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, Jan 3, 2022, fire
The car caught fire. I only had the car for 3 weeks. I had just started the car for work. There were no warning lights on. If some unknown guy have not told me to get out my car i would had died.
Power train, Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly fail to accelerate above 25 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was informed of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Engine, Dec 27, 2021
While traveling on the interstate, the car started shuddering. Pulled off and went to auto part store and they read the code #4 misfire. Took car to my mechanic and he said #4 cylinder was dead. Proceeded to take car to dealership and they said #4 cylinder had burn valve with hole in valve. We hey gave a quote for engine replacement. Took car back to my mechanic and he replaced engine at a cost of $5466.28. The replacement engine was a 2014 with 13k miles. The car only had 107186 miles at time of incident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2021
Check engine light on. Taken to hyundai dealership for recall repairs. At the time, 3 recalls on vehicle. Informed that check engine light was on due to recalls. Dealership kept car for 1½ weeks and notified me that 1 recall (filter) was not completed because parts are on back order. Dealership had me pick up vehicle and said that it is okay to drive car; however, after calling another Dealership, the Service rep informed me that cars should not be driven while engine filter recalls are open because it could potentially further damage vehicle. Vehicle has now been sitting in my garage for over 2 months and I'm making payments for a car I cannot drive.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2021
I took my vehicle to the dealership to have recommended service completed which included the fuel tank air filter. To complete this operation, the mechanic performed an M.P.I which showed that the fuel pump was leaking. I'm not an expert on anything, but I can't imagine a time that fuel leak is good. What's really concerning is that if I hadn't had the vehicle in for routine maintenance, this problem wouldn't have been found which could have led to catastrophic issues. I find it hard to believe that it's typical that a fuel pump fail with under 60,000 miles on the vehicle- who knows how long the fuel pump had been leaking. My tech at the dealership told me that they have seen this same problem with other 2015 Sonatas so I am certainly not the only one to experience this issue. I had to return the car to the dealership a few months ago for a recall that involved a fuel leak. I wonder if all of the fuel leak issues have been dealt with, fuel leak wise, with this vehicle. The sub total for this repair was $817.66. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle speed control, Dec 5, 2021, crash
My engine light has been on for over one year. I took it to the dealership to see what was going on and to get an oil change. The dealership stated that there could be a variety of issues and that they would turn the light off and when it came back on to bring it back to them. The staff was not the most professional so I opted to not take it back unless there was a significant issue. My car constantly accelerates when I am on the brakes at a light and then when I let off the brakes, the car accelerates before I put my foot on the gas. I recently backed out of my parking space and without my foot on the gas, I bumped into a neighbor's car. There was no damage to their car but my car has a dent in it. Everyone is safe and fine but this could have been way worse if I was in a parking lot or on the road. The car does not accelerate when I put my foot on the gas on the highway either. I have had some close calls getting onto the highway because I can press the pedal to the floor and not get the speed needed to go fast enough. I am making plans to take it back to the dealership and report my dent because this acceleration issue is very annoying when driving and I know that it is dangerous in situations where I should be able to shift the gear and not be moving fast enough to get a dent. I hope Hyundai really looks at this issue and helps us out. Thank you.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021, fire
The connecting-rod bearings in the engine damaged. I've read that it was a recall problem in hyundai's engines. i have abnormal knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination of the "check engine" light.
Power train, Engine, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate violently. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing a new transmission. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine, Nov 28, 2021
My vehicle started losing oil between oil changes. Not leaking on the ground. I looked it up and found out this is a very common issue. Just my luck. My vehicle now has major engine issues. Knocking in the engine, shaking. I looked it up and to not my surprise, very common. My vehicle is available for inspection. Safety wise I was traveling 70 on the interstate and the engine just quit and decelerated very quickly with cars driving by fast. I am getting the vehicle checked inspected Monday 11/29 I had it towed to a garage. I will also contact the local Hyundai dealer. No warnings lamps prior to incident
Engine, Nov 27, 2021
Hello, I took my car to my closest dealership Brandon Hyndai, because my car stop working properly. The car engine warning light came on followed by a knocking noise, when I try to accelerate , it reduce the power , it smells like burn.It’s been 3 weeks since my car has been sitting at the Brandon Hyundai dealership parking lot without a full diagnostic, the only thing they have told me it’s that it gave them the P1326 code that it’s engine related, but they needed to run more test before starting an engine replacement submission due to a recall.My car only has 69000 miles.I have been checking almost daily to see if they have done something but so far, they haven’t. They also didn’t provided me with a lender car, because they didn’t have one or so they say. I have waited patiently, but 3 weeks it’s too long for a diagnosis and I have been taking a bus to work because I cannot afford to rent a car , that the dealer is not even 100 percent certain if I will be reimbursed for it. It’s been an stressful 3 weeks and it seem this issue is not being taken serious, plus they also want to charge me 300 dollars for them to start the engine replacement submission, which I he agreed to as I don’t seem to have another choice. I am desperate, because I am not sure what will happen next. I had to call corporate and started a case with them, but it can take up to a week or more for them to contact me. The worst part is not knowing and there is no much information about it.And the coworkers at the dealership are not being helpful at all, I am not sure if because they don’t have much knowledge about it or they really don’t care about the customers.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
We received a notice for an IMPORTANT Safety Recall for our 2015 Hyundai concerning a turn signal malfunction. According to the information given to us, this problem could understandably be very dangerous and life threatening. So we tried to schedule an appointment at our nearest Hyundai dealer, but were told they weren’t even taking appointments until January (So much for taking care of a dangerous situation). This dealer was San Tan Hyundai in Gilbert, AZ! If this repair takes only an hour or so as the notice predicted, I’m wondering why such a delay for an emergency service? We continued to call around and finally scheduled for a Dec. 1st appointment at another dealer. That we can live with, but their is no excuse for a similar dealer not being able to deal with this problem sooner. The person on the call was not very polite, which is par for service it seems now days. Anyway, I think this dealer should be noted in your records in case you receive other complaints. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 24, 2021
I was driving at 55 mph and vehicle stall and cut off pulled side the road tried to crank back up and nothing happened. after each oil change no oil show on stick and also when i get an oil change they tell me barely any oil in vehicle. this has happened every since i purchased the veh on Dec 10 2019
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
My brakes locked on the highway and I could not utilize the brakes to slow down the vehicles. I went off the meridian and finally came to a stop. I pumped the brakes and then they started to work again. I was able to cautiously get back on the road and make it to my house but they locked again a few miles later by my exit. I was able to get them to start working again and made it home. There were no warning lamps or messages nor any warning that led me to this. I could’ve easily been in a serious if not fatal crash
Visibility, Nov 22, 2021
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SUNROOF CLOSED AND THE WHOLE THING CAME DETACHED. THE WINDOW SHATTERED. AND PART OF THE PIECE THAT HOLDS IT FELL OFF. I SEE A RECALL PREVIOUS FOR THIS ISSUE.
