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, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an engine oil change was performed. After retrieving the vehicle, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was sputtering and the vehicle was hesitating while driving; the vehicle later stalled driving. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 75,600.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2022
First I backed up into a pole, because the warning sensor did not warn me. Even while changing lanes it doesn't always warn..The panoramic sunroof detached while driving . I had to pull over . I had to put car in shop for just about a month. And then had to return it because the engine light came on . I have had to take it to the shop several times and I've only owned a year. My navigation never worked . Won't update. And blue link doesn't work right . Even though I pay it out of pocket. And now for no reason it smells like gas badly. Can't take it in because it's my only car and they never have a loaner or rental available. I've been to several hyndai dealerships.
Engine, Jul 10, 2022
My Car is burning engine oil at in alarming rate. I put 5 quarts of oil in and my check engine light began to blink and my car would accelerate more pass 50 mph. So in 6 days and 578 miles; my car had less than a half of a quart of oil in it. My car is having engine trouble. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jul 8, 2022
While driving on the freeway the engine began loosing power and there is a knocking sound. My daughter was almost rear ended trying to get off the freeway. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and i was told the rod bearings are bad and the engine needs to be replaced. The vehicle has regular oil changes and does not consume a lot of oil. No warning lights came on. The dealership refuses to inspect the vehicle because it has a salvaged title. The failure happened at 108k miles.
Visibility, Jul 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, he noticed that the sunroof was inoperable. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of a failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Engine, Jul 4, 2022
Engine had knocking then completely froze while driving due to low oil pressure. Car has been well maintained, regular oil changes and just had axle repaired. Hyundai has extended warranty to cover this issue that is common on these vehicles and should cover the cost of the new motor. Consumer spoke with Hyundai corporate and the case number is [XXX]. Although they are well aware of cars catching fire and are even part of a major litigation lawsuit for this same situation consumer is getting nowhere with them. Consumer's daughter could have been seriously hurt in this incident. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Engine, Jul 3, 2022
Faulty motor. No warning lamps or any other symptoms prior motor failure. At 123,310 miles motor spun lower camshaft bearing cause motor to lock up on a busy highway. Same as the 2013's & 2014's.
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2022
The sunroof exploded while driving on the highway showering the vehicles behind me with glass causing drivers behind me to swerve and or change lanes violently. The explosion was so loud that it caused me to brake hard and to swerve. Hyundai has acknowledged the problem and issued an extended warranty on the sunroof which they are not honoring. My car was inspected by the glass company that repaired the sunroof and after the work was completed, by a Hyundai dealership. There was no warning. The sunroof just violently exploded nearly causing me to loose control of the car. Fortunately I had the sunroof visor closed which kept glass from hitting me and very possibly a loss of control of the vehicle. Can you help me to get Hyundai to honor their warranty?
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2022
While driving on the interstate, the car began to jerk, and then the engine proceeded to rev as if the car needed a power boost to continue performing. The dashboard then said "Hybrid System Warning! Stop and Do Not Drive" and then the car would no longer accelerate and I had to pull over. This was an extremely dangerous and unsafe situation to be in, and unfortunately, the error only presents itself while driving so the mechanics are unable to get a code that clearly defines the issue that needs to be resolved. I have spent numerous hours on forums with complaints from Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners who had the same issue and have visited various mechanics to fix the issue, only to end up having the issue arise yet again, further endangering their lives on the road. I believe the best solution forward is to take a serious investigation into the issue and issue an open recall so drivers can get the assistance they need to remain safe on the roads.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2022
While driving POV from work, I began smelling fuel in the air conditioning system from external intake. Upon further discovery, the high pressure fuel pump was found to be dislodged from the engine, due to a sheered bolt. This allowed fuel to spill out on the manifold and engine, also reducing power for acceleration. This issue could have caused a vehicle fire that could have engulfed the cabin if ignited.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the engine replacement due to the previous owner's failure to have the Manufacturer Service Campaign Number: 953 (ECM & Cluster Update - Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement) performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,803.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 18, 2022
ABS and Traction Control warning lights came on, then went out the next time I started the vehicle. They then did this a second time. On the third time, they stayed on. Brakes worked fine, and vehicle had plenty of brake fluid. Inspection at dealership revealed left rear wheel speed sensor malfunction. Research discovered that this could cause a braking problem as the issue continued. Dealership verified this is a possibility. Dealership also stated they have had a number of vehicles report this issue; doesn't seem to be related to any particular year.
