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, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2024
At 40,000 miles the transmission is already jerking, shifting hard into gear and downshifting hard .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2024, fire
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with 63k miles does not show any open recalls relating to fires however, my car was parked, went to turn it on, smelled an electrical smell and white smoke began billowing out of the engine. Within minutes the vehical engine compartment was engulfed in flames. I was able to remove my family from the vehicle and fire department came out to extinguish the vehicle. Thankfully everyone movedthere vehicles and no other vehicles were impacted but insurance has inspected the vehicle and determined it's a total loss as the whole engine compartment is melted. If not for me thinking and the action of others, many others cars could have been burned and my family burned and injured as they are still shook up about. Hyundai offered me a low settlement but there is know recall on the specific VIN for electrical or engine issues. The following weekend I met a guy who just purchased a pre-owned Hyundai and after leaving he stopped at a red light and the vehicle engine compartment went up in flames while parked. There is a larger issue at hand here and please help us investigate this so no one else has to go through this nightmare.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 25, 2024
My Sonata is experiencing Engine failure due to excessive and irregular oil consumption. The Hyundai dealership conducted an oil consumption test in which it was discovered that the car is excessively using oil. My Safety and the safety of others were put at risk as the engine slow 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 Hyundai dealership and submitted to Hyundai for all or partial financial assistance for a new Engine and in turn was declined by Hyundai even though they have a know issue of their Engines consuming an unusually high rate of oil.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
WHITE PAINT PEELING OFF IN LARGE CHUNKS FROM ROOF
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2024, fire
Car stalled then started smoking followed by flames. We exited vehicles and ran a safe distance away and called 911
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 21, 2024
Car has a distinct burning smell when driving it. This has been going on since late summer of 2023. I moved to a different state from NC to AL. Had it inspected and because it wasn’t smelling at the time the mechanic stated there were no issues. Also, got a recall for campaign 993 with my vin number from Hyundai and no dealership will honor it bc when they look up the vin it says no recall due. Please help me rectify this situation so I’m not out of a car. I don’t know if it’s bc I relocated that I’m not getting cooperation. I’m not able to even schedule an appt with the dealership bc of this. Please help.
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2024, fire
I was driving down [XXX], about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta when I saw flames and smoke come underneath the hood of my car. I pulled over to the right shoulder and I was able to exit the vehicle before the entire front engine compartment was melted and engulfed in flames. Local FD responded and extinguished the fire. FD was unable to explain what may have caused the issue. Vehicle is a total loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2023
Panoramic Sunroof randomly exploded while i was driving down the street. Appears to be a known issue and a class action lawsuit has been filed.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2023, fire
My car was smoking from under the hood. I had it towed to the dealer. Service dept said valve cover. Picked car up 2 days later and less than 1/4 mile from dealer the car was smoking, I called service department was told it was normal. Stopped at red light, smoking intense, turned back to dealer. I lost my brakes, stopped by the grace of God. Passerby told me to get out, my car was on fire. 2 minutes later it was fully engulfed. Total loss.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 2, 2023
I am 86 years old. I bought the car brand new so I am the original owner. I have kept the car perfectly maintained and garaged from the day I bought it. My wife is also 86. She and I are the only ones that drive the car. To date, it has 73,822 miles on it. The main issue I am having is random, unpredictable stalling and hesitation when trying to accelerate. We have also had unintended acceleration. This always happens at the worst times which causes grave concern for our safety. We have taken the care to the dealership here in Cape Girardeau, MO called Chris Auffenberg Hyundai. They've charged me $130 only to tell me nothing is wrong. I have continued to try to work with them and they now have decided a new fuel pump will fix this which is $730. I have noticed there are already hundreds of complaints on the 2015 that all say they have the same exact issues I am having but this dealership doesn't seem to care. Here is what I have read. "The most common issue in the 2015 Sonata lies with its faulty throttle control system, which can cause stalling, hesitation, and even unintended acceleration. Currently, there is no fix from Hyundai." My dealership will not acknowledge this even though it is public information. I feel like they are going to keep replacing parts and are taking advantage of me. [XXX] is the Service Manager at this dealership and I am not happy how he is handling this. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 13, 2023
Consuming 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks, which is about 800 miles of highway driving for me.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023
The panoramic sunroof wind deflector is off I seen online there was a recall about that. I call hyundai customer service about it they said it's been fix already in 2016. I'm a new owner and not sure where the work was done before I got it, but it came unglued again. I purchased the car from John amato hyundai dealership and get the services done there because I'm under a forever warranty and can't going anywhere eles because of the warranty. Which nothing is done free on it and all the work I've had done from them I believe they don't do everything because it still rides and sounds the same and there #1 excuse is that's how hyundai cars sounds. So with that being said if John amato fixed it, I see why it failed again. Can check my car to see if recalls were really preformed and done correctly and what's needed now to be like new again.