Parking brake, Nov 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space, the parking brake inadvertently engaged, and the rear passenger's side wheel locked up. The BRAKE HOLD light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with electric parking brake motor failure. The contact was informed that the electric parking brake motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine, Nov 13, 2021
Check Engine Light began flashing and Oil Pressure Light illuminated while operating vehicle under normal conditions on the interstate. Vehicle was pulled over and towed to local Hyundai dealership. The dealership states the engine has failed.
Power train, Nov 12, 2021
My car keeps stalling while I am driving and sometimes when I turn to a street and is consuming motor oil with in a mile or less. It has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership and no leaks were found, consumption test has been done and they said that they can’t do nothing about it because I am the second owner. Hyundai needs to extend warranties to second owners as well if the car was bought through a certified dealership. I trusted their brand and dealership. I have been going back and forth with the dealership. My car is in the Napoleon Hyundai dealership in Carmel, Indiana. I have a video explaining the situation and showing my engine measuring stick with very low oil.
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
Engine started knocking out of nowhere took it to the dealership to see if I had a recall was told that I needed to replace engine which would cost between 8k-10k . The recalls for engines on Hyundai sonatas were for 2011-2013 and 2016 . Not really understanding how they skip a year with everyone with this year . I don’t have the money to replace engine
Steering, Nov 9, 2021, crash
Power steering assist failed upon making a right hand turn. Steering failure led to an injury accident. Vehicle was inspected by Green Light Auto and EDR codes retrieved. No codes specific to steering was found. Vehicle was inspected by insurance adjustor. No warning lights or other indications of steering loss was present before the accident caused by the steering loss. Issue seems similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000
Engine, Nov 4, 2021
My car is burning through a quart of oil appx every 600 miles- this is NOT normal it's excessive oil consumption.
Engine, Nov 3, 2021
while driving about 6/7 lights on the dash comes on and the car stops. This happened several times and I took it to my auto mechanic Christian Brothers at Dacula, Ga. They said it is a soft ware problem and Hyundai USA does not accepts their are any software malfunction problems. Sometimes the car would start back again and other times it will not. Therefore I had to tow my car twice to the garage to have them check it out and fix it. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Nov 3, 2021
Had an Engine recall for the 2015 recall, was told that Transmission was the reason for the Engine failure, but the dealership would not fix the Transmission. Shortly following the replacement of the Engine, the problems that reside in the transmission are now costly up to $3000 or more for this issue. After extensive research found that the 2015 sonata has had plenty of issues with its Transmission. Responsibility for the Faulty Transmission causing engine to completely shut down and not work (happened while on highway) should fall on the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2021
On Saturday, October 30, 2021, I was driving down a heavily traveled road with my daughter when my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport coasted to a stop. I still had power and everything else was still on but the car was just dead and wouldn't start. There were all kinds of indicator lights that were on but I didn't know why my vehicle had just died on me. My son had to put it in neutral and back it off of the busy road we were on and onto a side street into a neighbor so we were in a safe place. We waited for a tow truck for over two hours in the heat. I had it towed to a repair shop unaware of the engine recall that was out on my vehicle. I was told by the repair shop that the oil in my vehicle was black and my engine had seized up.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
I was on the highway coming home when my engine failed to go over 40mph i had to pull over on the side of the road and when we did the car just cut off completely this is the sencond time it’s failed since june of 2020, The turbo engine in my car keeps failing. I have the 2.0t
Engine, Oct 22, 2021
Sonata sport 2015 engine seized while trying to cross intersection of busy road, no one hurt cars swerved onto shoulder to avoid t-boning my car. The car was towed to the dealer and confirmed the engine seized due to the recall of engine that was sold defective. Denying claim bc the software campaign 953 was not performed, although I never received the notice. I am second owner bought car used from Hyundai Dealer.