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: steering
74 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2022
The power steering started malfunctioning and then caused all warning lights on the dash to illuminate including check engine, power steering, abs, and after coming to a stop and waiting several minutes the lights went off but power steering was still not operating correctly
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that she had to use the shift release button to shift gear. The contact then stated that all the lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hub sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (Steering, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2022
My power steering light came on last night when I arrived from work on Saturday night. Was hoping to take it in to be looked at but the dealership I bought it from is closed till Monday at 10. Woke up Sunday for work decided to see if the light was still on but it was off but about 7 minutes into the the light came back on along with the abs light, engine light, and oil light. I believe a couple more lights came on but not sure which ones but the car stopped working and starting completely
Steering, Sep 22, 2022
My vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering a few days ago, with approx 52,000 miles on the odometer. At the time it happened, two warning lights came on and remained on: a red steering wheel with an exclamation point, and an orange ESC control (icon: car with squiggles underneath) light. For a few days if I turned the car off and back on, the power steering would return and the warning lights would turn off. However today the car started with the lights on and no power steering and it appears to be permanently failed at this time. There is a recall issued for 2015 Sonatas for a power steering issue that sounds identical but my VIN does not appear to be included. My local dealership has no appointments available until November 8th and I have been informed that new power steering components will cost over $2500.
Steering, Aug 2, 2022
Power steering stopped working. 2 icons came up on instrument panel. A red steering wheel with an exclamation point and a car skidding. I was making a turn and was unable to turn the car back straight. Luckily I was going slow and was able to get stopped. I was able to get the car home without power steering. After restarting the car the power steering came back. Now I can't trust the car.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
Driving at 55 and the engine blew. No warning, no check engine light, no sign of anything wrong. Power steering loss, limo mode activation. Almost rear ended during catastrophic failure. 111,000 miles
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would suddenly become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the steering fault warning light was illuminated. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure; no service was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Steering, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would intermittently fail as the reduction in power steering assist would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that his vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate as the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to stop the acceleration. The dealer had yet to be notified of the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Steering, Feb 12, 2022
Steering Assist Problem Hyundai Sonata 2015 Sport 2.0T The car was purchased in Dec 2015 in California. We have had repeated occurrences of sudden power steering assist problems with the car, which typically happens after driving the car for 10-15 miles, and would go away after turning off the car for a few hours. The issue was first reported in Aug 2017 (case number 2017082505369). The power steering assist abruptly stopped functioning while driving, making it very difficult to steer, and a safety hazard (mileage 18,723). The dashboard had the steering wheel error light on. The dealer replaced the steering rack-gear+linkage. The same problem reoccurred in June 2020 (case number 2020043003513, mileage 46,915). The dealer ran diagnostics and again replaced the steering rack assembly. Between Aug 2021 to Feb 2022, the same problem has occurred again multiple times, and each time we left the car with the dealer to run diagnostics, they were unable to replicate the issue at their end, and refused to help us unless we brought in the car while the power steering assist problem existed, knowing fully well how unsafe it was to try and replicate such a dangerous problem while driving, putting our safety at risk! We raised the case with Hyundai, case number 18786891. Hyundai refused to acknowledge that there is a problem with the car and asked us to replicate and take it to the dealer for diagnosis. It has been very difficult for us to get any help from the dealer/Hyundai with the case. We feel that this has been a persistent issue and Hyundai should help fix the problem or recall the vehicle based on safety concerns. There have been multiple power steering related recalls in 2015 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, but the Sport 2.0T trim doesn't show up in the list, probably because fewer vehicles of this trim seem to be in circulation. The problem has occurred numerous times now, (latest being Feb 12, 2022). This is a serious safety hazard and we wanted to report this.
Steering, Nov 9, 2021, crash
Power steering assist failed upon making a right hand turn. Steering failure led to an injury accident. Vehicle was inspected by Green Light Auto and EDR codes retrieved. No codes specific to steering was found. Vehicle was inspected by insurance adjustor. No warning lights or other indications of steering loss was present before the accident caused by the steering loss. Issue seems similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contacts son stated while driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle's steering wheel became hard to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with being an electrical issue. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the same issues. The manufacturer was informed of failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2021, crash
steering wheel locked up while driving causing vehicle to run off the Hwy. vehicle flipped causing injuries
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2021
Steering column made gravelly noise and felt wrong after service checkup. Finally acknowledged and fixed (no charge: paid $1600 for extended warranty on purchase 5 years ago) a month later. Horn honks briefly and intermittently sometimes after stop after service checkup. Not yet acknowledged or fixed. Tried to charge an exorbitant amount for service, despite our having an extended free warranty, and refused us a loaner car. Service horrible.
Steering, Jun 27, 2021
Powering steering seems get harder when i stop at lights and when i turn then car back on from getting grocery.
