were recalled for this issue . This issue has been fixed twice and it keeps happening.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
My son was driving my car home from work and while waiting at a light, he went to go in the car would not move the engine. He just died right there in the middle of the street on him. He was stuck in the middle of the street for quite some time waiting for a tow truck because it was way too dangerous for him to get out of the car. It was during traffic hour. The car only had like 48,000 miles on it. After repaired by the dealer car started having other issues with the engine light coming on with intake manifold but dealer claimed that part is not covered, which that part is part of the engine that they supposedly replaced.
Engine, Oct 19, 2023
Insurance companies are not proving insurance because of rise in theft of Hyundai vehicle. Now they are asking to install remote start kit for physical engine immobilizer. Cost of this installation is $350 - $500, Hyundai is not entertaining this issue. Hyundai are saying we have done anti theft software update but insurance companies are saying that is not enough.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
Hybrid system warning comes up often and everytime I take it to get assessed, something different is getting fixed. These repairs are all expensive out of pocket repairs. The problems continues to happen and I’m constantly repairing something different.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle displayed hybrid warning while moving through an intersection on a highway. The car's engine turned off along with the power steering and brakes. Had the light not been in my favor, I would have been unable to stop on a high speed highway with oncoming traffic.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
I am 86 years old. I bought the car brand new so I am the original owner. I have kept the car perfectly maintained and garaged from the day I bought it. My wife is also 86. She and I are the only ones that drive the car. To date, it has 73,822 miles on it. The main issue I am having is random, unpredictable stalling and hesitation when trying to accelerate. We have also had unintended acceleration. This always happens at the worst times which causes grave concern for our safety. We have taken the care to the dealership here in Cape Girardeau, MO called Chris Auffenberg Hyundai. They've charged me $130 only to tell me nothing is wrong. I have continued to try to work with them and they now have decided a new fuel pump will fix this which is $730. I have noticed there are already hundreds of complaints on the 2015 that all say they have the same exact issues I am having but this dealership doesn't seem to care. Here is what I have read. "The most common issue in the 2015 Sonata lies with its faulty throttle control system, which can cause stalling, hesitation, and even unintended acceleration. Currently, there is no fix from Hyundai." My dealership will not acknowledge this even though it is public information. I feel like they are going to keep replacing parts and are taking advantage of me. [XXX] is the Service Manager at this dealership and I am not happy how he is handling this. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
This is the second engine that has been replaced for the same issue. It had a connecting road bearing failure & went into limp mode.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2023, fire
The contact's friend owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at 20 MPH, a motorist informed her that there was a fire visible underneath the hood. As her friend opened the driver-side door, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact's friend was taken to the hospital where she sustained severe burns to the left side of her body. The contact's friend had her skin grafted from the right side of her body to repair the severe burns sustained to her left thigh and ankle as well as other parts of her body. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely incinerated due to the failure. The remains of the vehicle were towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. According to the fire report, the fire was caused by an unknown electrical failure malfunction; the source of the failure was undetermined. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 71,820
Seat belts, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2023
The driver's seatbelt does not retract. The engine is burning oil.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2023
Car stalls intermittently. When at a stop sign or red light, then when my turn to go I step on gas peddle, car starts to go, then stalls. I have to let off gas pedal and step on it again to get car going. This is dangerous as it leaves me in intersection and vulnerable to oncoming traffic. I had a mechanic check it out and they cleaned Throttle body, but that did not fix problem. No trouble codes showing up apparently.
Engine, Sep 16, 2023
over the course of this last year I've been in contact with Hyundai motors of America and my local Hyundai dealership after my 2015 Hyundai was showing signs of engine issues i was traveling along i-95 with my child at highway speeds when my car suddenly came to a stop causing panic and what could've been a tragic accident. had I wasn't able to regain control of my car. I was told to schedule an appointment which I did that same day taking my car in for service where I learned about several recalls on my car make and model. I was informed that a update was need along with knock sensor detecting software since that initial contact I've taking my car back to the dealer regarding smell of something burning and excessive oil consumption. my local dealership have since performed Nemours oil consumption test finding issues and picking and choosing what information is being sent up to corperate. I had the service manager tell me Hyundai is not willing to honor the repair unless my car engine brakes down or catch fire which is very likely. the service manager then proceeded to state I would in fact need a new engine eventually. "I have everything documented " which then I contacted Hyundai motors America for a second time and was told to return to dealership where a case was open not once but twice and ended up closed stating Hyundai motors America not honoring the extended warranty on my vehicle. this is very hazardous and concerning cause my car again on 9/15/2023 came to a sudden stop traveling highway speed.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 13, 2023
Consuming 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks, which is about 800 miles of highway driving for me.
Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the sunroof detached from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle also experienced severe engine knocking and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. In addition, several safety features including the Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system intermittently malfunctioned. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
Engine light came on, checked the oil and there was no oil in the engine.
Engine, Sep 2, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata from Carmax on 12/6/22 in Tinley Park, IL. The motor on the car went out on 8/30/23. I took my car to family mechanic to find out that the motor has a hole in the back of it. I had it towed to Happy Hyundai on 9/1/23 in Oak Lawn. I was by Happy Hyundai that they will not be able to look at my car for for 4-6 weeks. Carmax claimed to have did an all point inspection on the car but yet the motor went out. I’ve only had the car for 8 months. The motor went out while I was driving on the express way going over 50 mph. My safety and others around me was put at risk. Luckily me and no one was hurt. The only time the engine warning lamps came on while I was on the expressway and that’s when the car started to slow down while trying to get to the right side of the expressway.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2023
I have taken my car to mechanic and they have told me that my car is leaking gasoline. They recommended that I go to the dealer. When I called the dealer they told me that I would have to pay for the diagnosis. This is obviously concerning as gasoline fumes are toxic. There has been no warning lamps turned on this whole time but can definitely smell it when I finish my ride.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My engine stopped working while I was driving on the highway from Texas to Norman. This happened when I tried downshifting from 6 to 5. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I had to find a way to maneuver from the fast lane to the side of the road without putting myself or any other road user at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? After several failed diagnoses from different specialists such as auto locksmiths and other mechanics looking at the alternator and starter as possible causes of the problem, I had to have it towed to the Hyundai dealership in Norman to have it diagnosed and I was told that it was very likely to be an engine recall issue with a motor inside the engine having locked up. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by Hyundai Norman and they confirmed that it was the engine recall issue, but after sending it to Hyundai headquarters, they are unable to work on the problem due to my vehicle having a salvage title. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the engine failure
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
Engine just stopped while driving This should be apart of the attached recall but it is not showing when looked up by my vinn. How to update this?
Engine, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that two weeks after having the oil changed, the low oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed to not add oil but to bring the vehicle back to the dealer at 1,000 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 7, 2023
While turning in an intersection on a highway, car displayed check hybrid system and shut down. power steering could not engage so braking and turning was almost impossible. Car had to be towed, was not able to be restored