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, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 17, 2023
I have a used 2015 Hyundai Sonata that I purchased from a Hyundai dealership in December 2021 (due to the chip shortage, I had to purchase used). A few months later In June 2022 I was driving on the freeway and my car felt like it was losing acceleration. I was already planning to exit the next exit to go to my destination and as I was exiting and came to stop at the red light before I could then turn right .. my car started to violently shake. Ultimately, after going to my own car place the following day and them determining that the fuel injectors and the computer were not talking, I had it towed to Hyundai where after another 4 days they also determined it was that problem and they replaced the computer under warranty. Well today I was again on the toll road / freeway and I was in the fast lane, I suddenly felt a strong jolt and my malfunction light came on and it was blinking on the dash, I knew not to drive it based on the light and as I steered to the right shoulder to slow / stop and call AAA I could feel my car just lightly shaking again. My car is now at the same Hyundai dealership where I purchased it and I’m waiting for diagnostics on the problem. Before this all happened, the first time in 2022 I was having sporadic issues with pressing the start button and there was a bit of a delayed start at times, even after the computer was replaced I’ve still had hiccups with the start button at times but it’s been very sporadic and it has never been a starter issue (had my car place already check that). So I’m now waiting to hear if the computer indeed failed for a second time. They cannot assess my car until Monday or Tuesday at the dealership (today was a Friday, my car was towed there at about 11am today). If the computer did fail again, it lasted about 14,000 miles before it just died again. Quite frustrated at the moment. I already contacted Hyundai corporate and opened a second case today regarding all of this.
Air bags, Structure, Mar 10, 2023
I own a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and have an issue with dash pad, the passenger side air bag has split at the airbag seam and has traveled to the drivers side. If the passenger airbag deploys, I could see some severe injury to the passenger side occupant when the airbag deploys after the cover detaches from the rest of the dash pad. The lifespan of any safety system component is 15yrs according to NHTSA
Seat belts, Structure, Mar 7, 2023
My driver side seat belt when taken off does not retract back to normal position. Also my color urban Sunset is starting to fade on the back spoiler and truck Area. Thank you Any help would be appreciated
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 4, 2023
In September 2022, we noticed a noise coming from under the car hood. Sounded like a thump as we accelerated. We took it to the Hyundai’s service department and was told that they couldn’t hear anything or find a problem. They changed my oil. We continued to hear a noise but thought it wasn’t a concern. In February, a fairly new tire went flat and we returned to the Hyundai service department. I received a call later and was told that they could hear a noise and they checked, and my oil was extremely low. They topped it off and told me to return in a thousand miles to see if it was still burning oil. If it was burning significant oil at that point, they would seal it and begin the Hyundai oil consumption test. At about 600 miles, I could smell a strong plastic burning odor and we checked the dip stick and the oil was barely detectable. We called Hyundai and was told there was nothing they could do and we have to go the full thousand miles to determine if we qualify for the test. We are concerned are engine is going to stall, burn up or catch fire in our garage. They told us, we couldn’t get are car in to be looked at until the end of March. After doing some research, I am aware that there is a current class action lawsuit against Hyundai for this issue.
Engine, Feb 28, 2023
Ports internal to valve cover were blocked. Oil blowing out of valve cover jacket, filling spark plug wells and causing misfiring. Concerned about fire hazard for all leaks.
