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.
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.
Steering, May 31, 2023
My steering wheel locked up and I had to turn the car off and back on again in order to steer.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, May 31, 2023
Rear passenger door will not lock manually or via manufacturer installed causing issues with child safety lock and at high speeds can be opened causing injuries and or death ,Windscreen on panoramic sunroof detaches causing safety hazard
Engine, May 28, 2023
Started the vehicle and shifted into gear and the vehicle started to shake and vibrate. The engine was knocking and running very poorly. Within a minute the service engine light came on. We were able to get the vehicle back in to the garage. I opened the hood and checked the oil. The dipstick was dry. The end of the dipstick appeared to have burnt oil on it. I took some pictures and a video of this. I did some simple online research and found numerous cases an articles pertaining to this situation. I have had all my routine maintenance performed at a dealership since it was purchased. I added 3 quarts of oil and now the dipstick reads half-way between Low and Full. I started the vehicle and the engine still shakes and runs poorly. The nearest Hyundai dealer is over 20 miles away and I don't think the vehicle will make it that far. Do I even have any other options than trying to "limp" the car there and possibly mess more things up in the process?
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, May 24, 2023
When I am driving car starts shaking a little I stop at a light and when I want to accelerate all of a sudden I step on gas and it wont drive i in middle of intersection it started shaking like it was going to turn off but didn't the check engine light came on but it never turned off i slowly accelerated and it kept driving I got to work turned it off when I turned back on the check engine light was no longer on .i have no idea what happened or why . And my brakes always make noise i had my breaks done in November they don't need replaced yet
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.
Seat belts, May 22, 2023
My Hyundai Sonata 2015 built in Alabama in on December 13, 2014. I recently found out that a problem I've been having for the last five years with my driver's seatbelt not retracting when it is disengaged, was a recall issue for Hyundai Sonatas 2011 through May 2014. I also found out when I contacted the NHTSA, that an auto manufacturer has the discretion to determine which car models are anticipated to be affected. If you look at the complaint log for Hyundai Sonatas 2015 4DR FWD, this seatbelt retraction issue is specified at least 15 times dating from Sept 5, 2015 to April 3, 2023. Below is my experience with this same issue, which is still ongoing, and has affected my safety and confidence in my car. My car has less than 45,000 miles on it. Around 2018, my driver side seat belt started to periodically not retract automatically when it was disengaged from the buckle. I needed to start manually feed the seat belt back into its mounting or it would just lay on the floor. I brought the issue to the service tech at a dealership in March 2018 and the problem was not even recorded on the invoice and was dismissed as not evident to the service tech. It was also not recorded with other mechanical issues at all or honestly in my car's official service record.) The problem continued and started getting worse during in 2020, but I was not driving much due to the pandemic. I brought the issue to the attention at a different dealership in June 2022, during servicing for a recall campaign and a continuously lit check engine light. The seatbelt retraction issue was verified but I was told I would have to pay $700 to have it repaired. No effort was made by either of the service dealerships to address the safety issue experienced by Hyundai Sonata 2015 cars with the exact same issue identified for Hyundai Sonata 2014 cars or Hyundai Sonata cars manufactured at the same plant. Clearly, the problem is still not addressed.
Engine, May 19, 2023
since around 6/2022 been having oil issues but really didn't start getting bad till 12/2022 while driving car has rattling noise with acceleration and almost stalls due to oil light kept popping on and off come to find out I was almost out of oil. which lately i have been having to constantly check my oil due too high oil usage and keep a jug in my trunk every where I go so I don't stall on side of the road and not to mention that oil light really doesn't give warning of oil being low either. So my co worker had me check to see how fast it burns oil. we put oil in the car on a friday and by the next friday its low again and now it may 2023 and burning oil at a higher rate of me checking twice a week now. i check my car on a sunday an put oil in and it was out by thursday. this is really a hazard and very dangerous while driving because you don't know when the oil is low or out and light does't give warning and you can completely stall in traffic if you don't keep check and cause a accident and i have children and myself and family and others to watch out for. I hope this matter is taken care of quickly before someone gets hurt a recall to fix this matter is urgent
Engine, May 16, 2023
Engine hesitation ( after throttle applied Engine acceleration ( w/no throttle applied Engine stalled ( with no code ) Dealer said because its intermittent & can not recreate & no codes found, there was nothing they could do. Icarus has stalled in the middle of intersection
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, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, May 4, 2023
As I was driving down a highway going 65 my steering wheel pretty much locked up. I got a red steering wheel light and traction control light came on to and I could barely turn. I looked this up and a lot of people are saying it's the wiring with the power steering. How is this not a recall? Me and my kids could of died or I couldn't of hit someone else also. Now it's not doing it. But then today as I was driving the kids to school it happened again.
