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.
Power train, Jul 23, 2021
My Sonata Eco is a 2015 model with less than 46,000 miles. I take it for scheduled maintenance at least twice every year since I purchased it. The vehicle was experiencing stuttering, vibrations and lack of acceleration, most frequently when turning, moving uphill or early after startup. The stuttering would vary in it's intensity, from barely noticeable to strong enough to shake passengers. Sometimes when performing a turn, my car would not be able to accelerate, leaving me in the path of oncoming traffic until it would start working again. This would also occur when travelling uphill. No warning lights or other messages were given by the car. After taking it to the Hyundai dealership they informed me that my transmission was faulty and would require a full replacement. They specifically mentioned it was a mechanical issue with the dual clutch not engaging properly. All electronic/software in the vehicle was confirmed by the dealership to be up-to-date so this was purely a mechanical issue.
Engine, Jul 22, 2021
Engine stalled and there was a loud knocking sound. Had vehicle towed to dealer only to be told that this is a known issue with Hyundai and we need a new engine. No loaner cars available and 36 people are in front of me with the same problem. No timeframe available for a resolution. Huge inconvenience. Called Hyundai only to be told that a case manager would call me in 7-10 days. If it’s a known issue, why haven’t they recalled the affected cars like last time?
Engine, Jul 18, 2021
It started with the engine stalling, then a pinging noise. Then the engine stalled permanently, and the noise in the engine became louder. The engine now has no power.
Visibility, Jul 16, 2021
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 mph, the moon roof detached from the assembly and shattered behind the vehicle without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that vehicle was not under warranty nor recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2021
2015 sonata intermittent problem which involves loss of acceleration when taking off from a stop. One has the accelerator to the floor and vehicle goes to 10 to 12 miles/hour until it gets to about the 3rd or 4th gear. This car has done this 5-6 times since the 20th of May. Took car to dealer; they hooked it up to the computer and got no codes, so I was told it was OK. I told them the car was unsafe to drive. This car has a duel-clutch automatic transmission which I believe has a major problem. Not sure what I can do about it. It has 71,000 miles and should be under warranty.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
It started with the engine stalling, then a pinging noise. Then the engine stalled permanently, and the noise in the engine became louder. The engine now has no power. Unfortunately I am unable to trade or sell the car. It currently holds no value, as is. I have contacted Hyundai to make them aware of this problem.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
Motor started stalling, and then making a pinging noise. Now the car has absolutely no power, and a louder noise coming from the engine.
Engine, Jun 27, 2021, fire
My car caught on fire while operating
Steering, Jun 27, 2021
Powering steering seems get harder when i stop at lights and when i turn then car back on from getting grocery.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, it would not immediately accelerate when pressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine light would remain illuminated. Also, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who reprogrammed the engine software but the failure continued to occur. The local dealer was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that her daughter's vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Her daughter was taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic weekly to top off the engine oil. The same mechanic also replaced the spark plugs on two separate occasions however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced shuddering, loss of power and acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Steering, Jun 7, 2021
When driving at low speed straight ahead, steering locked up and was unable to turn left, steering wheel could not be turned from straight ahead position. Stopped vehicle and then started again, tried series of left/right turns to try and duplicate problem, steering would then randomly lock up when attempting to turn, more in left turns than in right. Occasionally was able to make full lock turn to left or right, however steering wheel would "catch" and wheel could not be turned to full lock unless vehicle was stopped and started again. At this point vehicle is not safe to drive and will need to be towed to Hyundai dealer, however Hyundai dealer says it will be at least 2 weeks before they can look at it, so vehicle is completely out of service.
Engine, May 23, 2021
My motor to my vehicle all of a sudden started making noises as I was on my way home and dropped speed and didn’t accelerate past 55MPH, my car started stuttering every time I hit the gas and it won’t go past 2000RPM and my check engine light started blinking at me. The safety issue with this is that when it stutters it could cause a potential crash and put me and others in danger. I took it to a Swope Hyundai dealership and they told me the barrings just automatically became damaged and the motor has to be replaced. I had this car for less than a year and it already starting to have problems. This issue happened 05/18/2021. The issues before the problems started becoming more severe was constant stuttering after I drove off after being to a complete stop from a red light. I’m extremely irritated as to this is the car that is suppose to help me get to work and college yet I can’t because it just decided to just break down on me in less than a YEAR!
