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: other or unspecified
164 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2026
1.) Following Hyundai's 9C2 Campaign update for the ECU that was completed back on May 27th, 2026, my 2015 Sonata went into limp mode [solid check engine light present] while I was accelerating up an on-ramp on the 2nd drive cycle since the update was performed. I was already far away from the dealership so I was forced to limp it to my local shop that I regularly use to have it checked out. It was confirmed that the code on the vehicle was P200A for intake manifold runners. Since the update was for smog regulation, the code was cleared in order to see if it would come back. Since then, it has not, however the vehicle continues to have one persistent problem. The RPMs will dramatically dip and then surge back upwards while the car is coasting (no gas and no brake applied). 70% of the time, you can feel the car violently jerk as it appears to try and correct itself. 2.) I've brought this car to multiple dealerships, have a case open with corporate and have also found that this is a systemic issue with this specific update in these cars. All and all, nothing has been done. I'm repeatedly turned away over and over again because their techs are only permitted to look into it once they have hard evidence of a fault. In this case, that would be a dashboard light. I'm told that I may only return if the check engine light comes back, which as I mentioned previously, posed a HUGE safety risk to myself the first time it appeared. If I can only go 55mph down the highway, I am at risk of being rear-ended or struck in some way. 3.) The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer as they will not test drive it to see the dip and spike. However, the code was still pending for awhile in the vehicle before it cleared it on its own, so that was acknowledged by at least one place. 4.) Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but a dealership and local mechanic. 5.) No other signs prior to the vehicle limping out on me other than some acceleration concerns on May 27th, 2026.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2026
I was driving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata approximately 35 mph after leaving the Hyundai dealership following an engine replacement when the hood unexpectedly flew completely open without warning. The hood struck the windshield, completely obstructing my forward visibility and creating an extremely dangerous situation. I was able to safely pull over without causing a collision, but the vehicle sustained extensive damage and was declared a total loss by my insurance company. During the same service visit in which the engine was replaced, the dealership recommended replacing the hood latches, but I declined that repair. Hyundai later informed me that the hood latching system was functioning properly after the engine replacement and that the vehicle passed its post-repair inspection and road test. Approximately one mile after leaving the dealership following the engine replacement, the hood unexpectedly opened while I was driving. There were no hood-ajar warnings, warning lights, or other indications that the hood was not properly secured before the incident. The sudden loss of visibility created a serious risk of a crash that could have resulted in severe injury or death. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this incident represents a significant vehicle safety issue that should be investigated.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2026
We are the sole owners of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Over the years the dashboard has deteriorated and developed cracks along the entire length, including over the area of the passenger airbag. We are currently concerned as to what would happen in the event of an accident that would trigger the air bag causing the dashboard to explode and send splinters all over the place, possibly causing severe damage to the passenger. I took the vehicle to Lehman Hyundai and they could not give me a definitive answer as to whether this was a dangerous situation or not. They gave me an oral estimate of $3,500 just for the part, and who knows what the labor costs would be. Whether I end up donating, gifting or selling the car, I am truly concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the condition it is in.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 11, 2026
Was driving car and it went completely hot. Towed to a dealership and they said was not drivable and that the radiator support and radiator hose needs replacing and eventually the Drive CV left and front will need replacing or I will be stranded on side of road.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 23, 2025
On the highway, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata suddenly began making a squealing or metallic rattling noise. At first, I thought it might have been something loose inside the vehicle. Within moments, the check engine light began blinking, followed by several additional warning lights and a pronounced knocking noise from the engine area. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle entered a reduced-power “limp mode” and began rapidly losing speed, even though the engine was still running. Because this occurred at highway speed while surrounding traffic was traveling normally, I had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid being struck. This created a significant safety hazard. I was stranded for approximately 45 minutes on the shoulder, at risk of being struck by other vehicles passing at high speeds. A tow truck arrived before the highway patrol, and the vehicle was towed home. When I returned home, my code reader pulled two versions of diagnostic code P1326, which is associated with potential engine bearing failure in Hyundai Theta II engines. The issue has since been inspected by the dealership, who confirmed the presence of the P1326 code. The vehicle is currently available for further inspection upon request. There were no prior symptoms that I was aware of leading up to the incident other than the brief squealing/rattling noise and the sudden warning lights immediately beforehand. The failure happened suddenly and without warning, causing an immediate and unexpected loss of speed and creating a dangerous situation on the highway.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2025
The paint started peeling off in large sections.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2025
At about 30mph the sunroof suddenly flew of of my car and almost hit the car behind me thst had to avoid the flying part, for a good luck it didn’t cause a major accident because I was about get in a busy highway and this hazard could’ve caused a major ctash envolvimg multiple cars, the vehicle behind me has a dashcam that recorded the event. For God nobody got injured.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2025
