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, Aug 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a cranking noise coming from the engine. There was an engine overheated message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,785.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2022
When driving at night the headlights have gone off several times when the turn single is used. The headlights will come back on when the turn single returns to the neutral position.
Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2022
Low beam headlamps cast a shadow that seriously impedes vision of the roadway. Hyundai dealer informed me that other Sonata owners have complained of the same issue, but they have been instructed by the factory to claim that the defect is "normal". By the way, I have seen many similar complaints on internet sites lodged by Sonata owners across the country. * Please be advised: the attached photo is not oriented correctly. It is a vertical view. I could not get the program to orient it to the horizontal vies.
Engine, Aug 23, 2022, crash
Engine failure while driving on freeway. Lost control unable to accelerate, almost got hit by semi due to inability to move out of way swiftly. All engine oil came out due to rod bearing punching hole in engine block and car started smoking, fire department said I had maybe 2 minutes before my car would’ve been engulfed in flames.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine where the odor was coming from. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 18, 2022
When auto lights are engaged and the blinkers are engaged, the light will turn off and it will blink in the wrong direction for a few times and then blink the correct direction. While in auto lights and you turn a curve they will sometimes go off. Now I have an issue with my AC - it goes on and off randomly. Had it looked at and they cannot find an issue with the components but said it could be an electrical issue. BYW, Hyundai replaced the motor in this car as well because it had so many issues. I was told the issues now could be caused from them replacing the motor and causing an electrical issue. The paint is also peeling and they had a recall on the paint, but the paint on my car didn't start peeling until after their warranty had expired. This is a known issue with 2015 models - they know the paint is bad but won't fix it. Car manufacturers should be held accountable for what they put on the market, or at least fix what are known issues for multiple vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2022
I would like to start by saying I love my Hyundai. I love the way it drives. It is a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited, my only means of transportation. My main concern is my vehicle was made without an engine immobilizer which makes it very easy for thieves to steal my car, by removing part of the steering column and using a USB charging cable. And to add to this problem, if a thief was to break a window to gain entry in the vehicle, the window is not part of the car’s alarm system. I am aware of a lot of Hyundai vehicles being stolen due to this problem. On or about 08/16/2022, I contacted Hyundai Customer Care Main Office and the gentleman I addressed this problem to said Hyundai was supposed to be making a kit available for purchase in October 2022, with a price range of $100+ through $200+. I am upset because 1) I don’t feel like I should have to purchase this kit out of my pocket because it is not my fault Hyundai made my car this way and I wasn’t aware of this at the time of purchase and 2) I work a $10 an hour job and cannot afford this kind of purchase. I feel like Hyundai should foot the bill for this kit. I work in an area where car break-ins happen fairly often. Car break-ins happen a lot in the Fayettville NC area. I am very concerned and pray and trust Hyundai will address my concerns and will work toward a resolution for me and other Hyundai owners. Please let me know what Hyundai can do about this. Thank you in advance for taking care of this matter! Sincerely, Virginia Phelps
Structure, Aug 17, 2022
In Nov 2021, the door handle on the rear driver side door came off. Today, the front driver door handle broke. This is a huge safety matter because I cannot get into my car without opening the front passenger door and crawling into the driver seat. In the case of an emergency, this could be detrimental. There are also other reports of door handles falling off on the Internet (https://www.abcactionnews.com/money/consumer/taking-action-for-you/door-handle-defect-forces-woman-to-crawl-through-the-back-of-her-car-to-get-to-the-drivers-seat?_amp=true). I have called Hyundai and they refuse to do anything about this issue and it costs 300+ per handle to replace. There is no reason door handles should be falling off…especially ones that you don’t use as often, such as the one for my rear driver side door.
Engine, Aug 15, 2022
The engine constantly needs oil added. There is no oil leakage showing on the ground. I have to add oil ever week. The engine also knocks going at slow speeds up hill and has started knocking when started if you turn it off and restart it it will run ok. The dealer says the engine has to fail completely before the recall will be completed. So I have to drive it until it fails somewhere on the highway and could easily cause a serious accident.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 14, 2022
2 recalls were found on my car and a service campaign. After taking my car to a couple auto shops, within 2 years my car has had the same repair issue involving P010 & P011 codes. After researching and finding there was a service campaign and 2 recalls, I decided to take my car to the dealership due to address the recalls. I took my car in on 8/1 and had a full inspection done on my car. Outside of the normal wear & tear, I was advised that the ECVVT cap was installed incorrectly, that it was leaking oil. I was told that cleaning the oil & reinstalling the cap would correct the problem, it didn’t and I’m out of additional money ($562) and the problem is reoccurring. I’ve called several times recently, as well as one of my mechanics, hadn’t received a return call not until I filed a BBB complaint. It seems they are not honoring or even considering the service campaign (ECVVT Seating issue) and it is my belief, will continue to send me in circles to pay more money. A full inspection was done on my car, wasn’t nothing major but my engine light came back on in route home. I called the advisor and he couldn’t give me a definitive response as to when I could bring my car back & get it checked again. I wanted another appointment time so that I wouldn’t be inconvenienced by sitting at the dealership all day until they decided to check or get to my car again. It took me almost a month to get the 8/1/22 appointment. The staff I spoke with has tried to convince me that the issue with my car has nothing to do with the recalls or the ECVVT service campaign, I disagree especially experiencing the repeated P010 & P011 codes. One of the recalls also was for the ECM.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
Engine problem. Massive oil consumption. We bought our 2015 Sonata new and have taken it for service and maintenance at the dealership. I have all records from dealership maintenance. Have been told that its just normal for that engine and to keep adding oil. Now I have to check and add oil weekly or it will be empty. Started having issues in 2017. Hyundai knows there is a problem with the engine. I dont know who to talk to or what I can do.
