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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2022
I have approximately 54k on my vehicle and took it to Pep Boys (Lake Forest, Ca) last week for oil change. They state that my front axle (CV Axle) needs to be replaced because it is leaking grease. They state their replacement is a brand-new part. Less than a year ago my husband took his car to V-Tech Automotive who cited the same repair for his vehicle, the same year, make, and model (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE, Vin# 5NPE24AF6FH205523), at that time his vehicle had only 26,661 miles. My husband 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 both need to have the front axles replaced. The Supervisor Justin (Hyundai Motor America, Fountain Valley, CA) on 11/2/22 gave him a case number 20531055 and stated that he will receive a call back from a case manager, today (11/4/22) he 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. 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 Irvine (Irvine, Ca), their repair however is for a remanufactured part (Pep Boys is for a new) about $400 more per vehicle. We are not inclined to pay exorbitant pricing or at all for design defects.
Suspension, Nov 2, 2022
2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Hybrid with 35,333 miles has a broken front driver's side strut spring. Contacted Hyundai corporate and was told there is no recall on this year model. Dealer has been contacted regarding repair and they cannot inspect car till Dec. After research this looks the same as NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V629000 (SUSPENSION). There were no warning indicators and I had noticed a noise and the feeling of suspension issue coming from the front driver's side. Broken spring was found by jacking up the front driver's side wheel.
Engine, Oct 29, 2022
Intake actuator for camshift seal failed. Internal oil seal plug is leaking. There is a recall for this already but Hyundai is telling me recall is not attached to my VIN so they are refusing to fix it. my make model year is 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4l. Engine light is on. It is unsafe to drive as engine revs extremely high, and when I take my foot off break engine lurches forward. This is a safety issue making car unsafe to drive. I have been fighting with Hyundai for 6 weeks now, and they still refuse due to national recall in place, is not attached to my VIN. Please attach recall to my vin as this is exact issue I am having.
Visibility, Oct 27, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the sunroof detached and landed on the road. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver retrieved the sunroof and placed it in the trunk of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the panoramic roof to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2022
My battery,oil and check engine light came on. The car would not start, took it to the dealer they had my car 3 weeks and they said they couldn’t pull any codes because it started up. However, they did charge the battery. I drove the car a few day and the same thing Happened where the same codes came on and car wouldn’t start. I had to find a ride to work and when I got home and started the car it started right up. I have also read plenty of reviews claiming this same things has happened to them.
Engine, Oct 25, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that soon after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong fuel smell and that when he was stopped at a traffic light, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that once he was home and parked the vehicle, he was unable to open the hood because of how hot it was and he then saw flames coming from underneath it. The contact attempted to extinguish the flames with two fire extinguishers but was not successful. The fire department was called and they extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the instrument panel and all of the front of the vehicle were melted. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact's insurance company and attorney advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that she had to use the shift release button to shift gear. The contact then stated that all the lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hub sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (Steering, Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2022
Strong odor of gasoline noticed after driving vehicle and smell remained present for a few hours after ending the drive. Found out that many drivers for the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima have had same complaints and the issue is a component of the fuel pump that is cracked. Traced it back to my vehicle, and that in fact is the problem. Since gas is combustible, this is a seriously dangerous defect.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2022
Paint peeled off hood, initially causing a distraction while driving, while it fluttered, then when departing the hood it stuck to the windshield causing a visibility issue before using the wipers to remove it. Dealer said it's a known issue with this paint color, but said the warranty period was over.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
My engine failed and was repaired under a campaign recall. Tim Short in Pikeville ky kept my vehicle 3 months to install new engine. Check engine light came on on the way home the day I picked it up. Made appointments to go back and have it checked and they said catalytic converter was clogging up but it would be my responsibility to fox it at my cost. Asked If it would be safe to drive oh yes you may lose a little Power over time but should be fine. Left the dealership and didn't make it home the car started vibrating and shit down got it started back and barely made it to a place to pull off. Car had no power, smoke boiling out of engine and exhaust. Dealership and hyundai refused to cover having it towed back. This last engine was the 3rd engine put in this vehicle due to recalls and this one didn't even make it 3 weeks . There is definitely an engine problem with hyuandi.. inhav been left without a vehicle for 3 months and have to have it towed back again at my cost. I wasn't even given a rental while it was being repaired. The car has 121,000 miles but has had 3 failed engines. Something needs to be done.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 6, 2022
The truck button has disintegrated twice now and needs a manufacturers recall.