I am reporting a recurring and unresolved hybrid system failure in my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited that poses an ongoing safety risk to me and my family. The issue involves a "Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" message that appears randomly while driving, causing the vehicle to jerking and creating dangerous conditions on the road. This issue first occurred in February 2024 and has persisted through October 2025 despite repeated service visits and costly out-of-pocket repairs. The hybrid battery was eventually replaced after 8+ months of delays, but the exact same warning and jerking symptoms returned in March 2025 and have never been properly resolved. The dealership (Crown Hyundai in St. Petersburg, FL) and Hyundai corporate case management have been unable to replicate or diagnose the problem consistently, and continue returning the vehicle to me in unsafe condition. On October 3, 2025, the same warning reappeared and the vehicle was dropped off again for yet another service attempt. Again on October 7, 2025, I was told to pick up my car, they could not replicate the issue and could not find a code to respond to. To date, I’ve paid $1,748.65 for a repair (air flappers) that did not solve the issue, and spent months without use of the vehicle, continuing to pay for insurance during that time. I believe this is a defective hybrid propulsion system that meets the threshold for investigation and possibly a recall, given the repeat safety risk and lack of resolution. Please investigate this matter for the safety of other drivers as well.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2025
What the consumer services tried to offer (More Information for case)me, instead of a replaced engine that is under my warranty. They have replaced engines before over the mileage as goodwill warranty, but refuse to do the necessary work because of mileages. KSDS is designed for any mileage, and they put a mileage limit on the vehicles warranty, that not just I, but multiple people purchased; where the justice
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2025
While driving, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T experienced severe knocking and loss of power due to a KSDS-related engine defect. The check engine light was inoperative, and the engine now makes loud noises and emits fumes. Hyundai declined warranty coverage despite known KSDS issues. This poses a serious safety concern ( I recently purchased the car and been fixing problems every since)
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2025
The car got the 993 campaign software engine immobilizer update and it was locked with the keyfob. It still got stolen. Thieves broke the lock on driver side door which deactivates the immobilizer. Car was found and police report was filed. It is available for inspection. Many Hyundais that have had the immobilizer update have since been stolen. The 993 software update is ineffective.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2025
The vehicle had the antitheft recall service done. On 8/30/25 the vehicle was stolen. It was recovered on 9/1/25 without the catalytic converter. The insurance confirmed it was a total loss. The door lock was tampered along with the engine lock. This was a horrible experience.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2025
Cracked dash. This is an ongoing issue with Hyuandai since around 2009. Please investigate. Do the research. I normally wouldn't even come on here to complain. This is my 3rd Sonata. Same issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2025, fire
On [XXX], my 2015 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Sarasota, FL. There were no warning lights, error messages, or abnormal performance indicators prior to the failure. Within minutes of losing power, smoke began to enter the cabin, followed by visible flames from the engine compartment. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and called 911. The fire fully engulfed the vehicle and destroyed personal property inside, including my late father’s ashes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The incident caused significant emotional distress and has resulted in a PTSD diagnosis. The sudden nature of the failure and rapid spread of the fire suggest a critical defect in the vehicle’s engine or related components. I believe this represents a serious safety hazard to other Hyundai owners and the public. Documentation, photographs, and insurance/fire reports are available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 11, 2025
I have contacted the guy that sold me the car he Refused to fix the recall which is my motor I need Something done , Hyundai won’t Honor their Recall .
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 26, 2025
Our 2015 Sonata has experiencing Engine failure several times due to excessive and irregular oil consumption. Our family’s safety and the safety of others on the roadway were put at risk as the engine slows, shudders and stalls without prior warning and the check engine light does not come on until the vehicle slows and stalls. The vehicle was inspected at a local Hyundai dealership, and they indicated that this is not covered under warranty. Summary of Engine Issues and Failures: 1.May 3, 2022 – 68,671 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Check engine light on, shudder; oil change performed. No cause identified. Paid out-of-pocket. 2.August 23, 2022 – 75,527 miles (retail shop) Car engines failed on highway, towed to service shop. Valve cover gaskets replaced. Paid out-of-pocket in part and extended warranty paid part of the invoice. 3.April 29, 2024 – 109,229 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Excessive oil consumption noted; valve cover gasket replaced again. Paid out-of-pocket. 4.January 22, 2025 – 118,341 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Vehicle stalled en route to airport, towed to dealership; dealership advised oil change. Paid out-of-pocket. 5.May 20, 2025 – 122,000 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Engine codes P0300, P0302, P0303 identified. Dealer diagnosed excessive oil consumption likely due to ring wear or sticking rings, contributing to spark plug misfires. Recommendation: Engine replacement. Despite consistent and timely service, including multiple visits to the Hyundai dealership, the root issue has not been properly addressed. The current diagnosis of internal engine failure is a clear continuation of a pattern of unresolved engine problems (stalling in motion, oil leaks and oil consumption) all of which originated well within Hyundai’s original warranty. The vehicle has been well maintained, and all recalls have been addressed in a timely manner. Hyundai’s failure to acknowledge and take responsibility for this widely documented engine issue is a safety concern.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2025
