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.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle displayed hybrid warning while moving through an intersection on a highway. The car's engine turned off along with the power steering and brakes. Had the light not been in my favor, I would have been unable to stop on a high speed highway with oncoming traffic.
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)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 29, 2023, crash, fire
Trying to break after being hit to prevent hitting another driver . Ended up hitting the driver still and my car ended up catching on fire .
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
This is the second engine that has been replaced for the same issue. It had a connecting road bearing failure & went into limp mode.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2023, fire
The contact's friend owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at 20 MPH, a motorist informed her that there was a fire visible underneath the hood. As her friend opened the driver-side door, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact's friend was taken to the hospital where she sustained severe burns to the left side of her body. The contact's friend had her skin grafted from the right side of her body to repair the severe burns sustained to her left thigh and ankle as well as other parts of her body. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was completely incinerated due to the failure. The remains of the vehicle were towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. According to the fire report, the fire was caused by an unknown electrical failure malfunction; the source of the failure was undetermined. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 71,820
Seat belts, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2023
The driver's seatbelt does not retract. The engine is burning oil.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2023
Car stalls intermittently. When at a stop sign or red light, then when my turn to go I step on gas peddle, car starts to go, then stalls. I have to let off gas pedal and step on it again to get car going. This is dangerous as it leaves me in intersection and vulnerable to oncoming traffic. I had a mechanic check it out and they cleaned Throttle body, but that did not fix problem. No trouble codes showing up apparently.
Engine, Sep 16, 2023
over the course of this last year I've been in contact with Hyundai motors of America and my local Hyundai dealership after my 2015 Hyundai was showing signs of engine issues i was traveling along i-95 with my child at highway speeds when my car suddenly came to a stop causing panic and what could've been a tragic accident. had I wasn't able to regain control of my car. I was told to schedule an appointment which I did that same day taking my car in for service where I learned about several recalls on my car make and model. I was informed that a update was need along with knock sensor detecting software since that initial contact I've taking my car back to the dealer regarding smell of something burning and excessive oil consumption. my local dealership have since performed Nemours oil consumption test finding issues and picking and choosing what information is being sent up to corperate. I had the service manager tell me Hyundai is not willing to honor the repair unless my car engine brakes down or catch fire which is very likely. the service manager then proceeded to state I would in fact need a new engine eventually. "I have everything documented " which then I contacted Hyundai motors America for a second time and was told to return to dealership where a case was open not once but twice and ended up closed stating Hyundai motors America not honoring the extended warranty on my vehicle. this is very hazardous and concerning cause my car again on 9/15/2023 came to a sudden stop traveling highway speed.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2023
Hybrid car with various hybrid system failures that results in sudden loss of power while driving. this has occurred 3 times to me while on the highway (I-75 in South FL). Car suddenly loses power, could not accelerate but I was able to get off the highway safety. This has been reproduced at the dealer and they first replaced the hybrid generator then the hybrid battery and ECM and now it occurred again yesterday while I had 2 children with me and now they blame the transmission. This is a dangerous car that should be recalled and investigated for the true cause of sudden and unpredictable power loss.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 11, 2023
Noticed a smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment and took it to my local mechanic. Upon his inspection he found that the gas smell was caused by a crack on the plastic connector for the fuel line on top of the fuel pump. He showed this to me and recommended replacing the fuel pump as the connector is built into the pump and there was no proven way to fix the leak. Said leak caused gasoline fumes to fill the passenger compartment and therefore a risk of igniting a fire in the passenger compartment.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 6, 2023
The car has had multiple issues with the hybrid system. I’ve taken it to the dealership about 4-5 times. They “fix” the issue but a little while later I’m having more hybrid warming issues. This last time I took it to a different dealership, paid for a diagnostic test, and was told my hybrid system was bad but because it was repaired too many times instead of replacing it, it’s no longer covered under warranty. The issue from the last diagnostic test showed the master brake cylinder was faulty, I replaced it but I’m still having the same issue. The mechanic I took it to did their own diagnostic test and it showed there is an issue with the hydraulic booster, high pressure accumulator short term charge. When I searched the issue, I’ve found that many people are having the same issue with the same car/year as mine. I contacted the manufacturer and they are still not willing to fix it even though it is a possible defect in the car.
Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the sunroof detached from the roof of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle also experienced severe engine knocking and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. In addition, several safety features including the Lane Departure, Cruise Control, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system intermittently malfunctioned. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
Engine light came on, checked the oil and there was no oil in the engine.
Engine, Sep 2, 2023
I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata from Carmax on 12/6/22 in Tinley Park, IL. The motor on the car went out on 8/30/23. I took my car to family mechanic to find out that the motor has a hole in the back of it. I had it towed to Happy Hyundai on 9/1/23 in Oak Lawn. I was by Happy Hyundai that they will not be able to look at my car for for 4-6 weeks. Carmax claimed to have did an all point inspection on the car but yet the motor went out. I’ve only had the car for 8 months. The motor went out while I was driving on the express way going over 50 mph. My safety and others around me was put at risk. Luckily me and no one was hurt. The only time the engine warning lamps came on while I was on the expressway and that’s when the car started to slow down while trying to get to the right side of the expressway.