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
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2023
My car has an anti theft defect that’s making cars like mine easy to be stolen. Over the weekend I took my kids to six flags and my car was stolen. I had my 3 kids with me and my wife. My kids are scared and feels unsafe. If theirs anything you guys can do to help me out, I will appreciate it. I do not have the money to fix my car at the time. I need my car to get back and forth to work.
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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2023, crash
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has issues when switching from eco-to standard to sports, it constantly shakes when approaching a red light or stop.. my vehicle is constantly stock and vandalize and stole. Need you to easy assessability by thieves. this constitute higher insurance for me and consistent problems
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.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2023
Driving on a busy street the car suddenly started to show a Hibrid system warning safety stop and do not drive and then the car slowed down on traffic scary situation since it was a busy road then another car pulled up and two guys help get it out of the road since the car would not start again. Our safety was at risk on the middle of the road and could possibly caused an accident. The problem still persist I towed it to the dealer and paid for a diagnostic wich the dealer took a month to return the car back to me and they did two recalls but never performed a diagnostic on the car and instead they just called the tech line and gave me a $6000.00 estimate for a hi voltage battery replacement.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2023
While driving on the 91 freeway in the Fasttrack lanes, this warning displayed on the dashboard: "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive." The Fasttrack lanes are on 91 freeway are cordoned off, so there is no way to get out for 10 miles. We had to continue driving, but the car started losing power after 2-3 miles and began stalling. It was an extremely dangerous situation. We were very fortunate to find a construction zone that allowed us to pull the car into a safe spot. Once the car was stopped, it would not start and had to be towed to the dealer (Cardinal Way Hyundai in Corona, CA) on May 8. The dealer ran diagnostics and sent the codes to Hyundai tech center. The tech center advised the dealer to update the system software. After updating the software the dealer returned the car to me on May 9. Previously, on Aug 17, 2020, I had the same warning light “Hybrid System Warning!...” while driving on the highway. I was able to take an exit and park the car safely. I had to get it towed to the same dealer. The dealer reported that the diagnostic “measured resistance at safety plug. Found open circuit. Replaced safety plug.” The car was fixed and returned to me on the same day. It is completely unacceptable to have a car shut down without any warning in the middle of the freeway. If we had stopped in the middle of the freeway, it would have resulted in a very bad accident and could have resulted in loss of life. The tow truck driver told us that he has towed many Hyundai or Kia hybrid cars with similar issues. This problem seems to be a systematic and Hyundai should be subject to recall these cars to fix this dangerous problem. Hyundai needs to make sure that the car owner is provided sufficient warning of any impending problems with the hybrid system. Furthermore, the onboard communication system in the Sonata hybrid is outdated and does not work, so no diagnostic reports are generated. Hyundai needs to provide free replacement of the comm system.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2023
after taking my 2015 sonata eco to the dealership for campaign 993; campaign 210; and, campaign tww 15-17 I have experienced the following issues: RIGHT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING ALARM GOES OFF 5 MINUTES AFTER LOCKING THE VEHICLE DASH INDICATES MY REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS AJAR WHEN IT IS LOCKED Prior to having the service done my vehicle did not have any of this issues. RUSNAK Hyundai Inland Empire has not been helpful in resolving these issues. I am being asked to pay to diagnose the issues that were not present prior to the software updates.
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2023
Panoramic sunroof exploded spontaneously while the car was driven at night. Terrifying and traumatic. Glass everywhere. No rock or anything hit it.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2023
My car was stolen 1week after the recall was performed that was supposed to immobilized the engine. The recall did nothing and now I'm left with the aftermath.
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.