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2023
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIER VEHICLE WAS BUILT WITHOUT AN IGNITION IMMOBILIZER.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 27, 2023
A Aknocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. A Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. A Illumination of the "check engine" light in the instrument cluster.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2023
Sensors lights would indicate an issue and would disappear sometimes without any reason (mainly Check Engine and Tire Pressure Sensors). Indicators would trigger the opposite direction (indicate right and the left indicator would turn on). Burning more fuel than expected. Primary fuel pump stopped working resulting in car stopping in the middle of the road.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 24, 2023
The engine stopped working completely
Structure, Feb 15, 2023
I purchased my 2015 Hyundai Sonata new in Hawaii while stationed there with the military. A few years later the paint on the hood and roof started to peel as seen in the picture with the hand. I took the car back to the dealership I purchased it from and inquired about the peeling paint (the car was barely driven as Hawaii is small and i was deployed most of the year). The attendant said it was not covered and there was nothing Hyundai could do about it. I then paid out of pocket over $500 to get these areas painted. Recently now January 2023, the paint started peeling in numerous locations (except where i had gotten the car professionally painted to fix the previous peeling). It has been flying off while driving in patches which made me nervous. I am currently stationed in NJ, so i went to the local Hyundai prior to deployment in November and the attendant said it was a known issue with my color paint (it was defective) then he took pictures to file the claim. Hyundai came back and said they would cover 75% of the cost leaving me to pay about $400 out of pocket. i was not ok with this as i had already paid out of pocket for their mistake, and the car was continuing to peel even just in the week that passed so i am sure down the road it will peel. i called customer care (as that was what the dealership directed me to do since i was not happy with 75%) i spoke to a manager who said it is up to the dealership what they want to cover. i told the manager the dealership said it was up to Hyundai and to contact customer care, the manager then hung up on me. at that point, i called the dealership back and explained what happen. they said that was not true and the could offer 75%.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2023
I have been keeping up with regular repairs and oil changes on my vehicle; so I was surprised when the oil light flashed once or twice in the past week, specifically when I took a turn tightly. The oil was low when I checked it so I added a quart and didn't think much of it except "I should get into a shop soon and have that checked out." Two days later, my RPMs red-lined past 6-7k and the car was revving up but was not accelerating at all. I pulled over and checked the engine again and without showing any kind of leaks (no spots in my driveway/parkingspot) the engine had consumed the oil I added and then some. Moreover, the problem with the engine revving up but not accelerating was not fixed when I added the oil. It could have been very dangerous if I were on the highway and was not able to accelerate for any reason that could put myself or my family at risk. Now, the car CAN reach speeds of 75+ miles per hour on the highway, but only after a LONG period of acceleration and seems to be burning oil VERY regularly. I've grown very concerned about catastrophic engine failure on the highway.
Engine, Feb 14, 2023
My car goes through 5 qts of oil every 1500 miles. I have been in contact with numerous dealerships in the area, and nobody will look at it until the engine fails. Was told thats the only engine recall they will honor. So I am basically being forced to drive an unsafe car. I have a case with Hyundai, and all they have told me is to continue working with service managers at dealerships, even though this is impossible. My car only has 97k on it, I have kept up on its oil changes (not that it matters) and now am forced to spend extra money just to keep it hopefully running. My case# with Hyundai is 20870570. I owe around $15k on this damn car, and the trade in value has come WAY down to around $6000. In no way can I afford to take on $9k of negative equity. How can the EPA force VW to buy back cars, when all they did was produce "bad" emissions, but Hyundai cant be forced to buy back vehicles that catch fire, get stolen on the regular, and break down in the middle of traffic endangering the lives of its occupants and others. This makes absolutely 0 sense.
Engine, Feb 13, 2023
OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE TURBO OIL FEED HOSE ONTO THE HOT ENGINE, HOT EXHAUST AND ENGINE UNDERCOVER THAT HAS A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE HAZARD IN ADDITION TO TOXIC FUMES FROM OIL BURNING SEEPING INTO THE CAR. THERE WAS A TSB FOR A SIMILAR INCIDENT CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16-01-071 THAT AFFECTED 2011-2014 SONATA 2.0T AND 2013-16 SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T THIS MODEL THE 2015 SONATA 2.0T SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN AS IS IT EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 10, 2023
Engine keeps losing power not sure why & also abs brake system out of nowhere when accelerating in freeway they automatically brake sometimes for safety feature
Steering, Feb 10, 2023
Steering wheel hardens as vehicle picks up speed, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2023
