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Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 29 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,275 - $8,100

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Engine failed while driving on a toll road. Had it towed to local Hyundai dealership and they worked with Hyundai to replace the engine at no cost to me. Part of the offering was to cover hire car during time in shop, after showing proof of car being serviced. Hyundai made it VERY hard to get the $1100 reimbursement for auto rental."

Anonymous, TX (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The Engine Rebuild was fortunately covered under an extended warranty by the manufacturer. I was without transportation however for about 2 weeks while the dealership service shop went through the approval with the manager for my loaner. vehicle. I was placed in a loaner vehicle for about a month before the engine rebuild was completed."

Anonymous, IN (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"There is a know issue with these engines. Called the Theta class action settlement. Got a rebuilt engine and free loaner. Happened at about 60,000 miles. Been fine ever since. Second Hyundai where this has happened."

Anonymous, NC (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The engine froze while driving. Reported it to the local Hyundai dealer and was told that this year's engine had a history of this. The engine was replaced at no cost to me."

Anonymous, NY (2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine consumed more than 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles of driving. After several oil consumption tests, Hyundai replaced the engine under warranty at no cost."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Unsure)

"Engine had issues and would not run. We received a new invite as part of a recall."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Driving to work and out of the blue lost acceleration and non responsive gas pedal. Had to have it towed to mechanic who diagnosed 2 error codes (P064A & P1326).Called Hyundai dealer who indicated these codes were related to known engine failures. Was able to drive it to dealership who verified engine failure and contacted Hyundai. Although engine had 110K miles and was out of warranty period, within 2-3 days Hyundai agreed to replace engine."

Anonymous A., MD (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Dealer Replaced engine at 90K under warantee, for excessive oil consumption. Car dtill burns oil. I can't afford to get a new car. I just add a quart of oil every 2 weeks or so, and/or when I check dip stick and at 1 quart level!"

Anonymous, IL (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The engine seized at about 130,000 miles. Hyundai, probably due to the class action lawsuit was great about everything and replaced the engine under the forever drivetrain warranty. Otherwise this car has been great. I purchased this car in September 2014 its a 2015 model Turbo Sport with the ultimate package. It has everything Hyundai offered at that time. It had a MSRP of $34,800.00 and I paid $26,500.00 for it. A Sport Turbo with a D steering wheel and paddle shifters etc. An absolute bargain for a near luxury sport sedan. I plan on keeping it for a while since it has a new engine. Overall so far this car has been great! Hyundai gives you a lot features and technology and luxury for the money. Great car!"

Anonymous A., CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Head gasket

"Oil leaks were detected first. After inspection it was found that a head gasket and associated parts had to be replaced."

Anonymous, TN (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

"With only 32,000 miles, required expensive repair to accelerator position sensor"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"2 quarts of oil used between 5000 mile oil changes"

Anonymous A., PA (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I was recently informed by the dealership servicing the car that the only way to cure the excessive oil consumption is to replace the engine. This appears to be an engine design issue. There is a whole Facebook group with 1.6K members with people experiencing excessive oil consumption."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"The pulley for the serpentine belt had failed, causing the alternator to no longer be able to run. I was able to drive the vehicle on residual battery power to the dealer, who quoted $140 for a 'diagnostic fee' before they would even look at the issue. The dealer called back three days later (over the weekend) to tell me that it would be over $3000 to repair the vehicle, citing additional 'problems' that were not what I had asked for a quote on. The pulley itself - a part that is available OEM from Kia for just $40 - was quoted at nearly $400. This is the same part number that is shared between both manufacturers. Then the manufacturer somehow wanted $600 in labor for the repair, bringing the total cost to replace a tensioner pulley and serpentine belt to over $1200. I was able to work with the dealer to get the diagnostic fee removed, and brought my own parts for the repair, bringing the total down to around $400. The cost of service was still ridiculously high, but at this point I had to let it go. I refused all 'additional services' the dealer tried to recommend."

Anonymous, IN (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Engine mounts

"Engine mount failed and needed replaced"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Oil leaks

"I noticed an oil leak on the garage floor following an oil & filter change at the dealer. Made an appt to have it checked, dealer gave me a loaner. They found oil leaking from timing cover, valve cover, rocker cover and lower oil pan. Replaced those gaskets requiring significant removal and reinstall of several items: Drive belt, stretch belt, crankshaft pulley, motor mount, CVVT cover, water pump, high pressure fuel pump, high pressure fuel pipe. All repairs covered under Hyundai warranty. Returned the next day to pick up vehicle. No leaks found following this repair."

Anonymous, IL (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"valve cover gasket"

Anonymous, KY (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The oil pressure sensor started leaking and caused the injector body to be contaminated with oil. The oil pan had a leak as well."

Anonymous, AL (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"valve cover gasket started to leak"

Anonymous, GA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"cracked oil pan"

Anonymous, CO (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The trunk has a curved piece attached across the front of the trunk that has a clear coat on it.The lower right corner has started to peel off in splotches and looks ugly. The paint underneath is fine."

Anonymous A., WA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I have had a severe paint peeling problem on my white 2015 Sonata. About a 18 months ago,big chunks of paint peeled off my roof and trunk. Hyundai covered 50% of the cost of new paint for the impacted areas. However,it still cost me $837 out of pocket. A few weeks ago a three foot long area of paint on my hood peeled off. I complained to Hyundai customer service and they refused to do anything even though peeling paint is a well known and documented defect with Sonatas and several other Hyundai models with white paint. If I have the hood repainted it will cost about a $1000 and, of course, I have already spent $837 on the problem. If I trade in the car as is, I am sure the value will take a big hit. I have generally been happy with the car but this paint problem and Hyundai's refusal to make it right is most troubling."

