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
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to stall and she saw flames exiting from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and exit the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. The contact stated the police department did show up at the location but no police report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jan 7, 2022
The abs and traction lights are illuminated on dash with check bsd system warning on dashboard as well. Seems to be common problem with this car. With these lights on the abs system I disabled. Was told it was speed censor and then it was the bsd sensor in bumper. They told me it was in an accident I should file claim with insurance. Sounds like they don't want to repair something faulty . No abs working could mean crash
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2021
Check engine light on. Taken to hyundai dealership for recall repairs. At the time, 3 recalls on vehicle. Informed that check engine light was on due to recalls. Dealership kept car for 1½ weeks and notified me that 1 recall (filter) was not completed because parts are on back order. Dealership had me pick up vehicle and said that it is okay to drive car; however, after calling another Dealership, the Service rep informed me that cars should not be driven while engine filter recalls are open because it could potentially further damage vehicle. Vehicle has now been sitting in my garage for over 2 months and I'm making payments for a car I cannot drive.
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
My brakes locked on the highway and I could not utilize the brakes to slow down the vehicles. I went off the meridian and finally came to a stop. I pumped the brakes and then they started to work again. I was able to cautiously get back on the road and make it to my house but they locked again a few miles later by my exit. I was able to get them to start working again and made it home. There were no warning lamps or messages nor any warning that led me to this. I could’ve easily been in a serious if not fatal crash
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
On Saturday, October 30, 2021, I was driving down a heavily traveled road with my daughter when my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport coasted to a stop. I still had power and everything else was still on but the car was just dead and wouldn't start. There were all kinds of indicator lights that were on but I didn't know why my vehicle had just died on me. My son had to put it in neutral and back it off of the busy road we were on and onto a side street into a neighbor so we were in a safe place. We waited for a tow truck for over two hours in the heat. I had it towed to a repair shop unaware of the engine recall that was out on my vehicle. I was told by the repair shop that the oil in my vehicle was black and my engine had seized up.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
I was on the highway coming home when my engine failed to go over 40mph i had to pull over on the side of the road and when we did the car just cut off completely this is the sencond time it’s failed since june of 2020, The turbo engine in my car keeps failing. I have the 2.0t
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2021
the trunk latch need to be replaced the dealer ship has not fixed it since aug 2021 i cant do business this is my work car
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2021
The car takes off on its own. I've noticed several forums from the same make and model and year are having issues so I wanted to file a report. I'm out about $2k so far and potentially another $2k on a car with only 40,000 miles on it and it's only driven roughly 200 miles a month, if that, for Dr. appointments. When you put it in drive it will get up to 13mph without ever touching the gas.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2021
It seems that the white 2015, 2016 and 2017 models need to be recalled due to a paint issue. From my understanding there is a "defect" with only the white paint and it seems the vehicles are peeling in the same exact spots as I have shown here. I took my vehicle to Hyundai of Greer on Wade Hampton Blvd in Greer, SC and they told me I would have to pay out of pocket to get these spots taken care of because the original manufacturer warranty has expired and CPO warranty will not cover. Clearly there is a defect or flaw in the white paint and consumers should not have to pay for such issue.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2021
I just got my 2015 Sonata Hybrid in April. Most every time I try to accelerate from a stopping point, the car will not go for at least 3 seconds. I had to sit through a whole green light once because it just wouldn't go. I've pulled out onto highways, needing to pick up speed only to not go at all causing others to nearly smash into me. Also, It can not drive up hills. Twice i have been stopped at a stop sign on a hill and my car would just not go. I had to literally put it in reverse and go back down. One time I had a line of traffic back up behind me. I didnt know what to do! The absolute worst and scariest thing is the car not going when I'm making turns. My daughter and i were almost tboned trying to make a left turn into a driveway. The car just wouldn't go. All I could do was watch this huge truck heading straight for my daughters door. Finally, seconds before we would have been hit, the car decided to gom Sickening!! I have tried everything from cutting off the Blue Drive and EV mode to using the slap stick. Nothing seems to make a difference. I have an appointment with the dealership next week.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2021
