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, Apr 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while either at a complete stop or while driving under 25 MPH, the vehicle would shake with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would intermittently lose motive power while driving at highway speeds. The contact stated that the battery and oil warning lights would be illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered a misfire in cylinder # 4, as well as damage to the cylinder head. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2022
“Hybrid System Warning” 2 years ago last fall I was out of town & received the above warning - car would not start - car had to be towed - cost was over $500 - repair was a battery - paid out of pocket I believe but all this can be pulled from dealership on memorial in tulsa ok Last fall same thing happened - car would not start with same warning light - towed again & besides being out the tow bill all was repaired I keep getting this alarm that randomly flashes on my screen since last oil change (I asked dealership to research reason for alarm & they found nothing) while driving. I dont want to get stranded again & just want it fixed!!!! I have no where else to turn but to submit a report to hopefully get someone to research this for me. If you need documentation I can get something printed from dealership.
Engine, Mar 29, 2022
My engine is seized. Driving down the road normal all the sudden driving 14mph peddle all the way down to the floor. Mph slowly decreasing until it get to a complete stop and dies. The car turns on but does not crank. Check engine light is now on battery light, oil light and key fob light without warning. Did not have knocking ,shaking or stalling of the vehicle. Vehicle was diagnosed and towed twice.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 28, 2022
This is a follow-up to former Complaint #11450586 (05-Feb-2022) and confirms that both my local Hyundai Dealer -and- Hyundai Corporation (USA) are aware of this diagnosable- and fixable problem—but they fail to issue a recall. In fact, a Service Advisor at my dealer expressly vocalized that 1) he himself [excluding his colleagues] has seen at least -2- of the same incident recently; and that 2) Hyundai Corporation (USA) issued a “(service) bulletin” about the problem. PROBLEM: The vehicle: 1) has a high idle; 2) shows a solid-illuminated CEL/emissions light; 3) severely resists braking—my vehicle would even slide through stop signs; 4) fails to “pick up” normally; and 5) drives unsteadily. This is at minimum and is my experience from both last week and from the original report on 05-Feb-2022. As explained to me today (28-Mar-2022) by my Service Advisor, there is a known fault with a component within the engine (Powertrain). Specifically, there is a tube that is—as I understand—meant to be FREE of fluids. However, and per the Bulletin, the tube becomes full or over-filled with oil from the engine (Powertrain). Further, the Advisor suspects that changes in temperatures (e.g., such as the teens *F back in Feb 2022) causes that oil/fluid to expand and contract, causing (further) damage. This issue must be remedied by Hyundai Corporation (USA) immediately because it is a *SAFETY RISK.* My Dealership emphasized severely how unsafe it would be to drive the vehicle off their premises without a repair. I’m fortunate because I’m the original owner and thus am covered by the 10 yr/100,000 mi Powertrain warranty. PLEASE SAVE LIVES FROM THESE ‘FLYING’, UNCONTROLLABLE CARS BY MANDATING A RECALL. **I will provide Dealer’s documentation once vehicle is repaired. I was advised to wait 2-8 wks for parts and repair.**
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 26, 2022
My car has been stalling, hesitating and sometimes I feel the engine shake when using the gas. I brought my car to the dealer to have the most recent recall fixed and asked them to diagnosed what else was going on with my car. They told me the stalling was just due to the recall. However, the very next day my car was acting up again. Additionally, the car at times will accelerate when I am not pressing on the gas. I don't think I need to go into detail about how my safety and the safety of others is compromised when you have a car that accelerates on its own. Lastly, there is no check engine light on. This has been ongoing for several weeks.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2022
I was driving the car and it basically shut down and wouldn’t accelerate and wouldn’t crank in the middle of a highway ! And don’t know what the problem could be the car will not start now
Engine, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and was shaking while coming to a complete stop. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir and refilled the engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer; however, the vehicle had previously had an oil change less than one month prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 23, 2022
At low idle (stopping) car stalls out when stepping on gas. The RPMs run extremely high and very low at idle causing panic. The vehicle also stalled at full speed on highway but all electrical was still working. Car tends to sputter and jump while shifting.
Power train, Engine, Mar 23, 2022
Car has been consuming an excessive amount of oil (1-2 quarts per week). While driving down the highway the oil pressure light came on and the engine started clicking and knocking. The engine died and all the dash lights came on. The car was coasted to the side of the road and towed into a local mechanic. The engine had seized and presumably dumped all the oil at the time of the engine failure since the engine had no oil when diagnostic was run. Car was taken to Hyundai dealership and is awaiting diagnostic and repair.
Engine, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose motive power and decelerate without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred consistently while making turns in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the duplicate the failure and the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light continued to flash on and off. Additionally, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer where notified of the failure but no assistance was available. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2022
Fuse-High Voltage blow, no continuity. Forced us to pull off one lane highway. Turned off car and it would not start after that. Car displayed "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" on dashboard, while driving.
Engine, Mar 15, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her 16-year-old son was driving at 25 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle but failed. The driver saw smoke coming from the passenger side of the hood and stated that the vehicle was locking and unlocking independently. The vehicle caught on fire. The driver could not get out of the vehicle was locked in however, eventually was able to exit. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Engine, Mar 14, 2022
Notice that my car has a leak or is burning oil. The dealership inspected my car and had the oil changed. Has not been a month and a half. Engine light came on. Checked the dipstick, and no oil. Second time this has happened.
