2015 Hyundai Sonata problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,197 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, filed between 2015-01-06 and 2026-09-21. The most common problem areas are the engine (641, 54%), electrical system (191, 16%) and power train (141, 12%). Owners reported 38 crashes, 51 fires, 38 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Hyundai Sonata complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 641 | 54% | 4 | 36 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 191 | 16% | 5 | 17 | 11 |
| Unknown or other | 170 | 14% | 5 | 12 | 5 |
| Power train | 141 | 12% | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 81 | 7% | 11 | 5 | 10 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 77 | 6% | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Steering | 75 | 6% | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 65 | 5% | 9 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 53 | 4% | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 38 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 26 | 2% | 8 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 23 | 2% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 22 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Suspension | 19 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 641 complaints
- 641 complaints of 1,197 (54%) name the engine.
- 89 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes, 36 fires and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
Electrical system: 191 complaints
- 191 complaints of 1,197 (16%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 89 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes, 17 fires and 11 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata; the recall, campaign 15V678000, says: “The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction.”
Power train: 141 complaints
- 141 complaints of 1,197 (12%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 75 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata; the recall, campaign 14V784000, says: “The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft separating from the transaxle differential.”
Service brakes: 81 complaints
- 81 complaints of 1,197 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 21 of them also name the engine; owners reported 11 crashes, 5 fires and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata; the latest, campaign 23V651000, says: “The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 77 complaints
- 77 complaints of 1,197 (6%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 35 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 5 fires and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata covers this system.
Steering: 75 complaints
- 75 complaints of 1,197 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 11 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata; the recall, campaign 14V325000, says: “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…”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2018 | 89 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 88 |
| 2021 | 117 |
| 2022 | 172 |
| 2023 | 131 |
| 2024 | 95 |
| 2025 | 92 |
| 2026 | 79 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SONATA, SONATA HYBRID, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Hyundai Sonata recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata's most common problem areas are the engine (641 of 1,197 complaints), electrical system (191 of 1,197 complaints) and power train (141 of 1,197 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA has 1,197 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, including 38 reported crashes and 51 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata's problems?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.