Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2015)

1,208 consumer complaints on file.

#11726628March 24, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The bearing failure from the metal debris had been progressing silently for a long time. You can’t feel or hear it happening gradually. Then at some point the damage crosses a threshold where: ∙The oil can no longer circulate properly ∙The crankshaft bearings completely fail ∙Internal metal parts make contact with each other ∙Everything locks up instantly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726826March 24, 2026
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof detached from the vehicle. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact attempted to close the cover and was able to close it halfway. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to close the cover, but the cover failed to close. The contact drove the vehicle while holding the sunroof cover with the other hand. The contact stated that the wind kept lifting the detached panoramic sunroof. The vehicle was taken to a collision center to reattach the panoramic sunroof. The employee removed the panoramic sunroof and placed the sunroof on the passenger seat. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (VISIBILITY). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726426March 23, 2026
ENGINE
My engine is a class action lawsuit and Hyundai refuses to honor their extended warranty because my title has a brand on it. (Odometer issues) My car has been a the dealer for a month and Hyundai refuses even though it's a safety issue and a defect in their design. I want a new engine. The car is perfect otherwise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724002March 12, 2026
ENGINE
FEDERAL REPORT ON TECHNICAL OBSTRUCTION AND WARRANTY FRAUD (THETA II SETTLEMENT) TO: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) FROM: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] REPAIR ORDER (RO#): XXX VEHICLE LOCATION: Hyundai Shop - [XXX] HYUNDAI CORPORATE CASE: #XXX STATE COMPLAINT (AZ AG): XXX I. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS AND EVASIVE TACTICS All documentary evidence has been formally submitted to Hyundai Motor America’s National Consumer Affairs Department, addressed to Case Manager Bryan, at [XXX] and via the official email: [XXX] . STEP 1: Falsification of Title Status (Code A99) Hyundai initiated its denial by alleging that the vehicle held a "Salvage" title status, citing internal code A99. EVIDENCE: I possess a Certified and Stamped Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the Arizona MVD, as well as my Clean Title. Mr. Bryan categorically asserted that code A99 "cannot be removed," thereby deliberately disregarding an Official State Certification. STEP 2: Allegation of Negligence (Karen) Corporate representative Karen claimed via telephone that the vehicle's failure was attributable to "negligent maintenance." EVIDENCE: The Official WebDCS report—printed by Mr. Ismael Barragán (Service Drive Manager)—completely refutes this claim; the Blue Link service history indicates "0 FINDINGS." STEP 3: Fabricated Diagnosis and Breakdown of Improper Charges After being compelled by Mr. Bryan to take the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis, the narrative shifted to an "Oil Pump Failure." Mr. Ismael Barragán (Service Drive Manager) presented a billing estimate to the customer under Repair Order (RO) #XXX, itemized as follows: Mechanical Diagnosis: $193.00 USD Engine Replacement/Rebuild: $11,980.58 USD TOTAL DEMANDED FROM CONSUMER: $12,173.58 USD TECHNICAL EMPHASIS: The Blue Link report (showing 0 Findings) serves as irrefutable INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723405March 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle was a private sale. The vehicle was purchased on March 1, 2026. The mileage at the time of the purchase was 41,486. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the odometer mileage was last reported at 223,718. The seller was not made aware of the discrepancy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723091March 9, 2026
ENGINE
Engine completely seized while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722832March 8, 2026
ENGINE
Rod bearing failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721923March 4, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the highway and the engine shut off but everything else remained on. I drifted to the breakdown lane and turned the car off. It would not start again and the car began acting up by turning lights on and off, telling me to check the tire pressure, and not unlocking the doors. I then saw some very light smoke from the engine compartment. I popped the hood and looked and saw a glow on the bottom side of the engine area. Then the car just went up in flames.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721615March 3, 2026
ENGINE
Check Engine light is flashing on dashboard. Reduced Vehicle speed. Car will not drive beyond 62 miles.Lost of power during acceleration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721712March 3, 2026
ENGINE
The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. While driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the owner that the failure would not be covered under warranty due to a lack of engine maintenance on the vehicle. The owner provided the maintenance records. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720901February 27, 2026
ENGINE
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata experienced Service Campaign TX3, TSB# 15-01-022, with an error code of P0010. My car was in the repair shop from Thursday, February 19th, until Thursday, February 26th, being repaired. This cost me roughly $2,300.00 out of pocket. When I attempted to file for reimbursement through Hyundai, I was told they were not reimbursing me. My car experienced failure the first of February. When my mechanic investigated what had happened, it was in fact, due to the service campaign.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720509February 25, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
I was turning into a parking spot and the car accelerated unexpectedly. I slammed into a snow bank and my front bumper was damaged.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720226February 24, 2026
ENGINE
I JUST GOT THIS CAR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO AND NOW I AM BEING TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE. I JUST LOOKED UP 2015 HYUNDAI SONATAS AND SEE THAT THIS MODEL DOES HAVE REPEAT ISSUES OF ENGINE FAILURE SO I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS VIN NUMBER IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL LIST SINCE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719908February 23, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am reporting a re-failure of Safety Recall 152. The panoramic sunroof wind deflector, which was previously 'repaired' in 2017 under this recall, has failed again. The broken parts have jammed the sunroof mechanism, preventing it from closing. According to NHTSA Recall 152, this failure poses a severe safety risk as the sunroof glass can detach from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle has only 55,000 miles. Hyundai has currently refused to honor the recall remedy because the 10-year warranty expired 3 months ago, but a safety recall remedy must be permanent and effective.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719062February 19, 2026
