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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2021
the trunk latch need to be replaced the dealer ship has not fixed it since aug 2021 i cant do business this is my work car
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2021
The car takes off on its own. I've noticed several forums from the same make and model and year are having issues so I wanted to file a report. I'm out about $2k so far and potentially another $2k on a car with only 40,000 miles on it and it's only driven roughly 200 miles a month, if that, for Dr. appointments. When you put it in drive it will get up to 13mph without ever touching the gas.
Engine, Oct 17, 2021
The car stalls and the acceleration was very weak. Hesitation while driving. Jerking badly after going from a stop sign, stop light, or up a slight hill. Check engine light started blinking. I took it by Autozone to test the light. Comes out to be a knock sensor and wiring harness. I have a 2015 Sonata with 98,600 miles.
Engine, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a knocking sound was present coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The failure was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,455.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated as she was attempting to open the rear driver-side door to let her grandchild out of the vehicle, the door handle fractured. The contact stated the failure reoccurred as she was attempting to open the rear passenger side door. The unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,320.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contacts son stated while driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle's steering wheel became hard to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) however the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with being an electrical issue. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the same issues. The manufacturer was informed of failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Engine, Oct 10, 2021
Turbo engine has failed does not go over 40 miles
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2021
Turn signal sometimes does not work or causes opposite side to activate leading to increased risk of crash, no remedy provided currently from current recall on vehicle. There's no warning as to when this can happen which leads to driving the vehicle a risky bet.
Engine, Oct 3, 2021
Driving on highway car lost speed check engine light blinking. Got home car was knocking, I believe the rid barron or knock sensor failed. Can't drive it.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2021
It seems that the white 2015, 2016 and 2017 models need to be recalled due to a paint issue. From my understanding there is a "defect" with only the white paint and it seems the vehicles are peeling in the same exact spots as I have shown here. I took my vehicle to Hyundai of Greer on Wade Hampton Blvd in Greer, SC and they told me I would have to pay out of pocket to get these spots taken care of because the original manufacturer warranty has expired and CPO warranty will not cover. Clearly there is a defect or flaw in the white paint and consumers should not have to pay for such issue.
Engine, Oct 2, 2021
The vehicle is driven roughly 80 miles a month for groceries and doctor appointments only. It has 40,900 Mike's on it and began to continually have the check engine, ABS, and traction control lights come on. The vehicle once put in drive or reverse will increase speed on it's own, nothing faster than about 7-10 miles per hour on a flat surface. I also noticed when these lights are on and I am in park the odometer will jump from 0-80,90, mph randomly. The lights will not always stay on or come on, just occasionally. I did take it for inspection for the above problems and had to replace the intake and outtake valve on cam shaft and a sensor (may have named them wrong). Just want to o report in case others are having same issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2021
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with low engine compression. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact attempted to inform the manufacturer of the failure on four separate occasions, but a representative informed the contact that they could not hear the contact and disconnected the call. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2021
Heavy odor of gas in backseat and truck. Noticed odor in garage while parked and when driving had to roll down windows! I took to mechanic. He found a crack in fuel tank. My Hyundai had been at the dealership that week with them changing the oil and rotating tires but they did not acknowledge it! Mechanic informed me that this could be a very dangerous situation and should not be driven. Dealership no help.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2021
I was driving under normal conditions and every warning indicator light and chime went off, speedometer and tachometer gauges went to zero, digital display of speedometer went blank. I immediately pulled into a parking lot and shifted into park. I called the nearest Hyundai dealer to speak to a service rep, but was told they were busy and would call back. The car would not shift, it was locked in PARK. I turned it off, waited and turned back on, all warning indicators were still flashing, but I was able to shift into drive, and went straight to the dealer. Diagnostics by dealer was that "CEL WAS ON DUE TO HISTORY CODES. CLEARED CODES AND TEST DROVE THE CAR AND EVERYTHING WORKS AS DESIGNED." 200 miles later, same problem. I will gladly make my vehicle available for inspection upon request. I searched the internet and found others were having same problem. URL: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/all-dashboard-warning-lights-on-rpm-gear-indicator-blank.660496/
Steering, Aug 23, 2021, crash
steering wheel locked up while driving causing vehicle to run off the Hwy. vehicle flipped causing injuries
Steering, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2021
Steering column made gravelly noise and felt wrong after service checkup. Finally acknowledged and fixed (no charge: paid $1600 for extended warranty on purchase 5 years ago) a month later. Horn honks briefly and intermittently sometimes after stop after service checkup. Not yet acknowledged or fixed. Tried to charge an exorbitant amount for service, despite our having an extended free warranty, and refused us a loaner car. Service horrible.
Power train, Aug 20, 2021
Transmission shudder, reverse gear not working, stuck in 3rd gear.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 9, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle stopped suddenly on its own and was rear ended by another vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the scene of the collision. There was no medical attention received. A police report was filed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2021
I just got my 2015 Sonata Hybrid in April. Most every time I try to accelerate from a stopping point, the car will not go for at least 3 seconds. I had to sit through a whole green light once because it just wouldn't go. I've pulled out onto highways, needing to pick up speed only to not go at all causing others to nearly smash into me. Also, It can not drive up hills. Twice i have been stopped at a stop sign on a hill and my car would just not go. I had to literally put it in reverse and go back down. One time I had a line of traffic back up behind me. I didnt know what to do! The absolute worst and scariest thing is the car not going when I'm making turns. My daughter and i were almost tboned trying to make a left turn into a driveway. The car just wouldn't go. All I could do was watch this huge truck heading straight for my daughters door. Finally, seconds before we would have been hit, the car decided to gom Sickening!! I have tried everything from cutting off the Blue Drive and EV mode to using the slap stick. Nothing seems to make a difference. I have an appointment with the dealership next week.
Engine, Aug 2, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, light gray smoke began to emit from under the hood with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to stall while the vehicle was being pulled off to the side of the roadway. The contact and two passengers inside the vehicle exited the vehicle and the smoke turned from light gray to black as the smoke became thicker. There was an abnormal popping sound before the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was contacted and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was not filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,643.
Power train, Engine, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was oil leaking from vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the CVT transmission seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred on July 20, 2021. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2021
I brought car in to see about engine light they told me it was a cvvt and it would cost $1700 which I couldn't afford they stated that because I did not get my oil changed there they could not cover it even though I had prrof of my oil changes from other companies. So took car to mechanic he stated that if I did have cvvt replaced in 6 months time I would have needed a new engine anyway . So he replaced the engine . I have done my homework spoke to numerous people and they have they same issue . How does a 2015 Hyundai with 104000 miles need an engine replaced
Engine, Jul 23, 2021
I experienced extremely high revving at idle(about 1500 rpm to 1750 rpm). I also experienced a dangerous loss of acceleration when trying to accelerate. I would put the accelerator to the floor and it would take about 10-15 seconds to reach a safe speed on a highway on ramp. Additionally I am consuming about 1/2 quart of oil per week. I change my oil faithfully every 3-4k miles and have documentation to prove it. My oil was down 2 1/2 qts at one point which I discovered by accident via my mechanic. There was no indication of this with the low oil indicator light. I only discovered this when my check engine light came on and my mechanic investigated the code.