I'm really at wit's end with what is going on with my car. My car is currently at 104K, its a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport. A beautiful car with an abundance of serious issues. I've had trouble with my car accelerating for over a month and I've taken it to at least 5 mechanics who have troubled shooted with no success to fixing the issue. The problem: my car hesitates significantly when accelerating and sometimes when it's can't shift gears and I'm easing my foot on and off the gas pedal, it begins to shake while attempting to accelerate. I try not to put the car in sport mode but sometimes this mode is what helps the car shift gears but I don't think this good for the car. So far I've tried changing all of my spark plugs and coils replaced, fuel injectors cleaned (dealership), transmission fluid changed and ECM updated (dealership). Also, the Hyundai dealership diagnosed the issues as an engine problem (intake exhaust and timing chain + tensioner) --- cost of all these things almost $4000!! I just don't understand why the check engine light is not coming on -- which is hinting at the local mechanics that it might be a transmission based issue. No the check engine light has not come on but the car drives really poorly. I'm taking it to a transmission shop and hopefully going to get some answers as to what is going on. This issue is absolutely frustrating and now I'm just looking for real direction by waiting to see if the engine light will come one and throw a code
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2021
MY FUEL DOOR LOCKED SHUT AND COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED.. HAD TO PRY IT OPEN TO REFUEL AND NOW IT WON'T CLOSE AGAIN. ALSO AROUND THAT TIME MY PAINT STARTED TO CHIP FOR NO REASON ON THE ROOF AND HOOD
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2021
VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY ALERTS THAT THE HOOD IS OPEN WHEN IT IS IN FACT CLOSED. HOOD LATCH IS IN GOOD CONDITION. THIS HAPPENS VERY RANDOMLY, EVEN WHILE DRIVING.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2021
MY CAR JUST STARTED MAKING A WEIRD KNOCKING SOUND AND SO I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START ONCE I TURNED IT OFF.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2021
I AM HAVING A WARNING ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING HYBRID SYSTEMS WARNING CHECK BRAKE DO NOT DRIVE ,SINCE COUPLE OF MONTHS
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2021
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SUNROOF CLOSED AND THE WHOLE THING CAME DETACHED. THE WINDOW SHATTERED. AND PART OF THE PIECE THAT HOLDS IT FELL OFF. I SEE A RECALL PREVIOUS FOR THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2020
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PIPE IS LEAKING FUEL UNDER THE HOOD
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Lane departure, Dec 4, 2020
I OWN A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA AND I OWN IT SINCE BEGINNING. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE KEY FEATURES SUCH AS BLIND SPOT DETECTION (BSD), ALONG WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) AND CAR SKIDDING PREVENTION SYSTEM STOPPED TO WORK IN MY CAR. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (WITH MY CAR CLOCKING ABOUT 62,650 MILES) AND I WAS TOLD THAT SUCH IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA CORPORATE OFFICE, I WAS TOLD THAT SUCH KEY SAFETY FEATURE CAN GO WRONG ANY TIME WHICH WAS SUCH A SHOCKING NEWS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. MY CAR DOES NOT DETECT ANY VEHICLE WHICH IS COMING/PASSING THROUGH AT HIGH SPEED, AND THE REAL WORST THING IS THAT IT'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) AND SKIDDING WARNING SYSTEM ARE NOT AT ALL FUNCTIONING WHICH COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I AM REALLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND OTHER PEOPLE TRAVELING IN DIFFERENT CAR AT THE SAME TIME. MY FAMILY'S SAFETY MEANS NOTHING FOR DEALERSHIP OR TP HYUNDAI CORPORATION BUT THEY ARE JUST CONCERNED TO BILL ME AND MY FAMILY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR THEIR FAULTY PARTS/SAFETY SYSTEM AT THIS PANDEMIC TIME.
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2020
JERKING WHILE ACCELERATING THEN SAYS 'HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2020
ABOUT 10 PERCENT OF THE TIMES THAT A LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS SELECTED, THE AUTO SIGNALS A RIGHT TURN.. STATIIONARY OR IN MOTION, CITY OR HIGHWAY, DAY OR NIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 26, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND GRADUALLY SLOWED DOWN EVENTUALLY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND UNABLE TO START BACK UP
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 17, 2020
2015 SONATA HYDUNAI ENGINE MAKING NOISE , WILL NOT DRIVE PASS 40 MPH. ENGINE IS SHAKING AND KNOCKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THE HYDUNAI DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO CONSIDER IT'S NOT UNDER THE ENGINE RECALL HERE IN TEXARKANA, TEXAS.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2020
SMART TRUNK LATCH MALFUNCTIONED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, CAUSING THE TRUNK NOT TO OPEN.