CarModelProblems.com

2015 Hyundai Sonata Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
1,126Complaints
9Recalls
34Crashes
47Fires
32Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (54.3% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that closed with a recall campaign (23V877).

Engine complaints here are 4.3× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine611 · 54.3%Investigation closedDP22003 · EA21003 → recall 23V877
Electrical System159 · 14.1%RecalledRecall 15V678000
Power Train133 · 11.8%RecalledRecall 14V784000
Steering72 · 6.4%RecalledRecall 14V325000
Service Brakes72 · 6.4%RecalledRecall 14V368000
Fuel/propulsion System72 · 6.4%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE611 · 54.3%
Unspecified / other161 · 14.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM159 · 14.1%
POWER TRAIN133 · 11.8%
STEERING72 · 6.4%
SERVICE BRAKES72 · 6.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM72 · 6.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL58 · 5.2%
STRUCTURE:BODY46 · 4.1%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING37 · 3.3%

Percentages are the share of the 1,126 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 9 campaigns

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

NHTSA campaign 16V726000 · 2016 · reported 10/11/2016

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Parking Brake:indicator Light

NHTSA campaign 17V359000 · 2017 · reported 06/05/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal

NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · 2016 · reported 04/21/2016

An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 15V678000 · 2015 · reported 10/20/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

NHTSA campaign 15V414000 · 2015 · reported 06/30/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

NHTSA campaign 14V368000 · 2014 · reported 06/24/2014

If a brake caliper fractures, brake effectiveness would be reduced, lengthening to distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 14V325000 · 2014 · reported 06/12/2014

The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Park it  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

NHTSA campaign 14V784000 · 2014 · reported 12/09/2014

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · 2021 · reported 09/24/2021

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“SHORTLY AFTER EXITING INTERSTATE AND SLOWDOWN FOR SIGNAL, I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE, LIKE I WASN'T EVEN GIVING IT GAS…”NHTSA complaint 10928165 — filed 11/27/2016 · ENGINE
“I GOT MY CAR WITH 15 MILES ON IT, BEFORE I EVEN HAD 10 THOUSAND MILES THE CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION HEAT UP. TOOK IT…”NHTSA complaint 10919186 — filed 10/26/2016 · ENGINE
“THE CAR AT ABOUT 7K MILES STARTED USING OIL A QT, EVERY 2500 MI. THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS NORMAL . IT IS POLLUTING…”NHTSA complaint 10919132 — filed 10/26/2016 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

772015962016108201712620181812019134202014120212412022212202313420241262025662026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 611 of 1,126 NHTSA complaints (54.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (161), electrical system (159), power train (133). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have?

1,126 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 47 involved a fire, and 32 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes — 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V726000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.