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
It happened with me twice when I noticed that after about 1800 miles after my car’s oil change, the oil light comes up when there’s a turn or a speed bump. After checking the dipstick, I noticed that there was no oil in the engine. I got it checked for some possible leaks in the car but there were none. This narrowed it down to the cause that the car is burning oil too quickly and that it could also lead to to engine seizure if on a long drive. I also did some research on the same and found that I wasn’t the only one and that there still hasn’t been a recall on the same. I believe it is a safety issue if the engine malfunctions while driving, be it long range or a short one.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 27,055.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2022
My car was a 2015 Hyundai Sonata that was stolen off a well lit street in Milwaukee two days ago. The car was locked with the alarm activated. I feel violated and my safety was at risk and the company knows about the safety issues of these cars and have done nothing about it.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 2, 2022
The engine stalls out randomly. This is the third time it's done it. The first time was while I was exiting the freeway on March of 2021, which I thought was a fluke. The second time was July 19th and the third time was July 30th. There were NO warning lights or messages. Took it to the dealer and they said that everything came back fine with the engine. They confirmed that the RPMs were too high when it was in a parked position and the engine was on when they first took it in. They suggested I replace the starter. I'm going to a different mechanic for a second opinion. The car was in motion with my foot on the gas pedal when it started to stall. There is no way that it is from a starter.
Steering, Aug 2, 2022
Power steering stopped working. 2 icons came up on instrument panel. A red steering wheel with an exclamation point and a car skidding. I was making a turn and was unable to turn the car back straight. Luckily I was going slow and was able to get stopped. I was able to get the car home without power steering. After restarting the car the power steering came back. Now I can't trust the car.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2022
Engine burns 2 quarts of oil a week. Took it in for oil consumption tests and Hyundai figures out ways to not replace these faulty GDI Engines. Also car has a strong gas smell inside car. Maybe gas leaking. Airbag warning light has been on for years. Took it to the dealer in the past they said it's ok(Hub Hyundai Katy TX) but I don't feel confident.
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
Engine had a leak and shaves of the engine were inside the oil line. Had to get engine replaced.
Engine, Jul 28, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2022
Multiple times, when the car start up and is put in to reverse, there is no throttle response. Simultaneously, it can not be put into the manual gear select mode and the car lurches into second gear.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
Driving at 55 and the engine blew. No warning, no check engine light, no sign of anything wrong. Power steering loss, limo mode activation. Almost rear ended during catastrophic failure. 111,000 miles
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 25, 2022
The top of the low pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank was cracked. A strong fuel smell was present near the rear of the vehicle. When the vehicle was placed on jack stands, leaking fuel was visible on the sides of the fuel tank. The rear seat was removed, fuel pump access cover was removed, ignition was turned on and fuel was observed leaking from cracks on the top of the low pressure fuel pump. This is a huge safety concern due to fuel leaking from the fuel tank. I know for a fact this is not an isolated incident, you can watch YouTube videos of others with the exact same problem. The dealers want $1K+ to repair. I was an ASE Certified mechanic for 20+ years experience, I purchased an OEM fuel pump through an online retailer for ~$600 and replaced it myself. Problem solved, but for how long? There were no warning lamps or messages, the only sign was the strong smell of fuel.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2022
The vehicle is slow to accelerate and as its accelerating it often will jerk or hesitate roughly. There have also been times when accelerating, such as getting on a highway, that the whole (what I assume to be) throttle system will almost stop and it feels like the car is just going to stop right there on the highway. It's very dangerous as cars behind me are also accelerating and not expecting my vehicle to just stop. The vehicle is available for inspection. There are no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the issue. It has not been inspected by anyone yet.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2022
Vehicle suddenly lost power while in operation. Vehicle was in motion approaching an intersection. When left turn indicator was activated, all lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the engine shut off, and power steering was lost all while the Vehicle was in motion approaching a intersection with stop sign. Vehicle was able to stop before entering the intersection, but would not start again and we were stranded in the middle of the road. Electrical systems appeared to be working. Battery and alternator are functioning normally. After Vehicle sat for 20min, it then was able to start and moved out of the road to a safe location. Vehicle was towed to mechanic that confirmed Battery health and alternator functioning. Vehicle was then taken to dealership for recall 210 safety repair. Dealership service unable to determine cause for loss of power while Vehicle in operation. No explanation, offer of additional service, or remedy has been offered despite requests. I do not feel it is safe to operate this vehicle in the absence of information related to the sudden loss of power during normal operation. Had this occurred in another setting with more traffic or less room for safely coasting to a stop, serious injury or worse could have resulted. The vehicle is still eligible for the 10yr 100k mile powertrain warranty and I am the original owner. We do not feel we can safely operate this vehicle and need guidance on how to proceed with pursuing a remedy to the situation from the vehicle manufacturer.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 21, 2022
My ABS lights came on and then minutes later my check engine light kept blinking while my car kept stalling or not let me accelerate in the middle of traffic. It’s like the engine dies but the car is on. It only stalls for a second then accelerates then stalls again and accelerates. Almost caused an accident. Seems that this is a problem for a lot of these models. It’s just crazy how it all happened back to back. My car has been running fine otherwise till that happened.