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 17, 2023, fire
Engine caught fire from unknown means.
Forward collision avoidance, Jan 16, 2023
Forward collision warning is frequently inaccurately sensing collision even when no other vehicles are on the road. I am now afraid to use adaptive cruise control because I fear sudden breaking especially when merging lanes.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2023
The motor locked and the car turned of completely.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably and stalled. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to move. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,203.
Steering, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an unknown part within the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 29,500.
Service brakes, Engine, Jan 11, 2023
Vehichle goes into limp mode on highway causing a drastic reduction in speed. Dash says hybrid alert do not drive. Loss of speed put me in danger due to loss of power and vehicle control. Dealer claims it is a bad brake booster that caused car to go into limp mode… Want to charge me 3k to fix.
Engine, Dec 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Service brakes, Dec 17, 2022
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? (LEFT REAR BRAKE PAD . FOUND CALIPIER IS SIEZED IN BRACKET .RECOMMEND REPLACING BOTH REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKETS, BOTH REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS (BOTH REAR BRAKE CALIPER BRACKETS WITH ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE WITH PINS) ( Yes, available for inspection upon request) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? (Brake failure will cause fires & COSTLY ACCIDENTS ) 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?(YES, confirmed by Hyundai Dealership) 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?( Inspected by dealership) 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? (No warning lamp, message. Problem was found upon yearly inspection ) Appreciate your immediate attention for a reimbursement or claim on this serious matter for my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited . Rgds [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Dec 10, 2022
Shortly after I purchased car (April2021) from JD Byryder in Peoria,Il. the car was not running right. Motor cutting out loss of powwr. I have car shield and took the vehicle to Hyunadi dealer in Peoria,Il. and also to a dealer in Dayton,Oh. was verified that the vehicle has a bad turbo. Car shield refusing to fix the car without engine being torn completly down, Hyundai dealers refused to help. Now the car is burning oil and no sign of where the oil is going. I bought this car in good faith was told the motor was under recall but nobody wants to take ownership and fix it under the recall.
Engine, Dec 8, 2022
El motor 2.4 del Sonata 2015,2016 tiene un desgaste irregular de las bielas suena al encenderlo aunque tenga sus mantenimientos al dia.Se de muchos autos con ese motor que terminan dañando el motor sin importar el millaje.Se de 1 con 52,000 millas que daño el motor. The 2.4 engine of the Sonata 2015,2016 has irregular wear on the connecting rods, it makes a noise when it is turned on even if it has its maintenance up to date. I know of many cars with that engine that end up damaging the engine regardless of the mileage. I know of 1 with 52,000 miles what damage the motor.
Steering, Dec 5, 2022
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO STEERING DEFECT.
Steering, Dec 1, 2022
As Im driving the ((electric power steering)) goes out. Its happened 4 or 5 times and when you turn your car off for a period of time the errors go off and dont come back till it does it again. It gets to you cant hardly turn the steering wheel. I'm a big guy and struggle to steer the car when this happens. If this happens when youre driving you could kill yourself or someone else by not being able to turn the steering wheel to avoid another vehicle or person. I was at a dealership and because the icons werent on they couldnt trouble shoot the issue. There was an icon with EPS! in red and an icon with skid marks
Service brakes, Dec 1, 2022
When driving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it will randomly start flashing and beeping at me with the saying "check brakes" Also my ABS Brake light comes on. This function only happens at random causing me to shut off my car completely and restart. It has really become a problem after I reached 112000 miles on the vehicle. I bought the vehicle with 80,000 miles. Anyone driving in my car is put at risk due to brakes not working accurately and are spongy feeling when pressed down. If I were to have to slam on brakes, I would ultimately run into another vehicle or object since the braking system during this issue does not work correctly. I have called the dealership to ask about the recall. No recall on this issue but online, similar issues have been documented.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2022
