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
1,144 reports, newest first.
Seat belts, May 5, 2024
Seat Belts will not recoil. This is a very unsafe situation.
Engine, May 5, 2024
My daughter’s Car stalled in middle of freeway twice. The second time it ruined the engine it was confirmed by my auto repair shop. Transporting it to Hyundai dealership. It’s a 2015 Hyundai sonata engine huge issue. Almost catastrophic stalling on the freeway. Please help- thanks.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2024
While driving our vehicle (Hyundai 2015 Sonata Hybrid) around 25 MPH speed in city road... the vehicle stopped completely by itself in few seconds. Got the message "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive" in dashboard and beep beep sounds. Thank god, no accident, the vehicles behand able to stop and avoid the collision. This is serious SAFETY issue, as this could cause accidents if vehicle stops by itself while driving. This is 3rd time in last few years with this vehicles. The recent incident happened was on 5/1/2024 morning around 8.00 am. We went to the Hyundai Service Center and they did looked at the codes and ran some scans and they found nothing wrong. And they said it could be some wrong system warning and can be ignored, as they can't reproduce the issue. And told us to report if this happens, but the worry is that, if this happens it could be serious life threating accident or injuries. They said they also got similar other Sonata Hybrid got same issue reported same day, but they can't find root cause. Same issue was happened last on 9/30/2022 and one before in that same year. They can't find the root cause that time too. They just updated software that time...and hoped that will fix. But the issue repeated again. While searching on the internet, found many people reporting this same error message and suddenly stopping the vehicle by itself. Very scary safety concern. So that's why we are reporting this to NHTSA. To take action on this with the Hyundai and investigate more. Now worried when we drive this vehicle. I have all pictures taken when this issues happened on 5/1/24 and also 9/30/22. I will share those here. Let me know if you need more information on this.
Seat belts, May 2, 2024
Drivers side seat belt does not retract properly. If i pull it out a little too far when buckling then it will just hang there instead of retracting snugly so it provides the same amount of safety as having no seat belt on at all. Every time that I took my car to the dealer for different fixes I always brought that up and they always overlooked it and never did fix it and now my extended warranty is out and it's still not fixed even though it was like that the day that I bought it and I started complaining about it that very first week.
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.
Structure, Apr 21, 2024
White pearl paint is peeling on the hood, roof and trunk.
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
The check engine light began flashing so I shut the car off and had it towed to West Allis Hyundai. The service garage took the car for a test drive (even though the user manual states not to run the engine), and according to the dealer, the car engine "blew up" and stopped running. I assume the engine seized up. the engine only has 43,000 miles and should be covered by the 100,000, 10 year warranty that comes from the manufacturer. The car has been at the dealer for over a week without any definitive answer if the engine will be replaced by Hyundai under warranty. Also, the dealer has not provided a loaner car so I am without any transportation while my is in the shop. Note that since I've had the car all maintenance has been done by West Allis Hyundai.
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2024
Engine light comes on and alarm stating hybrid sytem failure unsafe to drive. Car loses power and can't be driven. Had this fixed twice. This time it only was fixed for two days.
Engine, Mar 24, 2024
In December, 2019 I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata for my son that had around 32K miles. Maintenance records looked good, and I continued to keep up with the maintenance on this vehicle. Around 64K miles, I was notified after an oil change the vehicle was low on oil and a gasket needed replaced. I took the Sonata to another place to get the oil changed and for a 2nd opinion. The conclusion of the 2nd opinion was there was internal pressure causing excessive blow by. That even if I replaced the valve cover gasket, the pressure would build up. Ultimately, we determined the vehicle is consuming/burning oil. Columbia Hyundai said there wasn’t anything they could do because my vehicle was out of warranty. My issue was and continues to be Hyundai will not do anything about the oil consumption issue. I am being told the engine will fail and maybe then if a rod is thrown will they replace the engine. I am putting a 1 to 1.5 quarts of oil in this vehicle every two weeks. My son still drives this vehicle and he is in college. Hyundai wants my son to drive this vehicle until the engine fails until they will even consider doing anything about it? I don’t even trust this vehicle to take on long trips. It has been a problem trying to keep up with this issue. When the engine fails (Hyundai said it will) while my son is driving this vehicle, I pray he is not on a dark country road, or on the expressway. Hyundai's negligence and their willingness to ignore this issue is irresponsible. I can tell you I will not be purchasing anymore Hyundai’s. They do not take ownership of this issue. Regardless if I am not the original owner, stand behind your vehicles. There has been a class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai for this same problem. I am asking Hyundai to do the right thing. I have all my maintenance records. Thanks for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a hard start and shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where washer fluid was poured into the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the oil was 2 quarts low, and the mileage was below the next recommended oil change. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an unknown second dealer, where the contact was informed that no signs of oil leak and smoke were found during the inspection. The dealer determined that oil could be leaking in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
Car repeatedly illuminates check engine light since my purchase on 9/30/2023. When this happens the car goes into limp mode, fails to accelarate and at times stalls. This has happened on the freeway and at busy intersections while driving.