Engine, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle revved up and stalled. Additionally, while accelerating, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake cam assembly, CVT assembly intake, tensioner, timing chain, rubber gasket, and plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number and informed the contact that the repairs were not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 73,876.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2023, fire
While driving on a highway, I heard a rattling sound, which could best be described as tying cans to the car and dragging them along the road. I had never heard this noise before. No safety indicator lights turned on to alert me of any issue. With minutes of first hearing the sound, a very loud pop noise could be heard, followed by immediate engine power failure. I was able to navigate off of the highway, into a more residential area. Upon the vehicle coming to a stop on its own (I was not able to apply the brakes at all), a dark cloud of smoke starting coming from underneath the hood. Seconds later, it burst into flames. I was able to safely exit the vehicle with my dog, but if traffic were any heavier, there would have been no safe way for me to get off the road and to a safe location
Steering, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the center position, the steering wheel independently turned to left, causing the vehicle to veer to the left. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to make a right turn, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to go to the opposite direction. The contact stated that she used physical force to manually turn the steering wheel to the right as the steering wheel was resistant. The steering warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring, and the steering wheel was making abnormal clicking sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,150.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered that the engine oil was extremely low. The contact stated that the vehicle had been regularly serviced and had received the schedule oil changes as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who recommended that an oil consumption test be performed on the engine. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that an oil change needed to be performed more regularly. On another occasion, while starting the vehicle, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NSTHA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 95,000.
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.
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2023
“Hybrid System Alert” comes up on the dash and the system shuts down, all electrical is lost including HAZARD LIGHTS and the ability to put the car into Neutral. Since the car shuts down Hyundai says they cannot retrieve the code to solve it. It has been happening on and off for over a year and I’ve been stranded on a dark road with no lights on the car and no ability to push it off the road. HYUNDAI IS NOT HELPING! They need to recall these cars as the issue is widespread. The car restarts after a day or so, but in that moment it is not driveable and very unsafe. It’s clearly a flaw, as there’s no code to be found. It needs to be recalled and fixed. AAA has towed me or come out several times and cannot understand the problem.
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.
Seat belts, Apr 5, 2023
Front Driver Side Seat Belt does not retract to original position when seat belt unlatched. Also seat belt does not lock into restraint position when brakes are applied and remains loose even when brakes applied heavily during emergency/urgent braking. Dealer said it is not a safety issue, it is a wear issue and owner would have to pay for full replacement.
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.
Seat belts, Apr 3, 2023
The front seat belts are not functioning; they do not retract, nor do they lock when quickly pushed. They both do lock into the buckle, but that's it. I checked the recall status for such a problem and found that many years and models of Hyundai Sonata's seatbelts were recalled for exactly this same reason; however, this particular year of Sonata was not, even though it is the same issue. In late February/early March, I contacted our local dealer in Reno, to no avail, and then contacted the national customer support for Hyundai. This was forwarded up the ladder and received a case number: [XXX]. We were asked to take it to our local dealer for a diagnostic review, which was completed on March 22. The result, showing the exact same malfunction, was then sent to the Hyundai case worker. Numerous phone calls and emails to her have gone unanswered since then. Meanwhile, we are stuck with an unsafe vehicle, which has the same seatbelt safety issue that resulted in a recall of over one million Hyundai vehicles. Hyundai states the seatbelts are past the warranty period. Seven years is how long they think seatbelts should last? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Visibility, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 47 MPH, the sunroof started to detach from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull on the sunroof to prevent sunroof from separating from the vehicle. The contact pulled over safely on the side of the roadway and the vehicle was ten taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing a similar failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,086.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the oil warning light was flashing on and off. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch failed, and oil had entered the ECU. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.