Steering, Aug 24, 2023
While driving, I was in the middle of a left turn and had a reduction of the power steering assist system. I had to hit the brakes before entering the opposing traffic. I had to muscle the steering wheel to get out of the middle of the road.
Power train, Service brakes, Aug 23, 2023
I would like to write about my experience with New Port Richey Hyundai. I have owned a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited since 2015. I take immaculate care of my car and it only has 65,000 miles. All maintenance has been done regularly and on time. For the last six months I have had a warning light and alarm going off for a few seconds once in a while, which shuts off my cruise control. I took the car in, in the spring of 2023 to have the codes read and no problems were found. Finally, In July of 2023, while my wife was in traffic it started again and totally shut off the car. Unfortunately, the brakes did not work as well. She was going up a slight incline and was able to come to a stop. The brake pedal went completely to the floor. The warning was about a Hybrid System Failure. It was very upsetting to her that her brakes failed when the Hybrid system had a problem. This should never happen! Once the car was towed to New Port Richey Hyundai in Florida, we were told that the car would be look after. The car was returned in the middle of July 2023 with a new electric motor installed. Everything was working fine until today, August 23, 2023. The same warning light that I brought the car in for in May 2023 is going off again. It only stays on for a second or two, so I don’t have time to read it. I really hope this car does not shut off again with no brakes when traveling on the interstate. As mentioned before the car has low miles and is well cared for. This should not be happening.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2023
The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that his daughter had to depress the accelerator pedal to rev the engine. The contact then stated that on a separate occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that on another separate occasion while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact’s daughter was able to regain control of the vehicle and depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle remained. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2023
Strong gas Odor from inside the vehicle low pressure fuel pump is leaking from underneath the back seat of the vehicle down the side of fuel tank onto the exhaust it can cause a fire fuel pump is cracked on nipple the pressure line connects to that runs to the motor on the vehicle repair cost is over 1000 dollars to replace the fuel pump to fix the issue
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2023
I have taken my car to mechanic and they have told me that my car is leaking gasoline. They recommended that I go to the dealer. When I called the dealer they told me that I would have to pay for the diagnosis. This is obviously concerning as gasoline fumes are toxic. There has been no warning lamps turned on this whole time but can definitely smell it when I finish my ride.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2023
Component : High pressure fuel pump Is being fixed as speak ; can provide statement and diagnostic from mechanic. 2. The first time the fuel pump failed it went out on the freeway, I was accelerating onto the freeway and I hear a big pop sound , the whole car went into limp mode . Leaving to cruising on the freeway. No warning , no check engine . I had children in the car . The issue was deemed ; a faulty fuel pump . Second time mechanic let me know there was a crack in the pump ( had been replaced less than a year ago ) . Because of the crack , gas & fumes filled the cabin of the vehicle , to the point where you could not operate without having all windows down . The vehicle could have caught fire ! Me and my family could have been hospitalized because of these fumes coming through the vents. Again, no check engine , nothing ! That repair is being fixed as we speak . Another $1,200 job . 3. No the vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or law enforcement . Only by licensed mechanic shops . 4. There were no warnings , Both times the high pressure fuel pump failed . No prior signs of the issue the first time & the second time the gas smell was so unbearable , that was the indication .
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My engine stopped working while I was driving on the highway from Texas to Norman. This happened when I tried downshifting from 6 to 5. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I had to find a way to maneuver from the fast lane to the side of the road without putting myself or any other road user at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? After several failed diagnoses from different specialists such as auto locksmiths and other mechanics looking at the alternator and starter as possible causes of the problem, I had to have it towed to the Hyundai dealership in Norman to have it diagnosed and I was told that it was very likely to be an engine recall issue with a motor inside the engine having locked up. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by Hyundai Norman and they confirmed that it was the engine recall issue, but after sending it to Hyundai headquarters, they are unable to work on the problem due to my vehicle having a salvage title. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the engine failure
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
Engine just stopped while driving This should be apart of the attached recall but it is not showing when looked up by my vinn. How to update this?
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The power steering went out on two different occasions. The power steering assist light came on (red steering wheel light in the lower left corner of panel). The car was extremely difficult to drive. Once the car was shut off the system reset and the steering was normal. I brought the car to the dealership twice and they told me they could not duplicate the problem and could not repair the car unless they could duplicate the problem. Hyundai USA basically told me the same thing; even though there must be a known issue because they have extended the warranty on the power steering assist system. The dealership and Hyundai's only solution was to have the car inspected at another dealership. This is a ridiculous solution since the problem seems to be an intermittent issue. Having the car inspected by another dealership will not solve anything. I believe this issue makes my car UNSAFE to drive! Hyundai will not reply to my questions such as: why an error code was not recorded when the power steering light is triggered? Hyundai should pay for the repair of these issues as they are reported by the owner and not only when it is occurring at the dealership.
Engine, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that two weeks after having the oil changed, the low oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed to not add oil but to bring the vehicle back to the dealer at 1,000 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.