ENGINE
Engine has knocking sound. Sudden loss of power and hesitation when accelerating
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718824February 18, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving on a public roadway. Immediately after, the vehicle began producing a large amount of smoke. The smoke quickly filled the cabin, making it difficult to breathe and creating an urgent safety hazard. My passenger and I had to exit the vehicle right away due to the amount of smoke. We were exposed to smoke inhalation and were stranded on the side of the road in unsafe weather conditions for over an hour while waiting for a tow truck. I later learned that the vehicle had an open recall related to engine issues; however, I was never notified of this recall. Regardless of recall status, the sudden loss of power combined with heavy smoke and potential fire risk created a dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. I believe this issue represents a serious safety defect and fire hazard that could endanger other drivers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718641February 17, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Component/System Failed: Engine – connecting rod bearing failure consistent with Hyundai Theta II engine defect subject to federal recalls and Consent Orders. The vehicle previously received Recall Campaign 953 (KSDS software update), intended to detect premature rod bearing wear. The engine is currently knocking and has been diagnosed as requiring replacement. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Rod bearing failure can cause sudden engine seizure or stall while driving, creating a significant crash risk due to loss of power steering and braking assist. Engine failure DID occurr despite prior recall software update, indicating potential recall remedy ineffectiveness. Sudden stalling in traffic placed myself and others at risk of collision. Dealer Confirmation: Hyundai of North Charleston confirmed through warranty history a prior engine replacement request (PA) was submitted by a previous owner but denied. The recall repair was never performed. Current diagnostic findings indicate engine failure consistent with known recall defect. However, Hyundai has refused to perform further inspection or goodwill repair solely due to the vehicle’s salvage branding. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No engine replacement was completed. Hyundai Customer Care has updated case notes but is declining remedy based on title status rather than mechanical condition. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: The vehicle previously received KSDS software update. Engine knocking developed consistent with rod bearing wear. The software did not provide effective prevention of engine failure. The engine now requires replacement. Hyundai is refusing recall-related remedy due to salvage title (predates my wonder ship by many years), despite federal recall obligations applying to the vehicle VIN. This complaint concerns potential failure of recall remedy effectiveness and denial of defect-related inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718659February 17, 2026
SUSPENSION
This complaint concerns a repeat failure of both front CV axles on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The CV axles and boots were replaced by Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County using OEM parts in November 2024. The same components failed again just 7,876 miles later in January 2026; requiring a second full replacement. A CV axle replaced with factory OEM parts by a certified Hyundai tech should not fail within 7,876 miles under normal driving conditions. This pattern of repeat failure indicates either * A defect in the OEM replacement parts supplied by Hyundai * An installation defect at the authorized dealership * An unresolved underlying mechanical condition that causes accelerated CV axle wear The rapid repeat failure represents a potential safety hazard. CV axle failure can result in sudden loss of drive power, difficulty controlling the vehicle, and in severe cases, wheel separation --all of which create dangerous conditions for the driver and others on the road. Chronological Timeline of Events: Nov 5, 2024 55,579 miles; both front CV axles replaced by authorized Hyundai dealership using OEM parts. Labor and parts performed per Hyundai standards. Jan 29, 2026 63,451 miles Same CV axles failed again. Second replacement performed at same authorized Hyundai dealership. Total repair cost $3227.16 paid out of pocket by me. Feb 16, 2026 Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill reimbursement request (Case #XXX), citing the malfunction being out of time in service of the vehicle. Reported to Hyundai Motor, their response did not address the repeated nature of failure, the short mileage interval, or the possibility of a defective OEM part or improper installation. I believe the NHTSA should be aware of this pattern and investigate other 2015 Hyundai Sonata owners have reported similar rapid repeat CV axle failures, which could indicate a systemic defect in either OEM parts or dealership repair procedures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718051February 14, 2026
ENGINE
While driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The check engine light began flashing, the vehicle lost power, and I almost lost control of the car. I barely had time to pull over to the shoulder to avoid an accident. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The engine does not start and the engine block is cracked. Hyundai denied coverage stating that a software update (Campaign 953) was not installed. Campaign 953 is only a detection update and does not repair or prevent internal engine failure. This is a serious safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717654February 12, 2026
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We pulled up at Hillgreen circle Cockysville MD To drop my boyfriend off at his apartment. I went to pull in the parking spot.I went to put the car into park and it had no brakes. I was slamming them and pumping them. It excellerated and took off. Jumped the curb,went down the hill and into the apartment building. A red light had came on the dash, right before it took off. Seemed like it was changing to gas or the electric mode,or the other way around. The airbag on the passenger side came out deflated,and filled with smoke going into the car. He was the belted front passenger and his elbow went in to the front window. You can tell by looking at it,the hole and spidered around it. He broke his right elbow. It is available anytime at the moment. It's at Hyundaii in Glen burnie. I need to get it to state farms lot,to get the Kelly blue book value. We look forward to hearing from you
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0

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