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.
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
Engine has an oil consumption issue.
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
About 20000 miles ago, I was informed by my servicing center that my Sonata came it without oil on the dipstick. My car currently has 90k and my engine is burning about 1qt of oil every 1000 miles. Many people have been having issues with these engines from Hyundai and Kia. My engine has been a part of a class action lawsuit regarding this problem but my specific model is never included even though the engine is. I've been checking my oil regularly and keep oil in my trunk at all time since this first happened but I'm getting close to my car being out of warranty. When I get my oil regularly changed at 3k - 4k miles, well below the the suggested 6k, is it my responsibility to add oil all the time or is it the responsibility of Hyundai to replace my engine for being faulty? My warranty expiration is coming up and I'm keeping this engine alive by adding the needed oil and even though my engine is part of a class action lawsuit. I'm not going to get any benefit of warranty extension or replacement from that lawsuit as my specific model isn't listed. I have a Sonata Eco 1.6 liter and it always the Sonata 2.0 and 2.4 they are listed even though the Tuscan with a 1.6 engine, the same as mine are included. There are thousands upon thousands of these vehicles on the road burning oil. It's bad for the environment and a ticking time bomb for everyone driving them. We need an investigation into these faulty engines and an actual fix from Hyundai and Kia.
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)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2023
The car has been having problems with oil consumption. The problem became known in 2022, but the dealer/service department (Frank Hyundai, National City, CA 91950) did not care for the issue or safety. The dealer told me, "Your car is OK." On 7/3/2023, the engine light came on. A second round of oil consumption tests began along with a 90,000-mile service, including replacements of filter assy and gasket, four new tires and front and rear brakes, spark plugs, suspension/steering repair, shaft assy, engine repair, cooling system service, and fuel induction service. Shortly after, the car slows down even when my foot is on the accelerator. It feels like the vehicle will stall/stop (while driving in the middle of the road). I can see the rpm gauge erratically going up and down. The car lurches or jerks. I reported the jerky problem to the dealer at the second 1000-mi oil consumption test, but the dealer did not make any diagnostic tests or repairs because, per the dealer, "it did not jerk while we test-drove it." The problem continues.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2023
The car has been having problems with oil consumption. The problem became known in 2022, but the dealer/service department (Frank Hyundai, National City, CA 91950) did not take care of the issue and did not care about safety. The dealer told me, "Your car is OK." On 7/3/2023, the engine light came on. A second round of oil consumption tests began along with a 90,000-mile service, including replacements of filter assy and gasket, four new tires and front and rear brakes, spark plugs, suspension/steering repair, shaft assy, engine repair, cooling system service, and fuel induction service. Shortly after, the car slows down even when my foot is on the accelerator. It feels as though the vehicle will stop. I can see the rpm gauge erratically going up and down. The car lurches or jerks. I reported the jerky problem to the dealer at the second 1000-mi oil consumption test, but the dealer did not make any diagnostic tests or repairs because, per the dealer, "it did not jerk while we test-drove it." The problem continues.
Power train, Dec 27, 2023
When I press on the brake the vehicle accelerate before it slows down. Sometime the car accelerates for no reason. This has been a recent problem for the past few months. The engine has been replaced from a prior recall.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 25, 2023
My break went out while trying to make a stop.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2023
In the first incident(2020) after the check engine light was on, the car was towed and needed the valve cover and fuel pump gasket replaced due to leakage. In November of 2023, the check engine light kept flashing and again the car was towed to the dealer. The valve cover was removed and we were told a new engine was needed, but we would have to pay for it. We were old that we have neglected to keep oil in the vehicle.
Engine, Nov 30, 2023
Between oil change intervals, the check engine light flickered intermittently. I checked the oil level and it was very low. I added 3 quarts of oil and took it to my Hyundai dealership. They performed all the oil consumption tests and told us that the car now burns seven-tenths of a quart every 1000 miles. Hyundai USA claims that this is acceptable oil consumption. I disagree of course. I called my service adviser at the dealership and requested that Hyundai replace the engine because a 2015 Hyundai Sonata with only 70K miles should not be burning that much oil. He agreed and told me to keep monitoring the oil consumption and if it burns 1 quart or more after 1000 miles, to bring it back.