Steering, Jun 7, 2021
When driving at low speed straight ahead, steering locked up and was unable to turn left, steering wheel could not be turned from straight ahead position. Stopped vehicle and then started again, tried series of left/right turns to try and duplicate problem, steering would then randomly lock up when attempting to turn, more in left turns than in right. Occasionally was able to make full lock turn to left or right, however steering wheel would "catch" and wheel could not be turned to full lock unless vehicle was stopped and started again. At this point vehicle is not safe to drive and will need to be towed to Hyundai dealer, however Hyundai dealer says it will be at least 2 weeks before they can look at it, so vehicle is completely out of service.
Steering, Wheels, Feb 9, 2021
EVERY TIME IT'S BAD WEATHER I HAVE THIS TERRIBLE SHACKING AND DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS
Steering, Dec 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO HYUNDAI INLAND EMPIRE (25072 REDLANDS BOULEVARD, LOMA LINDA, CA 92354, (909)-796-1600) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Steering, Dec 6, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED WHILE I WAS ON 55M/H. THE DASHBOARD HAD THE STEERING SIGN ON. THE CAR WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED HOME BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I TRIED THE CAR THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THE CAR WAS FINE AND NO SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK THE CAR ON AN ERRAND AND FEW MINS LATER, THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO WORKSHOP WHO DATAMINED IT IS A MANUFACTURE SAFETY ISSUE WITH SENSOR. AS AT THIS MOMENT, THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ON WHY THE PUBLIC HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED
Steering, Nov 5, 2020
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. NEARLY HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS TRYING TO GET HOME. I AM A 100% DISABLED VETERAN SUFFERING END STAGE KIDNEY FAILURE A% DAY/WEEK DIALYSIS. I CAN NOT SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT THE POWER STEERING AND AM ALARMED AT ALL THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT HAVE ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MGR 1ST TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I REMINDED HIM OF THE PANORAMIC ROOF RECALL THEY DID. NOW HE SAYS MY CAR HAS NO RECALLS FOR THE POWER STEERING ISSUE CAUSE IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN JULY OF 2014. I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2015 WITH ONLY 13 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. PLEASE HELP ME SORT OUT THE TRUE RECALL STATUS AND I WISH TO FILE THIS AS A COMPLAINT ALSO. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Oct 27, 2020
WHEN TURNED THE VEHICLE ON, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING HAD STOPPED WORKING.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 10, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY FOUR LANE I ENTERED A TURN LANE TO CROSS TRAFFIC. IMMEDIATELY AFTER I ENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND STEERING, WITH A ALARM STATING 'HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING-DO NOT DRIVE'. ONE VEHICLE NARROWLY MISSED HITTING MY CAR, (AS IT COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER AND STEERING AND LEFT ME STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC). RESEARCHING TODAY I SEE THIS IS COMMON BETWEEN 2012-2016 ESPECIALLY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED.
Steering, Jul 12, 2020, crash
STEERING GETS HARD AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING.
Steering, Jul 12, 2020
STERLING IS LOCKING UP
Steering, Mar 5, 2020
MY 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A PROBLEM OF STEERING LOCK FOR 1 SECOND WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD WHEN TURNING LEFT /RIGHT. ON MARCH 3RD I WAS DRIVING ON GA-317 S AND WANT TO TAKE RIGHT TURN ON GA-120.AS SOON AS I TOOK THE TURN AND WAS ABOUT TO MERGE IN THE LANE THEN SUDDENLY MY CAR'S STEERING GOT LOCKED FOR A WHILE (AROUND 1 SECOND) AND UNLOCKED AGAIN AUTOMATICALLY AND MY CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM ALSO RESTARTEDBLUETOOTH DISCONECTED AND RADIO STARTED LOKE WHEN YOU START THE CAR .ANY FURTHER DELAY IN UNLOCKING THE STEERING COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCCIDENT. THANKS TO GOD FOR SAVING ME . THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DENGEROUS FOR THOSE DRIVING THE 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA BECAUSE OF STEERING LOCKS WHILE TAKING TURN. NOW I SCARE TO DRIVE,HYUNDAI COMPANY SHOULD TAKE THIS ISSUE VERY VERY SERIOUSLY AND SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLE. WHILE CONTACTING THE ONE OF THE AUTHORISED DEALER IN GEROGIA ,THEY TOOK CHARGED TO DIAOGNISED THE ISSUE BECAUSE MY CAR IS NOT IN WARRANTY PERIOD.STEERING LOCK PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IS THE HYUNDAI CAR COMUTER SYSTEM DEFECT.IT IS THE COMPANIES RESPONSIBILTY TO HAVE THEIR CAR ON ROAD TO BE VERY SAFEFOR DRIVING. ,ITS NOT A DRIVER'S FAULT.THEY MUST DIAGNOSIS THE ISSSUE AND REPAIRED IT WITHOUT ANY COST TO CUSTOMER.
Steering, Jan 3, 2020
ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING ON STATE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH.. WARNING LIGHT DID COME ON BUT STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. WORSE THEN HAVING MANUAL STEERING. ODOMETER READING AT THE TIME WAS 49504 MILES