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4L is burning through oil like crazy and has been for a while now and I had no Idea. I get oil changes like I am suppose to do per the sticker and miles. Recently I drove about 4 hours away from home and I smelled burning but I had just got my breaks done and a oil change so I assumed it was the breaks . I got back home and still smelled the smell took it to the shop and they told me it was bone dry with NO oil at all. I was not at my mileage from the sticker so it wasn't time for me to get another oil change. They then told me these cars burns oil like crazy but that was the fist time anyone told me this and I have never had this issue ( I've had the car since Jan 2020 with no issues) They put more oil in it and told me to come back when it reaches the mileage. I went back to get my oil change and once again it was BARE!!!!!! They did the oil change and 2 weeks later I started my car and white smoke came from the engine part under the hood through my exhaust pipe AND my VENTS!! It was so much smoke I was afraid a fire was going to start!!! I lost a day at work and my daughter missed a day at school. Turns out I have a oil leak and I need my Valve seal cover gasket replaced. Not once did my oil light come on and TWICE my car had been completely out of oil! I am going to get my engine checked because who knows if it has done any damage (hopefully none). My car has never overheated or my check engine light has never came on. I see there a recall for this exact situation but the years covered was from 2008 or something until 2014 and I have a 2015! This is clearly a ongoing problem with Hyundai and something needs to be done. This is not a sweep under the rug issue. Its literally ruining peoples cars and we are left to fend for ourselves. Something or someone needs to advocate for the customer because the company clearly is not listening to complaints.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2023
After taking my car in multiple times to be serviced for a "Hybrid System Warning" mid last year, they were unable to read any error codes or diagnose any issue. I took it to two separate dealerships with no luck fixing the issue. I then completely broke down due to the same "Hybrid System Warning" on the highway on 7/26/22 heading to Pigeon Forge, TN with two children in the car. I had to have my car towed to the closest Hyundai dealership in Knoxville. They were unable to diagnose and fix my car within the timeframe I was in town. Since Hyundai would not provide me with a loaner, I had to get a rental car to get home that I was not reimbursed for. We ended up paying out of pocket to replace the safety plug/fuse and the power relay assembly on 8/9/22. After having the car back for three months, the warning popped up again on 10/18/22 just as it did earlier that same year. I immediately called to schedule a service appointment with Hyundai and had to wait almost four months to get a service appointment here in Cincinnati. The appointment was on 1/26/23 and they have yet to "replicate the issue" so they are unable to diagnose the car. I am supposed to pick up the car this week even though it's a safety hazard. I have had two cases open with Hyundai Customer Affairs but since they cannot diagnose the car, there is nothing they can do. They have been absolutely no help at all.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2023
When automatic headlights are on there are time that the headlamps will turn off when engaging the turn signals until turn signals are disengaged.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2023
Please refer to prior complaint #11505068 I want to add the fact that this vehicle's engine was replaced on or around Sept 1, 2019. This dealer asked me who replaced the fuel pump, and I responded it was replaced by Rick Case Hyundai where the car was brought to with the seized engine.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2023
I reported a fuel leak while the vehicle is in motion to the dealer on 9/12. They had the vehicle 3 days and could not find the leak although the service manger agreed he smelled fuel when the vehicle was brought in. They released the car without repair.
Engine, Feb 1, 2023
Engine seized with no warning. When speaking to a mechanic & the tow truck driver they both pointed out this is a known problem with the car. My teenage daughter was behind the wheel when this happened. There is such a demand for these engines the car has been in the dealership for 6 weeks now & I was informed that it is back ordered from Korea with no date of delivery. I am now stranded with no transportation & engine is under warranty. Car is at Elgin Hyundai, Illinois. If they are unable to get car running for unknown time & know this is a well known problem I feel a recall should be done on this car
Power train, Engine, Jan 22, 2023
I was driving on the freeway and all the sudden the check engine light started flashing. At the same time the engine slowed down and would not accelerate past 60 mph. I took the first freeway exit and drove to the nearest auto parts store. The store clerk hooked up a code reader and it came back with a P1326 code, Power Train System. Is it a real problem or just another bad sensor?
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2023
After driving for 15 or more minutes, the power steering fails. The warning light for the power steering and stability control turn on at that moment, as well. This failure occurs while driving and the wheel jerks a bit if the car is in a turn. There was a power steering recall for other Hyundais of the same era, which is very coincidental.
Engine, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after her vehicle received an oil change by an independent mechanic; she was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The mechanic informed her to monitor the oil consumption. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal knocking noise was coming from the engine, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who had previously informed the contact that any damage done to the engine would be covered under a class action lawsuit. The contact submitted two claims to the manufacturer for an engine replacement; however, both claims were denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
On January 6, 2023, I was driving on the interstate when suddenly the engine started vibrating, the check engine light came on, and I lost engine power. As I was in the left lane of a multilane interstate, I had to negotiate getting over to the right emergency lane. Because of the loss of power, I felt like this put me in a dangerous situation. Anyway, once I got pulled over, I had the vehicle towed to a Hyundai dealership. After diagnosing the vehicle, they say the vehicle needs a new engine. The vehicle had been consuming excessive oil since I purchased the vehicle in 2018 and has been getting progressively worse. At the time of the engine failure, it was burning about 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. The dealership tried getting HMA to cover the engine replacement cost even though the vehicle was out of warranty but was denied. I've uploaded a picture of the technician's diagnosis and HMA's response to request for engine replacement coverage.