Engine, Oct 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle off to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was still shaking. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence at approximately 10 MPH. The contact had called an independent mechanic to her residence who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The engine is consuming excessive oil. My vehicle is available for inspection The problem has been confirmed by an oil service company Valvoline in Munster, Indiana The "oil" lamp appeared on my dashboard for a brief moment. I filed claim with BBB Arbitration for the Hyundai Theta Engine Recall but since my engine hasn't blown up, they will probably deny it. Case # HEE2220129 Jump vs Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement Extended My engine is consuming a quart of oil every 3oo miles or less. 1)12/15/2021 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 101,230 Oil services, based on being “Offstick” resulted in new oil filter and engine cleaner. 4/25/22 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 103,003. Only 1,773 miles between the oil changes. 7/11/2022 – Oil is off stick. Mileage is 104,423. Only 1,420 miles between the oil changes I contacted Webb Hyundai in Merrillville, Indiana for a recall that needed to be performed. I subsequently contacted Hyundai Customer Service and informed them of my oil consumption problem. Given a PA Case number and told to ask Webb Hyundia to perform an oil consumption test. 7/28/2022 Webb Hyunda They indicated that they added ½ quart of oil to my car I requested it to be added. A ½ quart of oil on 7/28 after I had 3 quarts of oil added on 7/11/2022. Being at “at stick” level results is terrifying as my engine could combust. Plus the additional costs of cleaning out the engine as well. Please refer to Webb Hyundai Vehicle Inspection Report for more details pages 1-5. NOTE: The category “UNDER HOOD” specifically next to fluids. The box is marked in RED. Which means “requires immediate attention”. 6)On 8/17/2022 I had my oil checked and in ONLY 400 miles I was 1 quart low. 7)On 9/10/2022 I had my oil checked and in ONLY 286 miles I was 1 quart low.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 29, 2022
on aug 18 i was driving on the interstate at 80 mph , suddenly i could no use my gas pedal it lost power , the engine and oil flashed lucky i was able to get my car pulled over out of harms way and called a tow truck , i had it towed to my nearest Hyundai dealership ,on september 22 my car was denied for engine replacement due to me being the second owner , i've only had this car a year , i would like to warn any one with a Hyundai to take caution because their is no warning signs until it happening .
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2022, fire
While I was driving, my check engine light came on. It wasn’t flashing so I was going to continue driving to a parts house (because the dealerships around me were closed) and have them check the codes that were present. Immediately after I had that thought, I noticed the car was smoking and the battery light and the traction control light had come on, so I proceeded to pull over and shut the vehicle off. I got out and noticed the hood had soot on the edges. I called 911 and watched the car go up I’m flames. This all happened in less than a mile. I noticed a fluid of some sort had sprayed out of my vehicle onto the road and the underneath the vehicle was coated in the fluid. This is still being investigated but I know of a lot of Hyundai/Kia vehicles have caught on fire while driving. I’m not 100% sure of the cause yet, but I want to document that this did happen to my vehicle. I would love to update as soon as we figure out what has caused the car to catch fire while I was driving.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
The vehicle is used as a commuter car, and driven primarily on NJ Turnpike at high speed. Over a two month period, on four occasions, the engine has shut off. All dash lights came on, and all power assist controls failed. Managed to get to shoulder of road, and after a few minutes, car would restart and run properly. The fourth time it happened, as I coasted onto shoulder, the car restarted by itself. Took car to dealer for diagnosis and repair and was told there were no codes and it "could be" any number of parts not working properly, but no actual diagnosis. Was charged $160 dollars, and I took vehicle home. But when I looked over the invoice, I found the description of problem was not what I had told service rep, so went back to talk to service manager. He told me to bring it back in and he would have it rechecked. Was told they drove car 35 miles a day but it never stalled. However, invoice shows same mileage went brought in and sent out. Again, they said they could find no codes, so they could not diagnose any problem. I went and picked vehicle up, but I drove through the dealer's parking lot to leave, I saw the engine service light was now illuminated, and returned the car to the service department. Was told they would check it out, and I went home. After three weeks, I called to find out status of car. Was informed they had yet to look at it, but would do so shortly. A week later I was told problem was a bad VCM Motor Assembly, and I was charged 788.70 dollars, to replace a part that apparently fine, when I dropped the vehicle off. Read numerous posts online by owners reporting this same engine shutting-off problem, since 2016. But no one has stated a definitive cause, or repair, by dealers. As to whether that was the cause of the engine shutting off, I will have to see.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 25, 2022
My power steering light came on last night when I arrived from work on Saturday night. Was hoping to take it in to be looked at but the dealership I bought it from is closed till Monday at 10. Woke up Sunday for work decided to see if the light was still on but it was off but about 7 minutes into the the light came back on along with the abs light, engine light, and oil light. I believe a couple more lights came on but not sure which ones but the car stopped working and starting completely
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 22, 2022
The issue is with the hybrid system, which malfunctioned and apparently ruined the rest of the car. The damaged components are adding up to over 75% of the car's value. The vehicle slowed and stopped suddenly on a busy road when the issue started. Currently, it has been inspected by two different shops and they have both given me the same diagnosis.
