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
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2023
Engine failure due to a problem with the type of engine. Hyundai denied warranty and class action settlement claim, due to exceptional neglect. All oil changes etc were accounted for. the car with no warning, had been driving great, lost all power and left me and my two grandchildren on the side of the road. The Hyundai dealership confirmed that the engine was blown. There were no warnings
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 31, 2023
The engine and yes it is. Because my car turned off in the middle of the loop on the highway when there was a lot of traffic and we could have gotten hit. No it has not been. No it has not been. We were driving on the highway then the engine started sputtering and it wouldn’t go faster then 40 when I tried pulling off to the side that’s when the engine ,battery ,and oil light turned on and after that the car just shut off and wouldn’t want to turn back on.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 28, 2023
While driving, received Hybrid system warning that shut the car down . Power steering and braking were non-existent so safely stopping and pulling over was near impossible.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 27, 2023
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has recently been having both electrical and engine problems. Roughly a month ago, I had my vehicle completely stall in the middle of the highway. I lost power and a bunch of lights came on at once. Thankfully, I was in the right lane so I was able to safely get off the road even though I had many other cars speeding around me. I had no acceleration, I was just cruising off the highway at this point. Thankfully, my brakes did still work. Engine light and a bunch of errors turned on but went away once I pulled off and restarted the vehicle. I pulled off the road and once I decided to try and start it and go again, my car felt like it had hardly any power the whole way home. Fast forward to last weekend, I was driving home and my car would not accelerate. The engine light comes on and this time, my acceleration didn’t completely shut off, I was just very limited. I had to ease into the gas because I felt like it was having a hard time shifting gears and keeping up with the RPMS. I felt uncomfortable pushing it above 50. As I got close to home, I noticed a knocking noise in the engine. I plugged one of my code readers in and it spit out 7e8, 7e9 and I believe it was p1326. Super rough start and feels like it’s going to break down if I try to drive it. I’ve left it parked since
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2023
I am unsure what exactly happened but it is giving an error code for the engine sensor. I was driving the expressway (55-65MPH) and my car went directly into safe mode. Which I didn’t kno what it was til later. I went from going expressway speed to almost getting t-boned getting off of the exit ramp as I was unable to accelerate over 2RPMs. So my acceleration would jolt my car when going over 2RPMs. I made it to a gas station where I had my mechanic friend meet me. He said I had no oil. We put 4 quarts in and it barely did the job! I had gotten my car serviced and oil changed not too far from when my car began to “shut down”. So oil is in the compartment, the engine light turns off. Well then I’m driving the expressway AGAIN thinking the problem is solved but also curious WHY and HOW I had no oil. All of a sudden the car goes back into the mode. Engine light comes on an I am once again going de-accelerating in traffic on an expressway. I get off an exit and make it home in back roads. I had to pay for rentals and I was unable to get it to the Hyundai manufacturer. I got it to another certified mechanic which stated there is an oil leak somewhere but is unable to be found. As the 4qts added days prior, was almost gone again. The engine sounds awful, there’s rattling noises, noises sounding like a fan is broken but still spinning. There was absolutely NO warning signs prior. Nothing was on, nothing was off, absolutely NOTHING to forewarn me of this awful situation until it decided it was going to safe mode on the expressway out of nowhere. I owe thousands of dollars in rentals, I can’t afford to even pay that off! For Hyundai to diagnose my car, they wanna charge 80$! When I already have the error code from the previous mechanic. I don’t have the money to be doing this funny business. The car actually turned off when I was driving it and was in like an idle mode or something. I have no clue. Nobody has any idea where the oil goes. It isn’t showing smoke anywhere
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 22, 2023
Hyundai is having failed engine problems after certain amount of mileage. The engine is burning oils with no leaks anywhere in the engine. You change engine oil after a week we will see the engine light flashing on your dashboard.This is my 2nd vehicle with the same problem. Thank you
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who 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 98,000.
Engine, Jul 18, 2023
I have about 119,000 miles on my Sonata. One day while driving in normal conditions my check engine light illuminated and my RPMs were limited. I was Able to limp it home and park it. I hooked Up my OBD11 reader and it gives me p1326 code for knock sensor. After some investigation I read Hyundai has a recall for excessive rod bearing wear that leads to engine failure. I’ve checked my VIN with this recall and my 2015 sonata does not qualify even though it has the same engine and make as the recall covers. Knock sensor has been replaced and of course it wasn’t the problem as you can clearly hear the knocking in the engine.
Engine, Jul 15, 2023
I’ve been with my car for 2 years due to engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact had the battery replaced, but the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact lifted her foot off the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle remained accelerating while the RPMs fluctuated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine consumed one quart of engine oil every week. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who 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 125,000.
Engine, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after being parked at a rest station for an undisclosed period, his wife attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized. The dealer related the failure to Manufacturer Service Campaign: 953 (Engine) however, the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2023
My vehicle consumes oil in a very large amount. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle. Have had it checked numerous times. No oil leaks, no bad parts. I have to add 1 quart of oil every week to my car and I only drive locally. Mechanic states it is a common issue with this make and model of car. Nothing can be done except check oil levels daily. This is costly over time and worries me that if I dont keep a watch then my oil level will be too low and my engine will blow up. Blogs have also verified other owners have the same issue. Need something done about this issue. Why isn't there a recall to fix issue?
