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.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the brake rotors were modified, and the failure was corrected. Additionally, while driving at speeds over 65 MPH, the front driver’s side of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Jul 21, 2024
No check engine light was on. Heat cold gage was normal. No lights indicated what so ever. Engine started knocking really loud turned off while driving 70 mph on the freeway when it turned back on wouldn’t go past 20 mph. when accelerating knocking would increase. Wouldn’t accelerate past 20 mph. Took my vehicle to my local Hyundai dealer to be assed and they told me about the 953 campaign recall. I knew nothing about. I am 4th owner to the car from a used local dealership. My local hyundai refused to replace engine as well as corporate due to 953 campaign not being installed prior to engine failure. I only had the car a year and half and engine always sounded abnormally loud. I did tell the dealership this when we purchased the car as well as a few times throughout the time we went to make payments in person and they said it was normal Hyundais have loud engines. ultimately engine turned off while driving 20 mph and failed to turn back on at all. Out of a car since July 3 2024. No rental car was provided to me and had to pay for the diagnostics fee of $195 that was suppose to be waved once claim was approved but due to the 953 campaign not being installed by any of the previous owners or dealership my claims were denied! Now Hyundai wants $9,000 to replace engine with new belts and labor together! I don’t even have that kind of money at all!! RIDICULOUS!!
Steering, Jul 14, 2024
Steering wheel locked with skid slip lines and red steering wheel and exclamation mark lights on. Steering wheel locked up while driving. The car will no turn and is not drivable because the wheel will not turn.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 8, 2024, fire
On June 30, 2024 I was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and the car caught on fire. There were no warning lights/ dash indicators/ no check engine lights or other warnings present. I had just exited the highway and while sitting at a light, smoke began emanating from the hood and within seconds the smoke turned dark brown at the vents near the windshield. I immediately exited out of the vehicle. I did not have time to pull over out of traffic. The car was engulfed in flames within a very short period of time. I had only seconds to exit the car. I would have struggled to get any passengers out of the backseat safely (i.e. kids in car seats) had I not been the only one in the car at the time. We had notified Hyundai of engine concerns that began in 2023, and they had given us the runaround for many months requiring us to submit paperwork for oil changes for the lifetime of the car and to keep returning to the dealership for "testing" after driving a certain # of miles. They required us to bring the car in to have pictures of the engine taken to ensure there wasn't "neglect" to the car on our part. This excessive and lengthy process by Hyundai took several months after initial concerns were brought up with the dealer. After being required to submit voluminous amount of paperwork and several trips to the dealership for "testing", Hyundai finally agreed to replace the faulty engine. We were told we could continue to drive it until a new engine was ordered. The new engine was scheduled to be replaced on July 11, 2024 however, the car burst into flames on June 30, 2024. Had Hyundai taken appropriate action when the issue was first brought to their attention, this incident would have likely been avoided and had not endangered my life and others helping. Thank you for your attention to this incident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 4, 2024
At 40,000 miles the transmission is already jerking, shifting hard into gear and downshifting hard .
Engine, Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2024
My headlight and break lights constantly go out and need repairs and malfunction each time a change the light bulbs. My engine does not hold oil and it leaks constantly after 20 days of driving I have to get oil change every 30 days. I have repaired this leak on several times by the professionals and it still leaks and locks up my engine due to low oil.
Engine, Jun 25, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle stalled. The contact's husband was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Structure, Jun 25, 2024
While driving on the highway Emmy pearl white paint began chipping on my car flying up into my field of vision which not only was distracting while driving but appeared as if it came from another vehicle even though it as from my vehicle. Prior to pulling over to see what happened, I ended up trying to avoid this thing that flew into my field of vision out of no where when I realized it was my chipping paint. I have contacted Hyundai who states they aren’t liable for the damage as it is out of their paint warranty. If this issue doesn’t get resolved and these car companies aren’t held liable for their known mistake, then more accidents will occur in the future.
Engine, Jun 24, 2024
[XXX] THERMOSTAT ERROR REPORT P0128 REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND FLUSHED COOLANT ON 5.28.24 NOTES ON THIS CODE ARE FOR ELANTRA'S " P0128 : Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Thermostat below thermostat regulating temperature) This condition may be cause by the rubber valve inside the thermostat not closing properly. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the thermostat assembly to correct this condition. Thermostats must be replaced on all affected vehicles, even if they do not exhibit DTC P0128. " THE code is not back not even 30 days later [XXX] check engine light back on -- concerning needs to be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 18, 2024
Engine just stopped working. car stop running turned off in the middle of traffic in Dallas Tx. I took my car for an oil change the mechanic said he’s had plenty of 2015 sonata engines just give out and some catch a fire as well.It gave no warning and no smoke. This happened last week.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 18, 2024, fire
In April 2023, I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco from Carvana with 56,000 miles. By May 2023, the mileage was around 72,000. While driving from South Houston to North Houston on [XXX], 2023, the car loudly popped as I exited the highway around 5:00 pm CST. I noticed smoke coming from the rear and parked in a construction zone near a convenience store. Upon inspection, the vehicle stopped working, and I saw a significant fluid leak underneath. A bystander alerted me to flames from the bottom and under the hood. I called 911, and the fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage. I later discovered that specific 2011–2015 Hyundai models had been recalled due to fire risk (NHTSA ID: 23V-651000), but this did not include the Hyundai Sonata Eco. The recall was due to the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module leaking brake fluid internally, potentially causing an electrical short and leading to a fire. I have photos and videos documenting the incident. Following the incident, I filed a claim with Travelers Insurance, and on May 28th, 2023, the vehicle was declared a total loss. While I appreciate their offer of ~$13,000, it is insufficient to cover the remaining loan balance of approximately $17,300. I am worried about the financial impact and potential danger I face due to this malfunction. The lack of information highlights the need for better consumer education. I am now looking into options to cover the remaining loan balance, acquire a new vehicle, and, most importantly, advocate for improved driver education regarding this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2024, fire
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with 63k miles does not show any open recalls relating to fires however, my car was parked, went to turn it on, smelled an electrical smell and white smoke began billowing out of the engine. Within minutes the vehical engine compartment was engulfed in flames. I was able to remove my family from the vehicle and fire department came out to extinguish the vehicle. Thankfully everyone movedthere vehicles and no other vehicles were impacted but insurance has inspected the vehicle and determined it's a total loss as the whole engine compartment is melted. If not for me thinking and the action of others, many others cars could have been burned and my family burned and injured as they are still shook up about. Hyundai offered me a low settlement but there is know recall on the specific VIN for electrical or engine issues. The following weekend I met a guy who just purchased a pre-owned Hyundai and after leaving he stopped at a red light and the vehicle engine compartment went up in flames while parked. There is a larger issue at hand here and please help us investigate this so no one else has to go through this nightmare.
