The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is associated with 1192 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 12 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 398 reports (33% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.4L 4-Cyl hybrid, 1.6l 4-cyl, 2.4l 4-cyl, and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 24 to 37 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 1192 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 12 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (398 / 33%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 38 crash / 50 fire / 26 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 24–37 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 35 MPG | 38 MPG | 37 MPG | — | $1,650 / yr |
| Sonata Hybrid Limited Hybrid | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 35 MPG | 38 MPG | 37 MPG | — | $1,650 / yr |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 28 MPG | 36 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 MPG | 36 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Sonata Sport Limited | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 MPG | 34 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Sonata | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Sonata Limited | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 30 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.5% |
| Hybrid 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2015 Hyundai Sonata models.
View complete 2015 Hyundai Sonata crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2015 Hyundai Sonata problems & component breakdown (177 categories) →
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, through June 16, 2014. Due to a manufacturing error, one or both of the front brake calipers may fracture.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Hyundai contacted the affected owners on June 19, 2014 and instructed them not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 120.
Affected Component: STEERING
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014. 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 from the Park position.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Sonata vehicles and has published recall bulletin 14-01-024 providing a service procedure to repair the affected vehicles. On June 7, 2014 Hyundai began to contact the affected retail customers. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 119.
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
View all 2015 Hyundai Sonata recalls & campaign history (12 campaigns) →