Steering, Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would intermittently fail as the reduction in power steering assist would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that his vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate as the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to stop the acceleration. The dealer had yet to be notified of the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2022
Hello, the hood latch / wire / assembly on this make, model has an issue. It gets stuck during the colder months when trying to open the hood. After you pull the latch inside the car; you have to use your finger nails or sometimes a plastic item to pry the hood open and it works almost every time. During warmer weather, the hood opens normally after pulling the latch inside. This is a safety issue. I had and sold a 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE that had the same issue and a buddy of mine also with a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE had the same problem. Many service technicians at Hyundai said it’s a known issue.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2022
While going home on highway 95 at approximately 70 mph. The vehicle stalled almost causing many accidents. Thank goodness I steered it on the shoulder and it will not restart I had to call for a Tow. This was the 3rd time this happened. The first time was approximately a month in 2015 after my purchase it stalled on the highway. Again, in 2017 it once again stalled on the highway while I was driving. The dealership has told me on all 2 previous occasions that they had fixed the problem and it wasn't going to happen again. Here we are in 2022 and it stalled again. Why can't they just replace the engine? This is the second week and my car is still in the dealership which they are saying they don't know what the problem is smh.
Engine, Mar 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while accelerating from a traffic sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the contact's residence. The contact did not take the vehicle to local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Feb 28, 2022
Vehicle started making a front end noise when turning or hitting a bump.
Engine, Feb 27, 2022, fire
I was driving with my 2year old grandson and my car stalled. My neighbors waving trying to alert me that my car was on fire.By the time I realized that the smoke began to come in through the vents. I had to use the key fobe to open the doors to hurry and remove my grandson from the car. The door's wouldn't open by pulling the handles. There were no warning lights or lamps messages or problems prior to the engine failure. The safety of my grandsons and my life were put to risk because of me not getting any notifications about recalls and defects.
Engine, Feb 17, 2022
The engine rattles and knocks and has stalled out multiple times, crossing traffic and stopping. The airbag light is illuminated on dash. When I’m driving the steering sticks in corners badly I’ve taken to Hyundai and they supposedly did an update to keep it from doing it but it’s still grabbing and sticking very dangerous.
Engine, Feb 15, 2022
Excessive oil consumption-1-2 quarts per week Losing power almost comes to stop on highway-Dangerous Knocking noise at times from engine White smoke at times from tailpipe Rough high idling Code P1326 Code P0010 Hyundai is very aware these issues in their engines. Many complaints on Hyundai forms. Many articles written about these issues with their engines. Class action lawsuit against Hyundai about their engines. Hyundai corporate won’t help nor will the local service department at the dealer. All they want to say it’s out of warranty. Because the issue happened after 100000 mile warranty shouldn’t mean Hyundai shouldn’t fix the issue they are very aware of.
Structure, Feb 15, 2022
The Pearl White paint on the roof has started peeling. This is a known Delamination issue from Hyundai and many other owners. It is beginning to peel in larger areas each week.
Steering, Feb 12, 2022
Steering Assist Problem Hyundai Sonata 2015 Sport 2.0T The car was purchased in Dec 2015 in California. We have had repeated occurrences of sudden power steering assist problems with the car, which typically happens after driving the car for 10-15 miles, and would go away after turning off the car for a few hours. The issue was first reported in Aug 2017 (case number 2017082505369). The power steering assist abruptly stopped functioning while driving, making it very difficult to steer, and a safety hazard (mileage 18,723). The dashboard had the steering wheel error light on. The dealer replaced the steering rack-gear+linkage. The same problem reoccurred in June 2020 (case number 2020043003513, mileage 46,915). The dealer ran diagnostics and again replaced the steering rack assembly. Between Aug 2021 to Feb 2022, the same problem has occurred again multiple times, and each time we left the car with the dealer to run diagnostics, they were unable to replicate the issue at their end, and refused to help us unless we brought in the car while the power steering assist problem existed, knowing fully well how unsafe it was to try and replicate such a dangerous problem while driving, putting our safety at risk! We raised the case with Hyundai, case number 18786891. Hyundai refused to acknowledge that there is a problem with the car and asked us to replicate and take it to the dealer for diagnosis. It has been very difficult for us to get any help from the dealer/Hyundai with the case. We feel that this has been a persistent issue and Hyundai should help fix the problem or recall the vehicle based on safety concerns. There have been multiple power steering related recalls in 2015 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, but the Sport 2.0T trim doesn't show up in the list, probably because fewer vehicles of this trim seem to be in circulation. The problem has occurred numerous times now, (latest being Feb 12, 2022). This is a serious safety hazard and we wanted to report this.
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
While driving on 395 in heavy traffic headed home I hit the accelerator and the car slowed down. The cars behind me almost hit me and swerved to prevent a accident pile up. I was horrified, shaking and crying because I knew I was about to be slammed from the rear. I hit the gas again and I heard a clinking noise. I knew I would not make it home. All of the lights in the dash came on. I pulled to a safe place (downtown near the Capital) and had it towed to the dealer. It was the first exit I could take. 3 weeks later, the dealer is saying it was an engine issue. My car is still covered under warranty but it appears as if they are trying to avoid replacing it. A rep called from the dealership asking about oil and I told him there was no warning lights that ever came on the dash to indicate anything was wrong; everything happened at once.