Steering, Sep 22, 2022
My vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering a few days ago, with approx 52,000 miles on the odometer. At the time it happened, two warning lights came on and remained on: a red steering wheel with an exclamation point, and an orange ESC control (icon: car with squiggles underneath) light. For a few days if I turned the car off and back on, the power steering would return and the warning lights would turn off. However today the car started with the lights on and no power steering and it appears to be permanently failed at this time. There is a recall issued for 2015 Sonatas for a power steering issue that sounds identical but my VIN does not appear to be included. My local dealership has no appointments available until November 8th and I have been informed that new power steering components will cost over $2500.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2022
This is yet another incident of a Sonata Hybrid hybrid flashing a warning to the driver and the the engine shutting down. This time it was Sep 7, 2022 in Morristown, TN. A brief internet search led to this: https://www.tsbsearch.com/Hyundai/17-HC-003-1 indicating that the issue is known to Hyundai. This is definitely a safety issue, this is a known problem, why was no recall issued?
Engine, Sep 12, 2022
We had taken out 2015 Hyundai Sonata to the repair shop because the check engine light came on. The repair shop said it gave the error for low oil, but the oil in the system was not low and we were barely past the oil change mileage. We had the oil changed and picked the car up. The next day, the car lost all power and locked up completely while going about 45 mph down the highway. We had to push the car off the highway. Car was towed to same repair shop and we were informed the motor was blown. We called Hyundai but they offered no assistance since we were past 100,000 miles. The engine blew at 114,000 miles.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2022
My daughter was driving on the interstate when the car went into limp mode and the engine light was flashing. We had it towed to hyundia dealership where they did an engine update. Had it for 3 months when it did the same thing to her again. Had it towed again to same dealership where they are telling me it needs a new engine.
Air bags, Sep 11, 2022, crash
This Car Was A One Car Accident, 2 People Were In The Vehicle. A On Coming Car In The Opposite Lane Was Swerving In My Lane Causing Me To Try To Get Over To The Right Of The Road Trying To Dodge The Car , We Hit Some Kind Of Post No Air Bags Deployed, I Also Have Pictures As Well As Documentation From Hyundai Fixing The Engine On The Car They Supposedly Inspected Everything And Said The Only The Wrong Was The Breaks. Well No Airbags Deployed One Person Is Hospitalized Lung Was Out Of Chest And the Other Person Suffered Injuries To The Face And Arm Which Is Also Documented We Are Currently Still In The Hospital So Any Other Documentation Can Be Sent Later On
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after having her vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) the exterior and interior lights would turn off while driving at various speeds, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that upon using the turn signals, the headlights would intermittently turn off; however, the headlights would turn on upon toggling the light switch. The contact had initially taken the vehicle back to the dealer where she was given a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the E-CVVT actuator was defective. In addition, the contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal or lunge forward upon depression of the brake pedal. The independent mechanic linked the failure to the E-CVVT actuator. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Engine, Sep 2, 2022
My wife is concerned for her safety and our three children. On start up and driving engine feels like it's shutting off and turning back on. I was told by a local mechanic that there are several issues that Hyundai knows about and basically aren't fixing. Engine light keeps coming on and off with a different code everytime. Issue has been going on for about a year replaced spark plugs and had decarbonization process done to no avail.