Our 2015 Hyundai Sonata has made a clunking sound when accelerating or slowing down. We took our car to Brandon Hyundai and explained the problem. They had our car for 1 day and said a motor mount and a transmission mount were faulty. They said they did the repairs and that it was covered by warranty. Within a few days the car was making the same sound and we returned it to Hyundai. The next day the car repair was "completed". Again they said it was a motor mount and it was repaired at no expense since it was covered by warranty. The noise returned and we will schedule another appointment to hopefully fix the problem. Our Sonata has 97000 miles on it and we think Brandon Hyundai may be stalling until the warranty runs out. Our family has bought 5 new Hyundai's in the last 10 years and have been very pleased with the cars. I don't blame the vehicle, just the dealer's service department. RVE
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 25, 2022
This is the third time this has happened. The car just starts to beep and stops working wherever it is. Its died on the highway and another busy road during rush hour causing a dangerous backup in which the police needed to be called. The car just beeps and flashes on the dash "Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive". Also, "check charging system". The car just stops and basically dies on the road when this light comes. When this happens the steering wheel does not really work and the gas/breaks have limited function. This could cause a major accident on a major highway or even off of a highway. I am quite surprised that there has not been a recall for this serious safety concern.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
Alternator tensioner bracket broke, causing the alternator to hang loosely, which caused the car to gradually lose electrical power to all accessories and safety equipment due to the serpentine belt being loose from the broken bracket. During traveling immediately before failure, the battery warning light illuminated on the dash panel, going on and off intermittently. Thereafter, I began losing control of all my electrical safety features, including power steering, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning system, and eventually power to my entire vehicle as the battery was drained of all charge. At the time of events, my family of 4, including a 2 year old and a 10 week old, were all occupants of the vehicle. With the power of the vehicle declining, the power steering was activating/deactivating intermittently causing the car to jerk one way or the other unexpectedly. Had we remained traveling on the highway at highway speeds, our safety would have been greatly compromised from the unexpected power failure to all electrical safety features. The vehicle and fractured tensioner bracket have not been inspected or confirmed by dealer or independent service provider as the vehicle is not drivable. The broken tensioner bracket is apparent and indisputable.
Exterior lighting, Nov 21, 2022
There was a recall on my car maybe a year ago for an issue with the turn signals. The driver might turn on the right turn signal but the car would show the left turn signal to other drivers. I had the recall work (software update) done at my local Hyundai dealership several months ago. Since then, I have a new issue with the turn signals/headlights. When the headlights are in "auto" mode at night, turning on the turn signal causes the headlights to turn off. The headlights don't turn back on until you straighten out the wheel. This is a major safety concern because for a few seconds, I can't see anything and other drivers can't see me. I have researched this on Google and found several other Hyundai Sonata owners (different years) with the same issue. See links below: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/flickering-intermittent-headlights-and-interior-lights.282777/ https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/headlights-flash-off-and-on.644549/ I have made numerous attempts to contract Hyundai customer care regarding this issue but they do not return calls or provide any assistance. I believe this issue should be a recall as it is a major safety concern, but no one at Hyundai seems to care. Hyundai has told me multiple times that if I pay out of pocket for this now ($636) and it becomes a recall later, there is no guarantee that I will be reimbursed, which I'm not even sure is correct.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2022
The power steering started malfunctioning and then caused all warning lights on the dash to illuminate including check engine, power steering, abs, and after coming to a stop and waiting several minutes the lights went off but power steering was still not operating correctly
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact pulled over and waited until the vehicle cool down and was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 183,096. The contact noted that they are the second owner of the vehicle. Also, the vehicle had never been serviced prior to taking it to a dealer to fix the knocking sound.
