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.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 26, 2022
2 days ago my car had red orange like engine light came on while i am driving on [XXX] near [XXX] . next to [XXX] my car stopped running so I pull over and I call my local mechanic who sold me the car. JS AUTO In SANTA ANA, CA. He came in a towing truck. [XXX]. ALSO [XXX]. THEY WORK IN JS AUTO REPAIR MECHANIC SHOP. HE ALSO PUT A ENGINE IN MY SONATA HYBRID AND REDID THE MILEAGE ODOMETER IT WAS 49000 but the DMV REGISTATION PAPER SAID 146900 any way. I went to the mechanic shop last week complaining about engine light and they swap the something near the fuel hose entrance area. then 2 days my engine light came back on and [XXX] CAME TO ME ON [XXX] with towing truck ,he was asking what happening, and he ask for the KEY FOB. HE start the sonata and told me follow me in my towing truck to JS AUTO SANTA ANA TUSTIN SHOP SO I DID> I SPEND 5 hours not having lunch and break fast. I mention to him about LEMON LAW FOR PURCHASE USED CAR. HE TELL YELLED AT ME> I SAID I GAVE U COMPANY CASHG CHECK FOR 10,000. don't tell me what I can say can not say in front of your customers. he said go talk to TUSTIN HYUNDAI NEAR YOU> AND I LET LEFT THE SHOP AT 445pm because shop closed at 5,pm I thanked MANAGER [XXX] for buying LUNCH AT REDHILL CAFE STEAK CHEESE STREAL 12 inch sub sandwich. then I came home and google search on EVAP LEAK. because MANAGER [XXX] TOLD IT WAS EVAP LEAK ERROR ON THE MACHINE BECAUSE THEY BRING THE EVAP LEAK TESTER FROM JS AUTO GARDEN GROVE LOCATION< PLEASE GOOGLE JS AUTO GARDEN GROVE SO ANY FAULTY EQUIPMENT THEY ARE USING AND ANY BAD FINANCIAL DEALING THEY ARE DOING < I THINK THEY MIS CALCULATED MY USED CAR> I SHOULD PAY MAYBE 8500 or 7500 US DOLLARS> INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 25, 2022
Was diving the car and experienced system failure, no prior warnings or issues. Had regular oil changes throughout, however, a few days ago in normal driving conditions, the check engine light began flashing and car felt like it was losing power. Had to pull over to the side of the road and shut the car down. Vehicle would not restart and had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. Dealer informed us that the "engine was locked" and had to be replaced, car only has 62K miles on it. Research online has uncovered others that have had the same experience and issue with the 2015 sonata that has resulted in replacement of the entire engine. Dealer has not confirmed if repairs will be covered, but if we had been in a high traffic area the car losing power suddenly without warning could have resulted in serious injury getting the car out of fast paced traffic. There appears to be an known issue, as when we asked the dealer about others on-line who have had this happen, dealers response was "we have seen this before, yes." But, now we have been close to a week without a car, no loaner from the dealer, and no indication on how this will be fixed.
Engine, May 24, 2022
I was driving on the expressway. After about 18 miles the vehicle slowly decelerated to a stop. I was able to safely exit the expressway to the side street. I turned the car off for a few minutes. It started back up but has not accelerated pass 20/25 miles. There’s also major oil consumption. Camshaft position & ccv issues yearly requiring sensors to be replaced. Increased gas consumption. There’s also been a humming sound coming from the car that’s not been able to be diagnosed by any mechanics.
Engine, May 23, 2022
The contact called on-behalf of her daughter who owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating abnormally. Additionally, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 35 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Engine, May 21, 2022
I have to continue to put oil in my car and get my oil change every 30 days due to oil leak. I have been to the mechanic and had my oil gasket changed, engine clean etc… and I’m still buying if oil and getting oil changes. I would get oil change and as soon as it gets close to 30 days my oil light comes on.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2022
The vehicle has a very strong smell of gasoline and has been taken to the repair shop after spark plug flooding. Vehicle still smells like gas after repair but runs now.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 12, 2022
Major oil consumption going on for years. Took in to dealer two years ago, they know there is a problem. They told me I could spend thousands of dollars to tear it apart to find out what is going on, and also told me to call corporate. I got no where with either, even though they recalled the engine in other Sonata cars, just not our ECO model. Slowly started having throttle issues at 4 to 5 year mark. Informed dealer service center that it wasn't moving like it should when gas was pressed. Now, the car is having major problems with acceleration. Barely would go in reverse, drove 1.5 blocks, speed not matching to throttle, press on gas, barely moving from a stop, going really slow, had to turn around and take back home. Our problem with the car is the same that others are complaining about. The car is not safe for a 7 year old car that started having problems at the 4 to 5 year mark.
Structure, May 5, 2022
Trunk latch has failed and is impossible to open the trunk. The risk of not being able to change a flat tire or having someone locked in the trunk. There is a recall for same generation of Sonata but recall is not available for the 2015 model.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, two weeks later the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Voice Coil Motor (VCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,828.
Engine, Apr 30, 2022
My Sonata is burning excessive oil since January 2022 have to add a quart a week but there is no oil leak.
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2022
While driving, the following warning appeared: Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, due to the fact that this same warning appeared in the summer of 2021, where it was towed to the dealer and they were unable to discover any problem. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer this time they found the code P1B70, high voltage battery to low, there was a flash update for the BMS module to correct the issue. My issue is that you do not always have a appropriate spot where you can stop the vehicle and leave it for a tow. Perhaps this flash update should be installed in all 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids as a recall so as not to leave the drivers in an unsafe condition
Engine, Apr 29, 2022
1/2022. My vehicle start leaking oil. Vehicle was under warranty. Had multiple things replaced. Thought oil leak was fixed. Not even a month later in 2/2022, vehicle was leaking oil again. Brought it back to dealer & they redid gaskets, seals, etc. 4/22/22, have no even put 3000 miles on 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 & single mom with 2 kids. The dealership was nice enough to have my car towed to them 45 minutes away. They Then tell 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.