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Engine is burning 1 quart of oil in 800 miles.oil has heavy smell of gasoline.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
City driving and the bells and warning message on the dash stated the electrical system was being evaluated for causes why the engine/electric drive failed
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 27, 2023, fire
My car had been in and out of dealership going through oil consumption testing. Was at dealership on Monday June 19th having more pictures as well as dropping oil pan etc. I was told Friday June 23 2023 car would be ready they were checking a seal to make sure it didn’t leak. I picked car up brought it home went out of town with my fiancée in his vehicle. Drove my car on Monday June 26th to work when I got off I picked my granddaughter and mother up. Drove home and 5 minutes of being inside my car exploded in my driveway. I did receive 1st degree burns was treated at my local ER.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
Several times this has happened. I am driving and all of a sudden my car stops and I get a message that says Hybrid System Warning, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive. The car will coast to the side of the road at times and other times it won't. I have taken it to the Holler Hyundai dealer in Winter Park FL and they told me nothing was wrong with it. They had my car for less than an hour. I told them there was no way they could have fixed the issue but they said they did. Obviously they didn't fix it because it has happened several times since then. Now my car will not even move. It starts up, radio works, AC works, just will not move. It is at the Sanford Hyundai service shop waiting for them to tell me what it is
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 10, 2023
can't use eco sport motor is accelerate and the car can't read the sensors a/c stop working brakes hard to press
Engine, May 28, 2023
Started the vehicle and shifted into gear and the vehicle started to shake and vibrate. The engine was knocking and running very poorly. Within a minute the service engine light came on. We were able to get the vehicle back in to the garage. I opened the hood and checked the oil. The dipstick was dry. The end of the dipstick appeared to have burnt oil on it. I took some pictures and a video of this. I did some simple online research and found numerous cases an articles pertaining to this situation. I have had all my routine maintenance performed at a dealership since it was purchased. I added 3 quarts of oil and now the dipstick reads half-way between Low and Full. I started the vehicle and the engine still shakes and runs poorly. The nearest Hyundai dealer is over 20 miles away and I don't think the vehicle will make it that far. Do I even have any other options than trying to "limp" the car there and possibly mess more things up in the process?
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, May 24, 2023
When I am driving car starts shaking a little I stop at a light and when I want to accelerate all of a sudden I step on gas and it wont drive i in middle of intersection it started shaking like it was going to turn off but didn't the check engine light came on but it never turned off i slowly accelerated and it kept driving I got to work turned it off when I turned back on the check engine light was no longer on .i have no idea what happened or why . And my brakes always make noise i had my breaks done in November they don't need replaced yet
Engine, May 19, 2023
since around 6/2022 been having oil issues but really didn't start getting bad till 12/2022 while driving car has rattling noise with acceleration and almost stalls due to oil light kept popping on and off come to find out I was almost out of oil. which lately i have been having to constantly check my oil due too high oil usage and keep a jug in my trunk every where I go so I don't stall on side of the road and not to mention that oil light really doesn't give warning of oil being low either. So my co worker had me check to see how fast it burns oil. we put oil in the car on a friday and by the next friday its low again and now it may 2023 and burning oil at a higher rate of me checking twice a week now. i check my car on a sunday an put oil in and it was out by thursday. this is really a hazard and very dangerous while driving because you don't know when the oil is low or out and light does't give warning and you can completely stall in traffic if you don't keep check and cause a accident and i have children and myself and family and others to watch out for. I hope this matter is taken care of quickly before someone gets hurt a recall to fix this matter is urgent
Engine, May 16, 2023
Engine hesitation ( after throttle applied Engine acceleration ( w/no throttle applied Engine stalled ( with no code ) Dealer said because its intermittent & can not recreate & no codes found, there was nothing they could do. Icarus has stalled in the middle of intersection
Engine, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle revved up and stalled. Additionally, while accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake cam assembly, CVT assembly intake, tensioner, timing chain, rubber gasket, and plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number and informed the contact that the repairs were not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 73,876.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2023, fire
While driving on a highway, I heard a rattling sound, which could best be described as tying cans to the car and dragging them along the road. I had never heard this noise before. No safety indicator lights turned on to alert me of any issue. With minutes of first hearing the sound, a very loud pop noise could be heard, followed by immediate engine power failure. I was able to navigate off of the highway, into a more residential area. Upon the vehicle coming to a stop on its own (I was not able to apply the brakes at all), a dark cloud of smoke starting coming from underneath the hood. Seconds later, it burst into flames. I was able to safely exit the vehicle with my dog, but if traffic were any heavier, there would have been no safe way for me to get off the road and to a safe location
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered that the engine oil was extremely low. The contact stated that the vehicle had been regularly serviced and had received the schedule oil changes as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who recommended that an oil consumption test be performed on the engine. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 68,000.