Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Hyundai Sonata problems

Owners filed 1,156 complaints about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA between Jan 2015 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (631).

Complaints
1,156
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
34
Reported by owners
Fires
48
Reported by owners
Injuries
32
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine631
  2. Electrical system168
  3. Power train135
  4. Fuel/propulsion system78
  5. Service brakes74
  6. Steering74
  7. Vehicle speed control61
  8. Structure52
  9. Exterior lighting38
  10. Air bags25
  11. Engine and engine cooling21
  12. Seat belts21
  13. Visibility/wiper17
  14. Suspension17

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201546
201664
201775
201880
2019126
202088
2021114
2022170
2023127
202490
202591
202685

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

631 reports4 crashes35 fires
“I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially dangerous safety issue involving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata. At approximately 93,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a complete engine failure, which resulted in Hyundai replacing the engine. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing another serious mechanical or electrical malfunction. While I am driving, my vehicle unexpectedly shuts off completely. When this happens, I cannot restart it immediately. I must wait approximately two to five minutes before the vehicle will restart. This situation is extremely concerning because it exposes me, my passengers, and other motorists to a significant safety risk. An unexpected shutdown while traveling on a public roadway could result in a serious accident. Given the vehicle's previous engine failure and Hyundai's subsequent engine replacement, I am requesting a thorough investigation into whether the current malfunction is connected to the replacement engine, its associated components, or another underlying defect. Specifically, I am requesting: A comprehensive diagnostic inspection to identify the cause of the unexpected shutdowns and delayed restarts. A review of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775093

Electrical system

168 reports3 crashes16 fires1 related recall
“On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, our 2015 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine suffered a sudden, complete engine seizure while traveling about 75 mph on I-25 Southbound near Castle Rock, CO. A family member was driving. Warning lights across the car began flashing, the engine made a loud grinding noise, and the brakes stopped working. Over a long distance, the driver was able to get the car onto the shoulder and bring it to a stop, then engage the parking brake. There was no collision and no injuries, only because traffic was light. The car was towed to a repair shop, then transferred to a second shop, which determined the engine had seized and requires full replacement. This vehicle is covered by Hyundai's Theta II GDI engine campaigns for connecting rod bearing failure. On October 26, 2026, Hyundai told us the Knock Sensor Detection System software update (Campaign 953) was never completed on this vehicle and declined coverage. Neither we nor the prior owners, who are family members, recall receiving any notice of this campaign. All previous check engine lights were diagnosed and repaired at independent shops, including an intake manifold…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11774300

Power train

135 reports1 crash1 related recall
“I am filing this complaint regarding transmission and drivability problems with my 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L following Hyundai Campaign 9C-2. My vehicle was running and driving perfectly before this update. I have always maintained it on time, followed proper maintenance schedules, and have records documenting its maintenance history. I never experienced these transmission issues before the update. The problems began immediately after the campaign was performed. In fact, I noticed the abnormal shifting before I even left the dealership after picking up my vehicle. Since the update, the vehicle has experienced poor and abnormal shifting behavior. I contacted the dealership to report the problem and also filed a complaint directly with Hyundai Corporate. I was told that Hyundai is aware of the issue, yet my complaint remains unresolved. I also located a document online indicating that Hyundai is aware of this problem. Additionally, I have seen numerous reports from other Hyundai owners describing similar transmission problems after receiving this same update. My vehicle has approximately 82,000 miles. The engine was replaced approximately one year before this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770442

Fuel/propulsion system

78 reports3 crashes5 fires
“The vehicle is currently at Greenway Orlando Hyundai for a fuel-system-related repair. During the dealership’s inspection, the dealership identified a crack in the fuel pump housing and a fuel leak. The dealership also provided photographs documenting the crack and the leak, and the vehicle has a very strong fuel odor. My primary concern is safety. A cracked fuel pump housing with a fuel leak presents a potential fire hazard. I do not believe it is safe to drive or operate the vehicle in this condition. The vehicle is being serviced in connection with Hyundai TSB 23-FL-004H, “Fuel Pump Filter Warranty Extension (TXXS), Inspection and Replacement.” The Prior Approval/goodwill issue is particularly important in this case. Note 2 on page 2 of TSB 23-FL-004H states that when a part not covered by the TSB is found to require replacement while performing the TXXS procedure, and that part is out of warranty, the dealership should submit a Prior Approval request for goodwill consideration before performing the work. When Greenway Orlando Hyundai identified the cracked fuel pump housing and the fuel leak, I asked the dealership to pursue this solution with Hyundai.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11774859

Service brakes

74 reports10 crashes5 fires
“I have the 2015 Hyundai sonata with the 2.5 GDI engine that eventually will seize due to internal damaged caused by manufacture design flaws. My Hyundai threw a P0010 code which causes my car to idle high and causing low vacuum affecting my brakes. I had a diagnostic test done at a Hyundai dealership that told me it was a cvvt cam sprocket issue and that it was the beginning of the end of the engine, They quoted me 3700.00 but the engine was to far gone and this repair would only accelerate the engine to seize. They said since the engine isn't seize Hyundai will not cover the cost to repair or exchange the engine, I contacted the Hyundai customer service who stated since the repair that is needed wasn't the root cause of the problems associated with the engine swap warranty they were not going to help me even though I explained to them that the cars high accelerating and the braking system been jeopardized and been told the engine is beyond repairs I feel Hyundai should reconsider their decision and help a loyal customer. I have purchased 12 Brand New Hyundaj since 2001. The customer Representative was Extremely un Professional even suggesting I scrap my car,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2026Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735056

Steering

74 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either the left or right direction. The Traction Control, Power Steering, and the high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent service center, where it was diagnosed with error codes: C167286, C126008, C136008, C126002, and C168808. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 26, 2026Steering, Traction control systemODI 11740078
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.