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, Mar 11, 2025
Hyundai is denying a lifetime warranty claim on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Recalls have been completed on my vehicle and even with knock sensor recall completed my engine light is not on and they will not grant me a new engine. If though the Hyundai Dealer agrees that the engine has the bearing issue that would grant me a new engine.
Engine, Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine, Mar 5, 2025
2015 Hyundai Sonata - original owners. Started burning and engine light came on at 124,000 miles. Took it to dealer to be diagnosed and have oil changed. They called said engine oil was sludged up, they would not even change the oil, and said it needed the engine replaced $9500. We contacted corporate Hyundai who said there was an extended warranty on the engine if the failure was related to connecting rod bearing wear. We were assigned a case and the rep contacted the dealer who said our vehicle didn’t qualify. In doing research we’ve read that this damage cannot be determined without dropping the oil pan. We questioned the rep about this and was told we didn’t qualify because of the maintenance on the vehicle.
Engine, Feb 27, 2025
On February 15, I was on my way heading back home driving in the freeway went my car randomly started jerking. I pull over to the side on the road pop the engine, did a visible check and i didn’t see anything. I went back on the road and it happened again, this time my check engine light came on and the car car started to knock very bad since then. I did a diagnostic scan and a code, P1326 came up saying that something is wrong with my knock sensor. Went and took it to a mechanic and I was told that my engine is gone and I need to replace it. Also that Hyundai has been having issues of the engine for a while.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2025
Power steering failed, car diagnosed with code C2412 & Hyundai refuses to take accountability
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
Hello. I'd like to report an engine oil consumption problem. I owe Hyundai sonata 2015, 9 years and 5 months. I have been having engine oil consumption problem over 2 years. It was not that serious around 2023 and 2024, also I know this car has oil consumption problem, so I checked engine oil frequently and refilled it when level went down below the "L" level. Last week, I had an engine alarm whish was powertrain system problem " P2096". So I brought my car to Jeff's garage(180milles from my home) and fixed this problem. When I checked the amount of oil before I drove, level of oil was a little above "L" level. But, when the technician checked the car, they found that engine oil left 1 quart only. (I refilled the oil 4 times already for last 4 month, I drove around 2300 miles for last 4 month) They also showed me the stick without any engine oil. They changed new oil and made sure the level on the stick was above "F" level. However, after I drove around 180 miles, I found the level was between F and L. There is no oil leaking but oil consumption is getting worse. I think some of oil consumption is normal or expected, but this is too much. Please check the safety of this engine.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2025
It seems like the car is skipping.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2025
Gas smell on the passenger side front seat
Engine, Feb 15, 2025
In 8-2021 the original engine locked up due to a crankshaft bearing lock up. The dealer replaced the entire engine with a rebuilt. It locked up within 10 seconds after I drove from the dealer due to a massive external oil leak from the engine front area. The dealer could not determine where the leak was coming from and prepared a report to reflect this. The dealer then replaced this first replaced engine with another rebuilt engine. I drove it and within 5 minutes of driving the radiator plastic side tank exploded open and lost coolant. The engine then misfired and began to smoke out the tailpipe. and engine areas. The dealer demanded I pay $1,100 for a replacement radiator and then they would confirm that the head gasket was leaking from the combustion chamber into the cooling system that exploded the radiator side tank due to overpressurization from exhaust gas. Another dealer saw that the combustion gas had a large leak that was coming out of the broken radiator plastic side tank and advised repalcing the engine with another engine and radiator. The engine locked up while driving it as a result of overheating and/or coolant inside the cylinder that has the head gasket leak. The dealer and factory refuses to repair the engine that is still under two different kinds of warranties. The warranties expire on 10-12-2025
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 11, 2025
For about a month now the power steering was going in and out and then just the other day, the power steering went completely out, I am now having it towed to the dealership today 02/11/2025. I've also had oil consumption problems to the point where there is only 1 quart of oil left in the engine when getting the oil changed, had the combustion cleaning done and no help. Hyundai said no to a new engine, car only has 102,000 miles on it, only 10 years old and Hyundai hasn't helped a bit, said that I would have to come out of pocket but I ended up having to spend $600 on the cleaning, which is absurd.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle backfired and sputtered. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH while driving uphill. Additionally, the contact noticed the presence of strong fumes inside the cabin, which caused her clothes and hair to smell like fumes. Additionally, the contact noticed that oil was spattering from the exhaust pipes and there was oil leaking onto the tires, causing the tires to leave oil marks on the ground while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The dealer informed the contact that the combustion chamber to be cleaned out and provided an estimate. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that after the combustion chamber had been cleaned, a claim would be sent to the manufacturer for the engine replacement to be covered under goodwill assistance; however, there was no guarantee. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday evening [XXX] I was driving on a rural Hwy entering onto another Hwy at a one way stop sign. This stop sign was on a blind hill with a partial obstructed view from the right and left. As I pulled out onto the road to go north onto a two lane Hwy towards my home, a truck pulling a trailer came into view from the left. To me the distance looked very close, so I accelerated to avoid a possible collision. Less than a mile down the hill my vehicle lost all forward movement. I costed to a safe stop on the side of this 2 lane Hwy. No warning lights or engine check lights were on the dash just typical signs of some sort of engine failure. The electrical system was fine. Everything else was working as it should. I had no idea I didn’t have forward acceleration until I stepped on the gas at the bottom of the hill. I costed to a safe location on the side of the road. At this point I tried to put the engine in Park from Drive. It would not go into Park. I turned the ignition off and removed the shift release button after which moved the gears to park. I attempted to restart the engine but it would not roll over. I had it towed by AAA from that point to my Hyundai dealership in Cornelius NC. They diagnosed the problem on Tuesday afternoon. The engine had seized up. I am just now learning that this is a class action suit on this particular engine. Very grateful that I was not on Hwy 77 in the fast lane or the express lane. That could possibly have escalated the failure to a deadly failure without warning and no where to pull over at higher speeds. No one should Have to die to make corporations responsible for the safety of their customers. This is our sixth or seventh Hyundai in our family. My Sonata was well maintained. This should not have happened. Will you please look at this issue for the consumers with the same car? I am still without a car or a loaner/rental and am getting ready to go back on assignment.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 15, 2025
Location: [XXX] Description of Incident: On a rainy morning, while driving to work, I encountered a sudden lane cut-off by a speeding truck as I exited a school zone. I applied the brakes to avoid a forward collision, but the brake system failed entirely. This resulted in the loss of vehicle traction, causing the car to spin out uncontrollably. The vehicle collided with an island, bounced into oncoming traffic, and sustained severe damage, including: •Tires ripped off the rims •Front axle damage Injuries: I sustained a lightly sprained neck as a result of the incident. Vehicle History: The vehicle had been in the custody of the Hyundai dealership just days prior to this incident for an engine/powertrain recall and replacement. The dealership held the car for over a week to address the issue. However, shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the brake failure occurred. Observations and Concerns: •The brake failure occurred after recent service by the manufacturer dealership. •Hyundai vehicles are known to have documented brake system issues, which may have contributed to this incident. •This failure nearly resulted in a life-threatening accident. Action Requested: I am requesting an investigation into the service performed during the recall and the brake system failure. It is imperative to determine accountability and address any potential defects to prevent future occurrences. [XXX] [XXX] - Victim and incident reporter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
A rod from the engine made a hole in the engine the destroyed the engine. My wife was driving on a highway wen the failure occurred. She was lucky to be able to get off the highway and safely onto medium before car came to complete stop. The dealer confirmed a rod destroyed the engine. Hyundai asked photos of the engine and other components. No warning lights came on before the failure. The only symptom was the engine was consuming a quart of oil every 1000 miles.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2024
Approximately five weeks ago, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata showed a check engine light. I took it into the dealer and paid a diagnostic fee which revealed the third cylinder misfire in the engine. I paid to have the engine cleaned yet the light continues to stay on and the car has been Running low on oil every time it gets checked the dealer states that the engine needs to be replaced
Electrical system, Dec 17, 2024
The Charging system malfunctioned twice. The car is available for inspection upon request. I am not sure if it may put me at risk but it does give the directive to stop the car. I have taken the car to Hyundai the first day it malfunctioned and explained the charging system malfunction. Hyundai only completed any known recalls. My car has never had any warning lights to come on until the charging system began to malfunction.
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle later failed to restart. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the starter solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 5, 2024
Unknown I pulled up to a gas station filled up my car coming back frome work like usual i finish I take off not even 1 mile and it started lacking the batteries got drained and it turned off I try to turn it back on and all it does is give me a message telling me to check charging system
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2024
They try to use a fob key 3-4 time and it won’t sink in and my door is having problems locking without it
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 25, 2024
Engine sputters, no power. Warning light comes on that there’s a malfunction pull over and do not drive. We had the dealer look at it and he couldn’t find anything wrong.
Engine, Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, was jerking, and failed to exceed 45 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was driven to a nearby dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to the connecting rod bearing failure. The dealer filed a claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied. The dealer replaced the two engine knock sensors and the main fuel lines. Additionally, the fuel tank was drained; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to connecting rod bearing failure. The dealer filed another claim with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,257.
Engine, Nov 15, 2024
Engine burns too much oil and needs oil replenishment every 2 weeks while driving only 100-200 miles. This is extremely hazardous cause on highway the car can stall anytime which has happened in the past. The engine has been fixed for leaks before but still is burning oil and no mechanic will touch it saying it is a common issue of hyundai. Why is this model no part of the class action lawsuit?
Exterior lighting, Nov 3, 2024
When headlights are on auto they can spontaneously turn off. This is accompanied by the headlight selector display in the middle of the instrument panel changing to the parking light symbol. The lights typically switch back to auto and come back on within a few seconds but it can be longer. Most often, but not always this seems to be associated with using the turn signal and being in the middle of a 90 turn. However it has happened at other times as well. Losing headlights and visibility while driving at night, particularly while turning is a hazard. Two dealerships have said they cannot reproduce the problem. It has been going on for multiple years. However is primarily a problem when it starts getting dark early. The issue can be avoided by leaving the lights in the on position all the time.
Structure, Oct 29, 2024
white paint flaking off hood roof and trunk areas to bare metal. it gets worse when car is washed