Engine, Nov 17, 2022
My car has 113,000 miles and the engine went out going down the highway with my young daughter in the car. This could have been a disaster if someone would have been behind us. After researching about my issues I found almost all their motors are going out or catching fire. Someone needs to hold them accountable. My car has been in the shop for weeks now with no approval from Hyundai. My daughter almost died last year in a car wreck. What if someone’s engine goes out with someone behind them. Someone could lose a life. This is serious.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2022
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO EXCESSIVELY BURNING OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE IS BURNING 1QUART OF OIL MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY THAN EACH 1,000 MILES AND HAS TO CONSISTENTLY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL OF THE VEHICLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 15, 2022
told the Hyundai dealer 2 years(March 2021) ago that I was concerned about my oil light flashing periodically between scheduled oil changes. No action other than oil changes and one time they added a couple of quarts "no charge" as it again was low. Continued to change oil more often than necessary and the frequency increased. Multiple other car repairs have been happening and the oil now has to be added weekly to maintain proper amounts. Had to change spark plugs 2 times with in 5 months and now another engine light came on today 11/15, and when I check the code at a parts store I was told is was a P03001 and P03002 which was something to do again with the cylinders misfiring. Everyone I have spoke to says this is an engine issue and it is under recall. I did place a claim with Hyundai Care USA after being told by the dealer that it would be better if I did this instead of them. The assistant manager also confirmed that the engine is covered 100%. I did this in September after the second repairs. The Regional Manager finally called me back and indicated he agreed about the problem needing to be resolved and would call me after he spoke to the dealer in a day or two. It has been over a week and no one has called. I keep leaving messages. I now have the same error codes, it is November 15 and the spark plugs were all changed less than 2 months ago for the exact same reason. I have been stranded and at times when I accelerate onto traffic the car will not respond. I do not use the interstate anymore as I cannot predict when the car will slow down and not get enough speed and cause an accident. I only drive to work and back right now. I was given this website by the employee at the parts store along with some information concerning P1326 codes and they are engine related. I will upload the most recent repair receipt.
Structure, Visibility, Nov 15, 2022
The bug guard/wind deflector has become detached (AGAIN) on my panoramic sunroof while driving on the freeway. It puts myself & passengers as well as other people driving on the freeway in danger as there is a known issue that the detached bug guard/wind deflector is what causes detaching window panels or shattered sunroof panels. I took my vehicle to the Dealership in Salt Lake City, UT for a repair on the bug guard and was told since it had been repaired before through the original recall, they would not repair it again. (the fix is loctite super glue). I asked about my warranty on the panoramic sunroof and they told me that it only covers the glass and I would need to pay $160.00 for the diagnosis of the detached bug guard. - which can be seen by opening the sunroof. I spoke with the service manager of the dealership as the simple fix of super glue is much less expensive than fixing my glass and he told me it since the repair had already been made on the original recall that they would do nothing if the glass wasn't broken. There was no warning lamp or other symptoms, it just suddenly became detached while driving on the freeway.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 7, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 3 mph and entering a driveway, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a metal gate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The contact did not contact the police department nor filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable and was left at the locations of the incident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63.000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2022
I had 26,661 miles on my vehicle and took it to V-Tech Auto (Lake Forest, Ca) for brake service on 12/11/21 when I was told by the Manager Adele that my front axle was leaking grease and needed to be replaced. My wife’s vehicle (same 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE with 54k miles) was found to have the exact same issue by another repair shop Pep Boys in Lake Forest, CA on 10/23/22 (reported today, please see her complaint Vin# 5NPE24AF7FH18963). Adele from V-Tech stated that my front axle (CV Axle) needs to be replaced because it is leaking grease. I called to Hyundai Motor America this week because we have had in the past several other vehicles varying makes (Honda, Toyota, and Mazda) but never in hundreds of thousands of miles driven was such a repair ever needed. Now both of our vehicles with exceptionally low mileage need to have the front axles replaced. The Supervisor Justin (Hyundai Motor America, Fountain Valley, CA) on 11/2/22 gave me a case number 20531055 and stated that I will receive a call back from a case manager, today (11/4/22) I received the called back from a case manager Cierra. Her position is the same as the first phone call to their customer service a couple days earlier, is that we pay for the diagnostic (*$179) and repair (*$1140 each vehicle, diagnostic deducted if work is done there) at only a Hyundai Dealership and maybe after the fact they will make a “Good Will Reimbursement”, but they will not approve that beforehand and may not approve it at all thereafter. Though there is a 5-year warranty or 60K whichever comes first, these repairs are not covered because 5 years has elapsed though under the 60k mileage, nor is it covered under their extended 10-year warranty. The estimate for their work was provided over the phone by *Tuttle Click Hyundai of Irvine (Irvine, Ca), their repair however is for a remanufactured part (Pep Boys is for a new) about $400 more per vehicle. We shouldn't have to pay for manufacturer's defects.