Problems · by component

2015 Hyundai Sonata air bags problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata cite air bags, 2% of all 1,156 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
25
2% of all complaints
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“We are the sole owners of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Over the years the dashboard has deteriorated and developed cracks along the entire length, including over the area of the passenger airbag. We are currently concerned as to what would happen in the event of an accident that would trigger the air bag causing the dashboard to explode and send splinters all over the place, possibly causing severe damage to the passenger. I took the vehicle to Lehman Hyundai and they could not give me a definitive answer as to whether this was a dangerous situation or not. They gave me an oral estimate of $3,500 just for the part, and who knows what the labor costs would be. Whether I end up donating, gifting or selling the car, I am truly concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the condition it is in.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11753166
“My passenger occupancy mat señor is not working. It has been replaced by Hyundai several times and was a part of a recall. It was replaced in 2006 and 2007. They installed a new version of the senor mat, and the mat senor is defective again. I called Hynindia of America, and they said even though it was a recall and they fixed it as a recall fix, they said that they are no longer responsible. Is that the case?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2025Air bagsODI 11685245
“The air bag sensor located in the front passenger seat does not function. It is available for inspection upon request. Because the sensor doesn't engage, the passenger-side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, leaving my passenger at risk of serious injury or death. The Hyundai of Cool Springs dealership in Franklin, TN, has inspected the car and confirmed that the sensor is not functioning. The sensor, if properly working, will show a glowing red light on the dashboard that goes on when a passenger sits in the passenger seat, and goes off after a few seconds. In the case of my car, however, the dashboard light goes on when a passenger sits and stays on (glowing red) the entire time the passenger is seated. This defective dashboard light, according to the Hyundai service technician, indicates that the sensor needs to be replaced. The cost the technician quoted is prohibitive at $3,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2024Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11612618
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s side seat air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the front passenger’s seat air bag sensor was faulty. The contact was informed that the front passenger’s seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 12, 2024Air bagsODI 11608027
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2024Air bags, Service brakes, EngineODI 11588550
“The air bag warning light illumination. Dealer replaced the "clock spring" in steering wheel. This part was recalled for all like vehicles through 2014 and warranty as extended to 100,000 miles or 14 years. Model year 2015 was not included in the recall, yet the same part failed thereby making the driver's front air bag inoperable. It should have been included in the recall. I requested reimbursement from the manufacturer in the amount of $638.50 but was told the vehicle was no longer under warranty. No vehicle should br driven without properly working air bags.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2023Air bagsODI 11533518

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Apr 21, 2016NHTSA 16V232000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

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