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
My 2015 Sonata has been going through at least a quart to a quart and a half of oil every thousand miles. I researched this and found out that the 2015 sonatas have a very common problem where the engine needs to be replaced. There was huge class action suit against Hyundai and I'm worried that this is going to lead to bigger problems for me. I have gone to the dealer for 5 times and they keep telling me I'm not burning enough oil to justify the engine replacement but I'm not comfortable with their report.
Engine, Apr 26, 2022
There's an oil line to the turbocharger; my guess is to cool the turbo and it came off spraying oil all over the engine compartment and when it hits the turbo the heat from the turbo would create smoke that would get into the passenger compartment and billowing out from under the hood. Hyundai had a recall campaign to fix this issue for the same 2.0T engine but only for Sonata models from 2011-2014 and they deny that this recall applies to my car because it's MY2015. Same car, same engine, same turbo oil feed line and they refuse to honor repair costs for recall campaign 16-01-071. I had to go through this risky incident and then have to pay $720 in repairs that was caused by a design flaw.
Engine, Apr 23, 2022
Was pulling out of a parking lot and the engine stalled. Would not crank over again. Mechanic took the timing cover off to inspect and found timing chains are all in working order. Will all engine belt driven accessories disconnect and timing cover off. Engine cannot be rotated with a breaker bar. Technician says the bearings are seized.
Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2022
While driving in city traffic, 45 mph zone, my car suddenly lost power, engine RPMs dropped, engine off, power steering impaired, I had to drift into turnout and assess. Car restarted, and I could drive, but RPMs would not exceed 1700, car wouldn't shift gears, speed would not exceed about 15 mph. No engine warning lights, no oil pressure indicator, no excess heat. I found I could drive at low rpms and manually shift gears to increase speed. I got the car to the local Hyundai dealer (Taylor hyundai, Augusta GA) and it has been there 8 weeks. They are telling me the engine has failed because I failed to change the oil for 14 months. They said my oil pan was empty. They asked me for maintenance records and said they were inadequate, and the engine needs to be replaced, may cost $6000 or more, warranty invalid. The car has 56,000 miles. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of power in busy traffic. Driving the disabled vehicle was risky to surrounding traffic, as the car could not maneuver quickly. I have read about similar failures with Hyundai Sonata vehicles, and a class action suit settled for 2011 to 2014 model vehicles. My car is still in the shop, unrepaired. I had to buy another used car in the meantime.
Engine, Apr 19, 2022
Oil consumption, engine locked
Steering, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would suddenly become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the steering fault warning light was illuminated. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure; no service was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Apr 14, 2022
We have had some issues but take very good care of the car maintenance wise. The car went into limp mode and we took it in they ran it and came up as the knock sensor.. I noticed there was a huge recall for these cars. What can I do? It has 140000 miles and again we keep up on the car. Is this something I need to seek counsel for? Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you, Dominique
Engine, Apr 13, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated independently while the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sparks plug and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the vehicle check engine light recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was taken to another dealer St. Charles Hyundai where it was diagnosed but the check engine light continuously illuminated. In addition, the contact mentioned while driving, there was a pop noise and noticed white smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side and exit the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow lot and was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2022
This vehicle is consuming large amounts of oil. Up to 3 quarts and 1,000 miles causing the oil light to come on. Hyundai did an oil consumption test with failing results. Due to this they did a deep combustion chamber cleaning. The car still continues to burn excessive amounts of oil. I am told that this does not qualify for the class action lawsuit because it is piston related and not rod bearing related. There is a burning smell coming from the vehicle that does not smell like burning oil. I am highly concerned that the vehicle is going to catch on fire yet Hyundai refuses to do anything about it.
Engine, Apr 10, 2022
While sitting at a stop light the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate and would not rev the engine above approximately 2000 rpm. Then the check engine light began to flash. I was nearly rear ended because the vehicle just would not accelerate.
Service brakes, Apr 7, 2022
The check engine light intermittently comes on, when on the car will stall when trying to accelerate, often accelerate when not intended, and runs rough. A second issue seems to be with the ABS system. On several occasions the ABS systems seems to engage and will not allow you to use the breaks (almost leading to several rear end collisions).
Engine, Apr 7, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle started shuddering and stalled. The contact noticed smoke coming out of the hood of the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of a bystander. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for repair. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a claim with diagnostic report to the manufacturer ; however, the manufacturer declined to cover the repair. The contact followed up with the manufacturer and was informed that they could not assist as she failed to complete an unknown software update, under Service Campaign Number: 553, designed to report vehicle imbalances prior to the engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 7, 2022, crash
I had a safety recall on my car for the Smart Junction Box. I took the car to the dealership on March 9th 2022. They updated the software that controlls the Smart Juntion Box. On March 11th 2022 at 6:45am I got in a car accident due to the automatic braking system failure. I run into a Ford F-150 at the stop light. Even the brakes at this point failed to work properly as well. I called the deslership and explained what happened to me and I was told by the technician that there is a possibility that the update of the software that runs the Smart Junction Box has impacted the Smart Cruize Control. He said there is a possibility that the Smart Cruize Control settings have been erased to default so the car needed a new settings. That was something I did not know about. My car has the option where you can choose what distance you want between your car and the car in fromt of you. It goes from one-space car to four-space cars. So according to the technician this may has been the problem.