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2021
I'm really at wit's end with what is going on with my car. My car is currently at 104K, its a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport. A beautiful car with an abundance of serious issues. I've had trouble with my car accelerating for over a month and I've taken it to at least 5 mechanics who have troubled shooted with no success to fixing the issue. The problem: my car hesitates significantly when accelerating and sometimes when it's can't shift gears and I'm easing my foot on and off the gas pedal, it begins to shake while attempting to accelerate. I try not to put the car in sport mode but sometimes this mode is what helps the car shift gears but I don't think this good for the car. So far I've tried changing all of my spark plugs and coils replaced, fuel injectors cleaned (dealership), transmission fluid changed and ECM updated (dealership). Also, the Hyundai dealership diagnosed the issues as an engine problem (intake exhaust and timing chain + tensioner) --- cost of all these things almost $4000!! I just don't understand why the check engine light is not coming on -- which is hinting at the local mechanics that it might be a transmission based issue. No the check engine light has not come on but the car drives really poorly. I'm taking it to a transmission shop and hopefully going to get some answers as to what is going on. This issue is absolutely frustrating and now I'm just looking for real direction by waiting to see if the engine light will come one and throw a code
Visibility/wiper, May 21, 2021
While commuting to work on a rainy evening, the wiper blade appeared suddenly to become loose and quickly became fully detached due to the motion of my windshield wipers. It was flung from my car and could not be retrieved. The replacement wiper blades (driver and passenger side) were attached by a licensed mechanic, and they both seemed to function properly after installation until the failure occurred. The passenger side wiper blade remained connected. It had been replaced simultaneously along with the driver side blade; therefore they each sustained the same wear and relative minimal usage following their application before the critical incident. It was disturbing to have a piece of equipment necessary for the safe operation of a vehicle suddenly fail while the car was in motion, and during rainy weather conditions. There was no reason to suspect this would occur. I am hoping that reports such as this will help to put an appropriate degree of pressure on private companies to ensure they are selling products which are dependable rather than which compromise the integrity of valuable property and personal safety. The images I am including merely provide evidence of the product's purchase and support my claim of the failure. The photos of my windshield were taken upon reentering my vehicle after my overnight work shift. They show a faint line devoid of condensation, created by the bare metal windshield wiper having scraped against my windshield after the blade was disconnected.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 21, 2021
I was driving to work as I normally would from the University I attend. About half way to my destination the check engine light illuminated and right when I was about to find a safe place to stop the car abruptly stopped in the middle of the Highway and stalled on one of the most dangerous highways in the U.S. being US I-20. I almost immediately got hit from behind however a few vehicles behind me did get involved into an accident due to the my car stopping abruptly with little warning. I called hyundai immediately and asked for a tow driver however the wait time was excessive and I had to go to work. I was able to start the car after 20 minutes, but it was in limp mode and I pulled off to the side of the road and had to uber to work. The next day I had got a tow truck to pick up my car and take it to the dealership where they said the car had accidentally triggered the knock sensor by mistake and replaced it free of charge. However the very next day it happened again after driving about 30 miles. And I took it back to the dealer they offered the same thing a replacement sensor. When I did some research and the car actually needed a new Engine after a recall had been placed. Hyundai refused to replace the engine after the knock sensor deployed. This is Hyundai's issue and it needs to be addressed. I was forced to put the car on the side of my house for the time being and get a rental until I could afford another vehicle. This is very disappointing from a consumers point of view. I filed with the extended warranty campaign TXXC and got denied due to the amount of miles on the vehicle. However there was no warning before the engine failed. The car was very well maintained and had regular Oil changes with full synthetic oil every 5k miles. No precursors to the engine failing occurred, like a knocking or jerking or anything. This is an issue that hyundai need to address. I am very disappointed. Campaign reference number for my case 17507525.
Engine, May 9, 2021
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK I GOT ABOUT 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM JOB THE LIGHT AHEAD TURNED YELLOW I WENT TO EASE ON THE BRAKE PREPARING TO STOP MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAR CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULDNT START LIKE I SAID I WAS 4 MINUTES AWAY FROM MY JOB SO I MANAGED TO GET IT THERE I CHECKED ALL FLUIDS THEY WERE FINE HOWEVER WHEN I DID OPEN THE HOOD IT WAS SMOKING FROM MY ENGINE
Power train, Engine, May 8, 2021
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT LIKE 4:00 IN THE MORNING IT WAS STILL DARK OUTSIDE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND AS I HIT THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR STALL IT WAS MOVING SLOW SO ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE THERE WAS A BUILDING SO I TRY TO MAKE IT TO THE PARKING LOT THE CAR STARTED TO POWER DOWN IN A KNOCKING NOISE STARTED IT WAS A BUSY MORNING IN THE MORNING WORK TRAFFIC
Air bags, May 7, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,989.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 7, 2021
I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING A 'SAFETY STOP. CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM' WARNING MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO HYUNDAI MULTIPLE TIMES TELLING THEM OF THE ISSUE. THEY KEPT TELLING ME NO ISSUE COULD BE FOUND. THE LAST INSTANCE THEY UPDATED THE SOFTWARE IN THE CAR IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE A HAIL MARY TO SAY THEY DID SOMETHING. LAST NIGHT I WAS TRAVELING I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH. THE CAR STARTED DINGING AND GAVE ME THE WARNING ERROR ATTACHED. THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND ONLY ALLOWED ME TO COAST. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BARELY ABLE TO GET MYSELF INTO A LOCATION OF RELATIVE SAFETY. I PARKED THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONCE AGAIN. THIS CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE, EXTREMELY UNSAFE, AND HYUNDAI CANNOT GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND ALMOST LEAD TO A MASSIVE ACCIDENT.
Engine, May 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUDSON HYUNDAI (977 COMMUNIPAW AVE, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07304) AND LYNNES HYUNDAI (401 BLOOMFIELD AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003) WHERE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE DEALERS INFORMED HIM THAT HE SHOULD ADD OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Structure, Apr 30, 2021
PAINT PEELING OFF ON ITS OWN. THERE WAS ALSO A LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST THEM IN 2017 FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. I OWN A 2015 WHITE HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED AND THE PAINT PEELED OFF ON ITS OWN.
Parking brake, Apr 28, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V359000 (PARKING BRAKE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A FAILURE WITH THE PARK SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED LESTER GLENN HYUNDAI TOMS RIVER (386 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753, (732) 691-4108) AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE OWNER AND REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.
Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 23, 2021
THE DAY I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM CARMAX, IT WAS BROUGH TO MY ATTENTION THAT THESES BEEN A RECALL REQUEST ON THE VEHICLE'S PARKING BREAK SYSTEM. I'D LIKE TO GET THAT CHECKED OUT. ALSO, IT SEEMS AS THO MY LEFT REAR TIRE RUNS OUT OF PRESSURE QUITE FREQUENTLY, AS I'VE HAD TO FILL IT UP TWICE IN THE LAST TWO DAYS (IT GOT DOWN TO 24 FOR A DAY.) THESE ARE IMMEDIATE RISKS THAT I NEED TAKEN CARE OF ASAP. THANK YOU FR YOUR TIME