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
The car keeps throwing a code and going into limp mode. For the knock sensor. It was replaced less than a year ago and it is now throwing the same code. And once again in limp mode. The first time this happened was around 10/15/2021,&now today 6/17/2022
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2022
The powered driver seat returning from a reclined position can get stuck in the recline position for some unknown reason. The seat motor, electrical wiring system and the switch have all been examined and replaced and yet for some unknown reason it continues to occur. Two different mechanics thought it was the switch for the seat being faulty but its been replaced twice and still this issue can occur where the seat after reclining any amount the seat will remain in that recline position for an extended period of time (multiple days) and can if reclined completely, remain in the full reclined position unable to return in the direction so as to raise it to a normal seated position. The seat switch will only recline but will not return back to the seated position to any degree. All of the other swithces and buttons with the drivers side seat continue to remain operational and work even when the seated position direction does not function. To operate a vehicle in the fully reclined position is dangerous as you have no back support while driving, there is also no whiplash protection or support in the event of a collision. It can also impair the drivers ability to reach the pedals or operate the vehicle properly. It also makes the seat behind the driver unusable. Further adding to the danger the seat has no manual options and therefore is unable to be manually returned to the seated position, thus once it is reclined back it remains stuck in that position until the switch begins to function again or the seat is removed. There are no warning lamps or indicators and the seat continues to properly function in the recline direction. Only upon trying to return to a seated position is there any indication of an issue. This has happened at least 3 times in the past year. Repair shops have examined the electrical wiring and the switch and cant seem to keep it from happening
Engine, Electrical system, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and then stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the mechanic discovered that the spark plugs had disintegrated causing the piston rings to be damaged. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2022
Anytime the car needs a repair on something (fuel pump, inhibitor switch, etc.) in the middle of driving the car will flash "hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive" and then either slow to 40mph then die, or just die completely. This has happened 3 times before I took it in to be fixed. A few months later, it happens again. It doesn't matter what is wrong with the car, the car just senses an issue and dies in the middle of driving. Very unsafe!
Engine, Jun 9, 2022
1/2022. My vehicle start leaking oil. Vehicle was under warranty. Had multiple things replaced. I thought oil leak was fixed. Not even a month later in 2/2022, the vehicle was leaking oil again. Brought it back to dealer & they redid gaskets, seals, etc. Now on 4/22/22, I have not even put 3000 miles on the vehicle since it was at the dealership & there was a knocking noise coming from under my hood. Called the dealership and they said I needed to get it back to them. Oil consumption test was never done because it was assumed that my oil was low because it was leaking. Both times oil was put in my vehicle. On 4/28/22, I was at work and went outside to check my oil and there was little to no oil on the stick. I immediately added 5 quarts of oil which is required for my vehicle. The knocking did not stop. I left work to run a brief errand on 4/29/22, and had just pulled out of work onto a very busy four-lane highway. All of a sudden I hear this big boom under my hood, my car locks up and my oil light comes on. I immediately took my foot off of the gas and coasted into the next driveway at a business. There was oil all over the road and pouring out from under my car. It happened to be an auto parts store. A mechanic came outside and looked and said a rod went through my engine block & oil was pouring out of my car. I started to have an anxiety attack and went into shock. Luckily I was not on the interstate because it could have been very bad. I am now without a car. None of the rental car places have any vehicles available and I have a full-time job & am a single mom with 2 kids. The dealership was nice enough to have my car towed to them 45 minutes away. They then told me about an oil consumption problem with Hyundai and there is a big class action lawsuit. This should have never happened. Apparently the oil consumption was never sent out as a recall or anything else so I was unaware of it to even know to check my car other than regular oil changes.
Visibility, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the panoramic sunroof detached from the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the wind defector bonding had failed to cause the failure. The contact was informed that the sunroof and assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 7, 2022
I was driving on I 205 N (Portland, OR), at a speed of around 65 MPH, when I hear a loud pop. Wasn't sure what happened, and first thing I thought was that somebody fired at my car... I realized that the air entering the car was coming from the sunroof area, and hearing the sound of shattered glass moving on the piece of material that separates the sunroof from the interior I realized that the problem comes from there. So I got out at the next exit, stopped in a WINCO parking lot and started assessing the damage and cleaning/ vacuuming the glass.
Power train, Engine, Jun 5, 2022
Was driving with cruise control on and driving close to 70mph and the RPMs shot up passed 5 then the car jerked and my speed had went from 70 down to 50 and 40 the cruise controle turned off on its own and the car lost power but was still on but it just wouldn't drive passed 2 rpms and the check engine light was flashing so I turned around and headed the opposite direction so I could get the car off the road then it made this loud noise sounded like throwing metal inside a metal bladed fan and then the car shut off and hasn't started since. The car did not over heat or have any smoke coming from it.
Engine, Jun 5, 2022
I had closed from work one morning and was headed home. Just a few seconds after taking off, my engine completely shut down. Thank goodness I wasn't in on a highway or at a heavy traffic area. I managed to park my car by the road side & tried to restart my engine, but the car wouldn't start. I towed the car to the nearest mechanic, only to hear that my engine is done & needs replacement. I've constantly kept up with frequent oil changes & always used synthetic oil. Current odometer reading is 153k & I believe the car still has the potential to stay on the road a longer time if the engine is taken care of. I've reported the issue to my nearest Hyundai dealership & they've asked me to tow it to them, but they can't promise that they'll take care of the problem. Worst of all, that's the only car I have & I'm still making payment on the car.
Engine, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. After checking the dipstick it was determined that the engine was consuming one quart of oil per week. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Engine, May 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was stalling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Visibility, May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the sunroof wind deflector detached and blew off the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the wind deflector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Seat belts, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2022
The biggest problem is that the oil is going into the spark plugs this started happening approx 1 year ago and I have been complaining about this to Hyundai to the B.B.B. and the Attny Generals office I am told to take it too hyundai dealership whenI mentioned they will charge me to tell me what I have already been told I was told by Hyundai they can not control there own dealership??? Keep in mind I still owe on this vehicle and have not owned it for even 5 years...The paint is coming off all over the vehicle and the seat belts do not retract as they are suppose too! This is not the first Hyundai Sonata I have owned but it still has existing problems and family and friends have the same problems,Please help to get this fixed!!Thank you Vehicle was purchased in Danvers, MA