My steering rack had to be replaced at less than 55,000 miles. I asked the dealer if this was covered under warranty and they said no. I was charged $4,800 for this repair. I contacted Hyundai USA and they refused to cover the repair. I then realized that I had received a letter from Hyundai stating my car had the extended warranty of 15 years/150m miles for this exact repair. I am on the phone with Hyundai now and they are still refusing to cover this repair, even though they sent me the letter stating my car has this extended warranty. My car is available for inspection upon request. Yes, my safety and the safety of others was put at risk, my power steering would intermittently go out while turning. Yes, my car was inspected twice, once in 2023 and again in May of 2025. Repairs were done in May. I was told this was not covered under warranty but I have an extended warranty from Hyundai for this exact problem. That extended warranty is for 15 years/150m miles. Yes, the occurrence in 2025 threw a code of C168708 - CAN time out VSM (MDPS) and C1814 - CAN message failure SAS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2025
The car just stopped while driving.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2025
My pearl white 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport’s paint is chipping off while im driving causing paint chips to fly which has almost caused me to wreck. This is happening on the trunk roof and passenger front door.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2025
On 03/14 I was driving down the road the with the sunroof open the wind flap suddenly went to flying making a loud sound I pulled over and saw that it was loose and hanging I went to press the button to attempt to close it and it semi closed. I went and had it looked at and was told that it was broken and could not be closed and needed to be replaced I was told it was a common issue with Hyundais and to contact the company
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2025
It seems like the car is skipping.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2024
To whom it may concern, I was driving on the highway with my sunroof down as the weather was nice. I started to hear a flapping sound and got off at the next exit. I tried to close the sunroof but it would not close. It looked like the windshield thing for the sunroof detached on the passenger side and blocking it. A minute after I started to drive the sunroof panel detached and flew off my car. It shattered on the street in front of another car that was driving behind me. This car had to swerve to miss being hit. I immediately called the Hyundai dealership crying and the women promised me a manager would call me back. I told the lady I dont know what to do. Do I call the police because a 30-pound glass panel is shattered on the street? Do I call my insurance? She said she would have the sales manager and service manager call me back. I was so shaken and scared from the event I called out the rest of the day from work. I had to uber my son home from school because I was nervous to drive the car. If I didnt get off the next exit; would my sunroof have flown off and caused a car accident? It was really scary to see the panel fly off like paper and almost hit another car. That I could have cause another person to have an accident and they couldve gotten hurt. The whole thing is just crazy to me. I did not get a call back from hyundai yesterday. I will try to reach them today. I will uber my son to school this morning as one of the pieces is sticking out and still flapping. When I looked up the recall on my car for this; I could not believe that the hyundai fix is super glue? This car really is glued together.... Thank you to listening to my concern and you can reach me anytime at [XXX] . Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2024
I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Two years ago, I'm having issues with my car paint peeling off in the hood, roof and trunk. Many times I when to the dealer to ask them about the recall, and they state that there is nothing they can do since they did not have anything registered for a paint peeling recall. My car day by day is getting worse and I need help for this issue to be fix.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2024
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata with Quartz White Pearl paint continues to peel off my car and cause me to swerve thinking that there is something coming at my car like a bird due to the paint peeling so fast. This is also a concern for drivers behind me as my roof pain is peeling and may fly into their line of sight/vision which could potentially cause an accident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 8, 2024, fire
On June 30, 2024 I was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and the car caught on fire. There were no warning lights/ dash indicators/ no check engine lights or other warnings present. I had just exited the highway and while sitting at a light, smoke began emanating from the hood and within seconds the smoke turned dark brown at the vents near the windshield. I immediately exited out of the vehicle. I did not have time to pull over out of traffic. The car was engulfed in flames within a very short period of time. I had only seconds to exit the car. I would have struggled to get any passengers out of the backseat safely (i.e. kids in car seats) had I not been the only one in the car at the time. We had notified Hyundai of engine concerns that began in 2023, and they had given us the runaround for many months requiring us to submit paperwork for oil changes for the lifetime of the car and to keep returning to the dealership for "testing" after driving a certain # of miles. They required us to bring the car in to have pictures of the engine taken to ensure there wasn't "neglect" to the car on our part. This excessive and lengthy process by Hyundai took several months after initial concerns were brought up with the dealer. After being required to submit voluminous amount of paperwork and several trips to the dealership for "testing", Hyundai finally agreed to replace the faulty engine. We were told we could continue to drive it until a new engine was ordered. The new engine was scheduled to be replaced on July 11, 2024 however, the car burst into flames on June 30, 2024. Had Hyundai taken appropriate action when the issue was first brought to their attention, this incident would have likely been avoided and had not endangered my life and others helping. Thank you for your attention to this incident.