2015 Hyundai Sonata Problems And Complaints

2015 Hyundai Sonata User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

• Issues with the airbag system: In the list of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata problems, buyers have reported two distinct issues with the airbag system. The first problem is concerned with the illumination of the passenger airbag warning light, which indicates that a passenger is not present despite the seat being occupied. As a result, it can interfere with the proper deployment of the airbag, which can create a hazardous safety situation. On the other hand, some complainants have also recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. While it has resulted in bruises and whiplash to the occupants in a couple of cases, one person had succumbed to their injuries.

Electric System Complaints

• Correct turn signals do not illuminate: Among the Hyundai Sonata electrical problems, buyers have reported the incorrect turn signals to illuminate. When the user gives a command for the activation, the opposite turn signal illuminates. As a result, other vehicles on the road might not have complete information about the driver’s course, which can increase the risk of a crash. To deal with the issue, Hyundaihas introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 21V749000.
• Issues with the headlights: When placed on auto mode, buyers have reported the failure of the headlight units. The headlights have been recorded to turn off randomly, affecting the driver’s visibility.

Interior Complaints

• Fuel odor inside the cabin: Due to a cracked fuel pump, several buyers have reported the 2015 Hyundai Sonata’s cabin being engulfed by a gaseous odor. While the problem is not widespread, the replacement of the fuel pump, and in some cases, the injectors can help eliminate the problem.
• Lose driver’s seat: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have reported the sedan’s front seat detaching itself from the body frame. As a result, the seat wobbles and cannot be adjusted to suit the needs of the driver. This unintended movement can increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

Structural Complaints

• Structural deficiencies: In the list of structural complaints, the Sonata sunroof problems top the list. Buyers have reported the sunroof making a squeaking noise, detaching from its panel, and consequently, shattering. Among other issues, some complainants have also reported a problem with the random opening of the hood and trunk and the peeling of the vehicle’s paint.

Mechanical Complaints

• Issues with the transmission unit: The 2015 Hyundai Sonata transmission issues are concerned with the erratic shifting between the gears. Buyers have reported the transmission to fail when shifting up or down between gears, which causes the vehicle to hesitate excessively. In some cases, the slipping of the transmission unit can result in the vehicle stalling.
• Failure of service brakes: 2015 Hyundai Sonata brake problems are concerned with the brake pedals becoming extremely mushy, which fails to bring the vehicle to a halt. This can increase the risk of a rear-end collision due to an increased halting distance and time. While no reason is known, in a couple of cases, warped rotors and leaking brake fluid were attributed as the cause of the failure.
• Excessive oil consumption: Among the 2015 Sonata problems, buyers have reported excessive oil consumption. As a result, the midsize sedanremains low on oil levels, which can reduce engine lubrication.
• Cracked wheels: Buyers of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have reported the sedan’s Hankook tires developing cracks and bubbles. As a result, the tires may blow out prematurely. While the problem is similar to what buyers have faced in the previous iterations, there is currently no recall available with the 2015 MY.
• Loss of power steering assist: The 2015 Hyundai Sonata steering problems deal with the failure of the power steering assist. In several cases, buyers have reported the steering system locking up and seizing to perform its function. As a result, the vehicle cannot be controlled, which has resulted in a crash in one case. Considering its impact, Hyundaihas initiated a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 14V325000, to deal with the issue.
• Loss of power and stalling: The 2015 Hyundai Sonata engine problems are concerned with the unexpected loss of power and make up for a majority of complaints recorded on NHTSA. When merging into traffic or accelerating from a stop, buyers have reported the vehicle losing its motive power, which causes it to vibrate excessively. As a result, the sedan hesitates when accelerated, and in some cases, it stalls unexpectedly.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	24th Sept 2021	21V749000	Improper functioning of turn signals	Due to an error in interpretation by the Smart Junction Box software from the multifunction switch, the turn signal might activate in the wrong direction, as intended by the driver.	Dealers will update the SJB software, free of cost.
2.	5th June 2017	17V359000	The parking brake indicator may not illuminate	Due to corrosion of the switch, the parking brake indicator may not illuminate, when applied.	Dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of cost.
3.	11th Oct 2016	16V276000	Detachment of sunroof panel	In vehicles equipped with the panoramic sunroof, the panel might detach from the deflector due to improper bonding.	Dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of cost.
4.	21st Apr 2016	16V232000	Airbag second stage might not inflate appropriately	Due to a missing chemical enhancer, the second stage airbag deployment might not occur. The primary stage will continue as intended.	Dealers will replace the frontal airbag module, free of cost.
5.	20th Oct 2015	15V678000	ABS warning light may not illuminate	In case of an ABS malfunction, the ABS warning light might not illuminate, resulting in non-compliance with federal laws.	Dealers will update the ABS control software, free of charge.
6.	30th June 2015	15V414000	The front passenger seat belt may not latch	Due to a problem with the buckle latch assembly, the front passenger seat belt might not be fastened properly.	Dealers will repair or replace the front passenger seat belt buckle, free of cost.
7.	9th Dec 2014	14V784000	Separation of the left axle shaft	Due to an incorrect left axle shaft, the shaft may separate from the transaxle differential.	Upon inspection, dealers will replace the axle shaft, free of charge.
8.	24th June 2014	14V368000	Fractured brake caliper	Due to an error in manufacturing, one or both the front calipers might fracture.	Dealers will replace the front calipers, free of charge. Till the repairs are made, Hyundai has instructed the buyers not to drive the vehicle.
9.	12th June 2014	14V325000	Loss of steering assist	Due to a poor electrical connection within the wiring harness, the vehicle might suffer from reduced steering assistance from the motor-driven power steering system.	Hyundai has published a bulletin listing the service procedure for the repair. Additionally, it has instructed the buyers not to drive the vehicle till the repairs are made.

Should you buy the 2015 Hyundai Sonata?

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is an impressive advancement over the yesteryear models. It comes with a new design language, has an impressive set of features, and vaunts impressive handling capabilities, which make it a buyers’ delight. However, when reliability is concerned, the midsize sedan fails to deliver a similar level of performance. While its complaints do not feel blown out of proportion considering its sales figures, there are two recalls that restrict the vehicle’s overall movement and relate to the safety of the occupants. So, while we do not deem Hyundai Sonata as an unsafe proposition, we would suggest buyers wait for the resolution of both the urgent recalls before buying the vehicle. Additionally, we recommend the 2015 Kia Optima, as it is the lesser of all other evils.