Power train, Engine, Jun 4, 2024
UNKNOWN, car was driving fine on the highway, then all RPMS were lost and the car couldn't accelerate past 40mph. At the same time a loud knocking started and when i was able to park and pop the hood, the engine was clearly vibrating and the source of the knocking is undetermined. there are recall's for improperly welded rods in the 2013/14 model sonatas and the 2016 so i find it hard to believe that Hyundai doesn't know that this year and make would have the same known issue and those models have all had recalls already except for mine...
Engine, Jun 3, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and unlatched the hood when it was discovered that the engine caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No fire department or police report was filed. No injuries were sustained however the contact mentioned his arm hair did burn off and no medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Service brakes, May 30, 2024
Recall notifications for Hyundai campaign 251 but no remedy available since early 2023. Finally learned a remedy was available, made online appointment with my dealership (Future Hyundai of Concord, Concord, CA) but when I arrived for my appointment, they said they did not have the part. That was April 29, 2024. I was told to follow up in a week, which I did. Part still not available. Followed up several more times to which I have not received any response. I am driving a potentially very dangerous car now awaiting this recall remedy. Last year I waited 5 months for a new Hybrid battery with similar lack of communication and delays.
Structure, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof wind deflector detached from the vehicle and flew off. The local dealer where the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall related to the failure was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed in 2017 as a one-time free repair. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the recall was a one-time repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 28, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change and an engine flush, the following day while driving at approximately 10 MPH in a stop-and-go school zone, the vehicle stalled and smoke emitted from underneath the hood. All the warning lights on the instrument panel were illuminated. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and safely exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. The police department was at the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department later arrived and successfully extinguished the fire. The contact mentioned that the flames consumed the vehicle and only the framing was left but it was not determined destroyed yet. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 ( Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however the vehicle did not receive the recall remedy prior to the failure. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,765.
Engine, May 15, 2024
ENGINE CYLINDER MALFUNCTION. LOSS OF POWER AND CHOKING, HESITATION IN MOVING FORWARD. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT OR TRAFFIC FLOW. NOT CONFIRM BY DEALER. BUT AUTOMOBILE IS REPAIR SHOP TO DETERMINE PROBLEM.NO WARNING SIGNS ARE DISPLAYED.
Engine, May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when the vehicle started, there was a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod-knocking sound was coming from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,832.
Power train, Engine, May 14, 2024
I have had my car serviced twice by the Hyundai dealership for the same exact issue. I believe I was told it was a knock sensor. A refurbished engine ended up being put in. The car is still having the same issues as when I first got it serviced in 2021/2022. My car is sputtering, loses power when accelerating and stalling. My car has always had an oil consumption issue and is causing additional issues with spark plugs.
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, May 13, 2024
Intake Camshaft, Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit and Brake Booster are the system that failed all in the same week. My safety is being put at risk because of the bad brake booster I almost rear end someone else. My car doesn’t accelerate has it should initially which could cause a wreck. Problems has been confirmed by independent service center. My car has been inspected by mechanics. My engine light is on and when diagnosed the codes P0011-00 & P0010-00 pop up.
Structure, Engine, May 8, 2024
THE ENGINE FAILURE, ROD BEARINGS FAILURE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, CAR NOT ABLE TPO ACCELARATE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER LIGHTS POPPED ON. LOUD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE WORN BELTS, KNOCKING NOISE AND OIL PRESSURE LOSS. MY DAUGHTER'S SAFETY AND MINE WAS PUT MAJOR RISK. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR LOST POWER SEIZED UP. COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDIENT. THE DEALER AND MECHANICS HAVE INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND OTHER LIGHTS. VERY STRESSFUL AND CAUSED MAJOR ANXIETY DUE TO THIS.
Seat belts, Engine, May 8, 2024
I brought this car brand new at ABC HUNDUIA IN Las Vegas NV I now like in NY And my engine making a loud winning noise as I steer and the seat drivers side does not retract back into place .I just spent over 3 grand to fix other issues A/C cost over 3 grand but they never fixed what I requested. Please help me Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)