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
I had my engine replaced less than 5000 miles ago and now my check engine light is on once again causing more problems and Hyundai is very unwilling to do anything
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
WHITE PAINT PEELING OFF IN LARGE CHUNKS FROM ROOF
Engine, Mar 5, 2024
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly causing the car to go into limp mode (max speed of 30) & at times it stalls while driving. I purchased it on 9/30/23 & check engine warning light has illuminated 20+ since then. I’ve repaired and addressed all of the codes. It also occasionally accelerates abruptly when stopped causing the car in front of me to be hit from behind. In addition to all of the above safety issues, it also has an extremely high oil consumption rate. The engine is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while decelerating and approaching a stop light, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of motive power and stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted and was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Engine, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while accelerating to 60 MPH, the vehicle stopped. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic completed a tune-up, and changed the oil, and the brakes however, the failure persisted. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting, Feb 26, 2024
The headlights are stating headlight low and triangle with a exclamation ️ appears.
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
Steering, Feb 22, 2024
WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, RED LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. ONCE I TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON IT WAS FIXED, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. ANY IDEA WAHT IT COULD BE?
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
Knocking noise in the engine, super loud sound, engine sized up because there was a lubrication failure from the oil pump, rock arm bearing was gone on cylinder 3 crankshaft catastrophic damage, and tulsa hyundai send an application to hyundai USA and they refuse to fix my car because the previous owner didn't do 4 recalls that are not even close to be related to the problem in the engine. Abs light recall, seat belt recall, parking brake light switch recall and smart junction box recall, none of this has anything to do with the negligent fabrication on rotating parts in the oil pump, and rock arm bearings, this is very upsetting and disappointing that a recognized brand like hiunday did such a big mistake in fabrication and they found the perfect stupid excuse to wave their responsibility to the customers that invest their money on this cars
Engine, Feb 13, 2024
I am the only owner of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata: in December 2018 the car had a new engine put in when the mileage was 106,894 due to the engine burning oil much too fast. On 9/20/2023 while getting an oil change Jiffy Lube told me the oil was almost empty, as the engine was burning oil way too fast again. This was at mileage 162,148. I checked the oil periodically to make sure the engine had oil. I added a quart around 163k and on Feb 3, 2024 I checked the oil at 165,000# miles on it barely had any oil in. I filled with about four quarts and then I started the car. Upon starting there was an explosion in the engine and all the oil drained out. My complaint is Hyundai replaced a know defective engine with the same defective engine, which unknowingly to me but me at risk driving the car. I am lucky the engine did not blow while driving on the highway. In researching after the engine blew the second time I found there was class action suits for this same problem in the past and there was some settlement. I do not know if the NHTSA was involved
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 9, 2024, fire
Car was going approximately 50 miles an hour on a side street when warning lights went on, brakes stopped working, and the engine smoked and appeared to catch on fire. Car was steered into a parking lot and abruptly placed in park. Occupant grabbed valuables and quickly exited the vehicle. At that point, the front of the vehicle, under the hood went up in flames.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was frequently topping off the engine oil between scheduled oil change service. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a 3,000-mile oil consumption test was performed. The test concluded that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact rejected the results. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pads were frequently replaced due to the vehicle shuddering upon the depression of the brake pedal. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024, fire
The same as all other Hyundai I’ve seen from 2011 to 2019. Error code reads P1326 manufacturer control. the vehicle shut off on me 65 on the highway without warning. hook up the car to the computer and it has returned no code so we troubleshoot by that the starter was burnt up and we replace it everything‘s fine for two days. Then of course I get the manufacturer code P1326 and find out that 100s are not thousands of Hyundai have been recalled for the same issue. Also, like all other complaints, I’ve seen car went into limp mode or reduced power mode and the check engine light is flashing