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: power train
134 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2023
2015 Hybrid Sonata, milages at 82,000 km, owned for 8 years. "Hybrid system warning, do not drive" message occurred, car lost 100% of its power, went into complete stop without any warnings on the middle of the highway. Hazard lights do not work and unable to warn incoming traffic that the car has completely stalled in the highway. The car is unsafe to drive. Went to Hyundai (here in Canada) several times, being charged every time for diagnostic and repair works, been told that the issues were fixed via software update. Problem persists. There are compelling evidences from different car forums, websites and NHTSA own database (28 reports under Unknown, 22 reports under Electrical sys. categories...) on the hybrid system failure or/and 100% power lost lead to complete stalled car. Although all these reports did not site any injury, major or death events, NHTSA should compel Hyundai to take appropriate actions to render the car safe to drive for the public because if accidents should happened, it cannot be undone and will affect lives of people. The public relies on a governing body to represent us and hold the manufacturer responsable to ensure that their mkt released products are safe: to save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes.
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 4, 2023
In September 2022, we noticed a noise coming from under the car hood. Sounded like a thump as we accelerated. We took it to the Hyundai’s service department and was told that they couldn’t hear anything or find a problem. They changed my oil. We continued to hear a noise but thought it wasn’t a concern. In February, a fairly new tire went flat and we returned to the Hyundai service department. I received a call later and was told that they could hear a noise and they checked, and my oil was extremely low. They topped it off and told me to return in a thousand miles to see if it was still burning oil. If it was burning significant oil at that point, they would seal it and begin the Hyundai oil consumption test. At about 600 miles, I could smell a strong plastic burning odor and we checked the dip stick and the oil was barely detectable. We called Hyundai and was told there was nothing they could do and we have to go the full thousand miles to determine if we qualify for the test. We are concerned are engine is going to stall, burn up or catch fire in our garage. They told us, we couldn’t get are car in to be looked at until the end of March. After doing some research, I am aware that there is a current class action lawsuit against Hyundai for this issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2023
I have been keeping up with regular repairs and oil changes on my vehicle; so I was surprised when the oil light flashed once or twice in the past week, specifically when I took a turn tightly. The oil was low when I checked it so I added a quart and didn't think much of it except "I should get into a shop soon and have that checked out." Two days later, my RPMs red-lined past 6-7k and the car was revving up but was not accelerating at all. I pulled over and checked the engine again and without showing any kind of leaks (no spots in my driveway/parkingspot) the engine had consumed the oil I added and then some. Moreover, the problem with the engine revving up but not accelerating was not fixed when I added the oil. It could have been very dangerous if I were on the highway and was not able to accelerate for any reason that could put myself or my family at risk. Now, the car CAN reach speeds of 75+ miles per hour on the highway, but only after a LONG period of acceleration and seems to be burning oil VERY regularly. I've grown very concerned about catastrophic engine failure on the highway.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2023
When automatic headlights are on there are time that the headlamps will turn off when engaging the turn signals until turn signals are disengaged.
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2023
I was driving on the freeway and all the sudden the check engine light started flashing. At the same time the engine slowed down and would not accelerate past 60 mph. I took the first freeway exit and drove to the nearest auto parts store. The store clerk hooked up a code reader and it came back with a P1326 code, Power Train System. Is it a real problem or just another bad sensor?
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2022
This is yet another incident of a Sonata Hybrid hybrid flashing a warning to the driver and the the engine shutting down. This time it was Sep 7, 2022 in Morristown, TN. A brief internet search led to this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Hyundai/17-HC-003-1 indicating that the issue is known to Hyundai. This is definitely a safety issue, this is a known problem, why was no recall issued?
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
2 recalls were found on my car and a service campaign. After taking my car to a couple auto shops, within 2 years my car has had the same repair issue involving P010 & P011 codes. After researching and finding there was a service campaign and 2 recalls, I decided to take my car to the dealership due to address the recalls. I took my car in on 8/1 and had a full inspection done on my car. Outside of the normal wear & tear, I was advised that the ECVVT cap was installed incorrectly, that it was leaking oil. I was told that cleaning the oil & reinstalling the cap would correct the problem, it didn’t and I’m out of additional money ($562) and the problem is reoccurring. I’ve called several times recently, as well as one of my mechanics, hadn’t received a return call not until I filed a BBB complaint. It seems they are not honoring or even considering the service campaign (ECVVT Seating issue) and it is my belief, will continue to send me in circles to pay more money. A full inspection was done on my car, wasn’t nothing major but my engine light came back on in route home. I called the advisor and he couldn’t give me a definitive response as to when I could bring my car back & get it checked again. I wanted another appointment time so that I wouldn’t be inconvenienced by sitting at the dealership all day until they decided to check or get to my car again. It took me almost a month to get the 8/1/22 appointment. The staff I spoke with has tried to convince me that the issue with my car has nothing to do with the recalls or the ECVVT service campaign, I disagree especially experiencing the repeated P010 & P011 codes. One of the recalls also was for the ECM.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 12, 2022
Major oil consumption going on for years. Took in to dealer two years ago, they know there is a problem. They told me I could spend thousands of dollars to tear it apart to find out what is going on, and also told me to call corporate. I got no where with either, even though they recalled the engine in other Sonata cars, just not our ECO model. Slowly started having throttle issues at 4 to 5 year mark. Informed dealer service center that it wasn't moving like it should when gas was pressed. Now, the car is having major problems with acceleration. Barely would go in reverse, drove 1.5 blocks, speed not matching to throttle, press on gas, barely moving from a stop, going really slow, had to turn around and take back home. Our problem with the car is the same that others are complaining about. The car is not safe for a 7 year old car that started having problems at the 4 to 5 year mark.
Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2022
While driving in city traffic, 45 mph zone, my car suddenly lost power, engine RPMs dropped, engine off, power steering impaired, I had to drift into turnout and assess. Car restarted, and I could drive, but RPMs would not exceed 1700, car wouldn't shift gears, speed would not exceed about 15 mph. No engine warning lights, no oil pressure indicator, no excess heat. I found I could drive at low rpms and manually shift gears to increase speed. I got the car to the local Hyundai dealer (Taylor hyundai, Augusta GA) and it has been there 8 weeks. They are telling me the engine has failed because I failed to change the oil for 14 months. They said my oil pan was empty. They asked me for maintenance records and said they were inadequate, and the engine needs to be replaced, may cost $6000 or more, warranty invalid. The car has 56,000 miles. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of power in busy traffic. Driving the disabled vehicle was risky to surrounding traffic, as the car could not maneuver quickly. I have read about similar failures with Hyundai Sonata vehicles, and a class action suit settled for 2011 to 2014 model vehicles. My car is still in the shop, unrepaired. I had to buy another used car in the meantime.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 28, 2022
This is a follow-up to former Complaint #11450586 (05-Feb-2022) and confirms that both my local Hyundai Dealer -and- Hyundai Corporation (USA) are aware of this diagnosable- and fixable problem—but they fail to issue a recall. In fact, a Service Advisor at my dealer expressly vocalized that 1) he himself [excluding his colleagues] has seen at least -2- of the same incident recently; and that 2) Hyundai Corporation (USA) issued a “(service) bulletin” about the problem. PROBLEM: The vehicle: 1) has a high idle; 2) shows a solid-illuminated CEL/emissions light; 3) severely resists braking—my vehicle would even slide through stop signs; 4) fails to “pick up” normally; and 5) drives unsteadily. This is at minimum and is my experience from both last week and from the original report on 05-Feb-2022. As explained to me today (28-Mar-2022) by my Service Advisor, there is a known fault with a component within the engine (Powertrain). Specifically, there is a tube that is—as I understand—meant to be FREE of fluids. However, and per the Bulletin, the tube becomes full or over-filled with oil from the engine (Powertrain). Further, the Advisor suspects that changes in temperatures (e.g., such as the teens *F back in Feb 2022) causes that oil/fluid to expand and contract, causing (further) damage. This issue must be remedied by Hyundai Corporation (USA) immediately because it is a *SAFETY RISK.* My Dealership emphasized severely how unsafe it would be to drive the vehicle off their premises without a repair. I’m fortunate because I’m the original owner and thus am covered by the 10 yr/100,000 mi Powertrain warranty. PLEASE SAVE LIVES FROM THESE ‘FLYING’, UNCONTROLLABLE CARS BY MANDATING A RECALL. **I will provide Dealer’s documentation once vehicle is repaired. I was advised to wait 2-8 wks for parts and repair.**
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 26, 2022
My car has been stalling, hesitating and sometimes I feel the engine shake when using the gas. I brought my car to the dealer to have the most recent recall fixed and asked them to diagnosed what else was going on with my car. They told me the stalling was just due to the recall. However, the very next day my car was acting up again. Additionally, the car at times will accelerate when I am not pressing on the gas. I don't think I need to go into detail about how my safety and the safety of others is compromised when you have a car that accelerates on its own. Lastly, there is no check engine light on. This has been ongoing for several weeks.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2022
At low idle (stopping) car stalls out when stepping on gas. The RPMs run extremely high and very low at idle causing panic. The vehicle also stalled at full speed on highway but all electrical was still working. Car tends to sputter and jump while shifting.
Power train, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
Car has been consuming an excessive amount of oil (1-2 quarts per week). While driving down the highway the oil pressure light came on and the engine started clicking and knocking. The engine died and all the dash lights came on. The car was coasted to the side of the road and towed into a local mechanic. The engine had seized and presumably dumped all the oil at the time of the engine failure since the engine had no oil when diagnostic was run. Car was taken to Hyundai dealership and is awaiting diagnostic and repair.
Power train, Feb 8, 2022
The vehicle's transmission seems to be slipping or something. As you begin to come to a stop, the vehicle bogs down and you can not accelerate. There is a long hesitation and then suddenly it kicks in and jars the car. This happens on a daily basis. The vehicle is also burning through oil at an unprecedented rate.
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).
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.
Power train, Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly fail to accelerate above 25 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was informed of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing a new transmission. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Power train, Nov 12, 2021
My car keeps stalling while I am driving and sometimes when I turn to a street and is consuming motor oil with in a mile or less. It has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership and no leaks were found, consumption test has been done and they said that they can’t do nothing about it because I am the second owner. Hyundai needs to extend warranties to second owners as well if the car was bought through a certified dealership. I trusted their brand and dealership. I have been going back and forth with the dealership. My car is in the Napoleon Hyundai dealership in Carmel, Indiana. I have a video explaining the situation and showing my engine measuring stick with very low oil.
Power train, Nov 3, 2021
Had an Engine recall for the 2015 recall, was told that Transmission was the reason for the Engine failure, but the dealership would not fix the Transmission. Shortly following the replacement of the Engine, the problems that reside in the transmission are now costly up to $3000 or more for this issue. After extensive research found that the 2015 sonata has had plenty of issues with its Transmission. Responsibility for the Faulty Transmission causing engine to completely shut down and not work (happened while on highway) should fall on the dealership.