Engine, Nov 28, 2023
Oil consumption issues. Had a brand new factory motor to replace original motor due to engine failure from oil consumption issues on June 29 2020 at 154,285 miles. The new motor only has 56,665 miles on it and I'm having to add extra oil in between changes because it is bone dry after about 1800 miles from oil change each time.
Steering, Nov 21, 2023
The wheel of my car as I would turn literally locked on me and the car went off to the other side of roadand engine shuts off .this seems to only happen when I make a right turn quickly it is random and I never. Know when this will occur it hurt my hand because the wheel snapped out of my hand as to keep straight . So it's very scary I am looking for help to get itfixed . But I won't feel safe driving it until then I had to buy another car so that I could drive meanwhile I see what I can do about this car
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The vehicle is demonstrating clear signs of engine failure based off the symptoms Hyundai states on its website for the rod knock bearing recall (no power, enters limp mode, white smoke out tailpipes, etc.) Hyundai states vehicle passes testing. Engine also has oil consumption issues, has had its PVC value fail twice in ten months, and burns through 1.5 qts of oil every 496 miles (has failed all 3 consumption tests). The vehicle has stalled out on multiple occasions and risked my/my child's life, has required cylinder cleanings and fuel injection cleanings, and the engine gets extremely hot. This is the second failed engine in the Sonata, and Hyundai has not stated if they will replace it.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact added oil to the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who referred her to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ball bearing and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The rotors and brakes were metal-to-metal, and the vehicle was losing oil. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2023
My hydraulic brake booster went out, Very dangerous i almost had an accident, the car doesn’t stop, there are no brakes the car would not stop I’f the hydraulic brake booster goes out you have no brakes and if you’re over 50 miles an hour the E break barely does anything it just sounds like you grinding into the ground. Very scary and I had a child in the car. Towed car to Hyundai.
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
After Hyundai Dealership performed RECALL 953, vehicle is having uneven engine idling, especially while stopped at traffic lights/stopsigns and when starting the vehicle. It is noticeable enough that I am concerned the theta ii engine is failing, or about to fail.
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.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to neutral and pushed the vehicle off the road and parked in a nearby lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2023
My oil is burning with in a weak. And flludding out my spark plugss And then when I push the gas, my car just vibrates everything and it doesn't wanna go..Iknow other models were recalled for this issue . This issue has been fixed twice and it keeps happening.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
My son was driving my car home from work and while waiting at a light, he went to go in the car would not move the engine. He just died right there in the middle of the street on him. He was stuck in the middle of the street for quite some time waiting for a tow truck because it was way too dangerous for him to get out of the car. It was during traffic hour. The car only had like 48,000 miles on it. After repaired by the dealer car started having other issues with the engine light coming on with intake manifold but dealer claimed that part is not covered, which that part is part of the engine that they supposedly replaced.
Engine, Oct 19, 2023
Insurance companies are not proving insurance because of rise in theft of Hyundai vehicle. Now they are asking to install remote start kit for physical engine immobilizer. Cost of this installation is $350 - $500, Hyundai is not entertaining this issue. Hyundai are saying we have done anti theft software update but insurance companies are saying that is not enough.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
Hybrid system warning comes up often and everytime I take it to get assessed, something different is getting fixed. These repairs are all expensive out of pocket repairs. The problems continues to happen and I’m constantly repairing something different.
Power train, Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the car stalled and struggled to remain running. The contact stated two days later the vehicle was parked and while hitching the RV to the trailer hitch, the vehicle independently moved and collided with a dolly. The contact stated that the dolly was used to load the RV to the hitch. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed until the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Oct 9, 2023
Steering Column making Clicking sound. Steering Wheel completely locked during a turn.