Anonymous, NY (2015 Hyundai Sonata ECO 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The color is faded on several parts of car.itcshows up more than other cars because it is red. Looks terrible."

Anonymous, (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Vehicle is not garaged. The paint is fading on the plastic body sections and trim as a result."

Anonymous A., DE (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"I started experimenting it about 36 months ago when I was still covered under warranty, now my little sunshine is no longer covered under the paint warranty. The color is all white pearlized and the paint is just bubbling completely off the car, all on the hood above the passenger door, the trunk is starting to bubble up now but the paint has not started chipping off. I wake up every morning and survey the car to see what spot have started to bubble up and then it rolls, and as soon as the wind hits it the paint just flies off the car. I wash her two or three times a month, the oil changes or kept up to date but the huge missing paint spots all over the hood, as well as the passenger door, and the trunk is just starting now. The interior is 100% perfect but the exterior of the white Hyundai Sonatas is just horrific! They really need to do a recall and fix it. Ive reached out to Hyundai two times and they keep telling me its nothing they can do about it. But I started counting how many other White Hyundai Sonatas I have come across in the last 24 months, and I have seen 27 white Hyundai Sonatas with the same issue. Please help if there is anything else you are able to do for us, this problem has not been resolved as of May 18, 2024. I saw a recall for the white Hyundai Senada but it did not include 2015 and newer."

Anonymous A., FL (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint consistently peeling off in multiple areas on the hood and roof."

Anonymous, NJ (2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"ABS shows up on my dash. But mechanics say nothing wrong. So I ignore the symbols on the dash and drive it anyway. I don't go to dealer because service is terrible"

Anonymous, (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Calipers

"The rear brakes needed to be replaced. It was routine maintenance"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other brakes problem

"While it is not uncommon to replace brakes, $1,300.00 for four wheel replacement is. Brakes are brakes. I am puzzled in regards to the high cost. Side note, I also replaced the battery which was also extremely costly. Ive never had to pay over $300 for the battery alone."

Anonymous A., DE (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Pulsation or vibration

"Repair was complete brake overhaul."

Anonymous, VA (2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Started in November and was resolved in January"

Anonymous, PA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"Back brakes squeaky for several months."

Anonymous A., NM (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Unsure)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Nothing out of the ordinary, I just had to replace the battery. It lasted well within a reasonable time frame."

Anonymous A., CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Battery failed at age of 55 months."

Anonymous, UT (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Interior lights

"Stopped working"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other electrical system problem

"Alternator output began fluctuating and the it had to be replaced."

Anonymous, UT (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"needed new battery"

Anonymous A., OH (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"drivers door lock would not unlock from the outside correctly"

Anonymous, SK (2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"tie rod end replaced"

Anonymous, NS (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Oil valve gasket leaked, was covered under Powertrain warranty as problem occurred below the 5 year 100,000 miles termination period"

Anonymous, MA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Only hot air from ac in the past year. I went to Hyundai to repair three times, but it only blew cool for an hour or so."

Anonymous A., NM (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Unsure)
Condenser

"Leak found by Hyundai service personnel. AC Condenser Assy was replaced"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Heater system

"Heater works but not as powerful as it once did"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

CV joint

"During routine service tech found CV boot cracked and leaking, had both sides replaced. But not at dealership, at independent mechanic which was about 30% less in price."

Anonymous A., AZ (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Driveshaft or axle

"Clicking noise from front driver axle, installed new axle (Shaft ASSY=Drive) FP#49500-C2210. Also installed Nut-Castle FP#49551-3X000"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Grease boot on drive shaft began losing grease."

Anonymous A., MO (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"thumping noise in rear suspension. has been "fixed" before but recurrs"

Anonymous, WI (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"There are rattled now that are annoying and I am concerned about cost of tracking and fixing, so I live with them."

Anonymous, MO (2015 Hyundai Sonata ECO 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"I am not sure. I think the symptoms were vibration and noise."

Anonymous A., ON (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Power steering

"The power steering has failed on this vehicle several times. It has been in the shop (cumulatively) for over 5 months of the last 18. I have had every major component in the power steering replaced, and yet the system still is not 100% functional (although it is now drivable, I still see errors and warnings when driving). I've been told that a wire connection needed reseated the last three times I've taken the car in for this recurring issue. The most egregious situation left the car in the shop between early July and late September. The car was with the dealership, and the 'wrong part' kept coming in when they ordered the SKU for the 'power pack'. After getting the car back, issues reoccurred within weeks of driving the vehicle. The steering column sensors were replaced, and the whole situation has been an overall nightmare. The car is nowhere near something I would consider reliable, and isn't drivable for more than a few hours without something new coming up."

Anonymous, IN (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Thermostat

"It caused a check engine light alert and was a $400+ repair"

Anonymous, AL (2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"It began about four years ago. The Eco transmission doesn't always shift from first quickly if you are trying to accelerate fast in traffic. It's dangerous sometimes."

Anonymous, MO (2015 Hyundai Sonata ECO 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"The check engine light has come on 7 times. The dealer said they replaced every component that causes this and yet it is on yet again and is currently running rough and gas mileage is affected."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Heated or cooled seats

"driver's seat heater shuts off prematurely"

Anonymous, WI (2015 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 24, 2021
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
What should you do:
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V749000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 469377
PARKING BRAKE
Jun 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.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V359000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 161074
VISIBILITY
Oct 11, 2016
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V726000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 62811
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