10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 29
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,788 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 26)

problem #503

Jul 222024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving on the highway and my engine violently started to shake and I pulled onto the shoulder and the engine shut off. I-??ve had oil leak and engine problems with this car for 2 and a half out of 3 years! I-??ve had to buy countless gallons of oil. Multiple spark plugs, coil packs, etc. You can-??t drive the car for one whole minute without it stalling in traffic and almost causing accidents. So I can-??t drive it!

- Forest, VA, USA

problem #502

Jul 032024

Sonata

  • miles
No check engine light was on. Heat cold gage was normal. No lights indicated what so ever. Engine started knocking really loud turned off while driving 70 mph on the freeway when it turned back on wouldn-??t go past 20 mph. when accelerating knocking would increase. Wouldn-??t accelerate past 20 mph. Took my vehicle to my local Hyundai dealer to be assed and they told me about the 953 campaign recall. I knew nothing about. I am 4th owner to the car from a used local dealership. My local hyundai refused to replace engine as well as corporate due to 953 campaign not being installed prior to engine failure. I only had the car a year and half and engine always sounded abnormally loud. I did tell the dealership this when we purchased the car as well as a few times throughout the time we went to make payments in person and they said it was normal Hyundais have loud engines. ultimately engine turned off while driving 20 mph and failed to turn back on at all. Out of a car since July 3 2024. No rental car was provided to me and had to pay for the diagnostics fee of $195 that was suppose to be waved once claim was approved but due to the 953 campaign not being installed by any of the previous owners or dealership my claims were denied! Now Hyundai wants $9,000 to replace engine with new belts and labor together! I don-??t even have that kind of money at all!! RIDICULOUS!!

- Tulare , CA, USA

problem #501

Jun 302024

Sonata

  • miles
On June 30, 2024 I was driving a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and the car caught on fire. There were no warning lights/ dash indicators/ no check engine lights or other warnings present. I had just exited the highway and while sitting at a light, smoke began emanating from the hood and within seconds the smoke turned dark brown at the vents near the windshield. I immediately exited out of the vehicle. I did not have time to pull over out of traffic. The car was engulfed in flames within a very short period of time. I had only seconds to exit the car. I would have struggled to get any passengers out of the backseat safely (i.e. kids in car seats) had I not been the only one in the car at the time. We had notified Hyundai of engine concerns that began in 2023, and they had given us the runaround for many months requiring us to submit paperwork for oil changes for the lifetime of the car and to keep returning to the dealership for "testing" after driving a certain # of miles. They required us to bring the car in to have pictures of the engine taken to ensure there wasn't "neglect" to the car on our part. This excessive and lengthy process by Hyundai took several months after initial concerns were brought up with the dealer. After being required to submit voluminous amount of paperwork and several trips to the dealership for "testing", Hyundai finally agreed to replace the faulty engine. We were told we could continue to drive it until a new engine was ordered. The new engine was scheduled to be replaced on July 11, 2024 however, the car burst into flames on June 30, 2024. Had Hyundai taken appropriate action when the issue was first brought to their attention, this incident would have likely been avoided and had not endangered my life and others helping. Thank you for your attention to this incident.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #500

Jun 172024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Spring Valley, NY, USA

problem #499

Jul 022024

Sonata

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #498

Jun 262024

Sonata

  • miles
My headlight and break lights constantly go out and need repairs and malfunction each time a change the light bulbs. My engine does not hold oil and it leaks constantly after 20 days of driving I have to get oil change every 30 days. I have repaired this leak on several times by the professionals and it still leaks and locks up my engine due to low oil.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #497

Jun 242024

Sonata

  • 129,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle stalled. The contact's husband was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

- Wesson, MS, USA

problem #496

May 242024

Sonata

  • miles
[XXX] THERMOSTAT ERROR REPORT P0128 REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND FLUSHED COOLANT ON 5.28.24 NOTES ON THIS CODE ARE FOR ELANTRA'S " P0128 : Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Thermostat below thermostat regulating temperature) This condition may be cause by the rubber valve inside the thermostat not closing properly. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the thermostat assembly to correct this condition. Thermostats must be replaced on all affected vehicles, even if they do not exhibit DTC P0128. " THE code is not back not even 30 days later [XXX] check engine light back on -- concerning needs to be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #495

Jun 112024

Sonata

  • miles
Engine just stopped working. car stop running turned off in the middle of traffic in Dallas Tx. I took my car for an oil change the mechanic said he-??s had plenty of 2015 sonata engines just give out and some catch a fire as well.It gave no warning and no smoke. This happened last week.

- Garland , TX, USA

problem #494

May 222024

Sonata

  • miles
In April 2023, I purchased a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco from Carvana with 56,000 miles. By May 2023, the mileage was around 72,000. While driving from South Houston to North Houston on [XXX], 2023, the car loudly popped as I exited the highway around 5:00 pm CST. I noticed smoke coming from the rear and parked in a construction zone near a convenience store. Upon inspection, the vehicle stopped working, and I saw a significant fluid leak underneath. A bystander alerted me to flames from the bottom and under the hood. I called 911, and the fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage. I later discovered that specific 2011-?"2015 Hyundai models had been recalled due to fire risk (NHTSA ID: 23V-651000), but this did not include the Hyundai Sonata Eco. The recall was due to the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module leaking brake fluid internally, potentially causing an electrical short and leading to a fire. I have photos and videos documenting the incident. Following the incident, I filed a claim with Travelers Insurance, and on May 28th, 2023, the vehicle was declared a total loss. While I appreciate their offer of ~$13,000, it is insufficient to cover the remaining loan balance of approximately $17,300. I am worried about the financial impact and potential danger I face due to this malfunction. The lack of information highlights the need for better consumer education. I am now looking into options to cover the remaining loan balance, acquire a new vehicle, and, most importantly, advocate for improved driver education regarding this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #493

May 182024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with 63k miles does not show any open recalls relating to fires however, my car was parked, went to turn it on, smelled an electrical smell and white smoke began billowing out of the engine. Within minutes the vehical engine compartment was engulfed in flames. I was able to remove my family from the vehicle and fire department came out to extinguish the vehicle. Thankfully everyone movedthere vehicles and no other vehicles were impacted but insurance has inspected the vehicle and determined it's a total loss as the whole engine compartment is melted. If not for me thinking and the action of others, many others cars could have been burned and my family burned and injured as they are still shook up about. Hyundai offered me a low settlement but there is know recall on the specific VIN for electrical or engine issues. The following weekend I met a guy who just purchased a pre-owned Hyundai and after leaving he stopped at a red light and the vehicle engine compartment went up in flames while parked. There is a larger issue at hand here and please help us investigate this so no one else has to go through this nightmare.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #492

May 272024

Sonata

  • miles
UNKNOWN, car was driving fine on the highway, then all RPMS were lost and the car couldn't accelerate past 40mph. At the same time a loud knocking started and when i was able to park and pop the hood, the engine was clearly vibrating and the source of the knocking is undetermined. there are recall's for improperly welded rods in the 2013/14 model sonatas and the 2016 so i find it hard to believe that Hyundai doesn't know that this year and make would have the same known issue and those models have all had recalls already except for mine...

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #491

May 312024

Sonata

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a?2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and unlatched the hood when it was discovered that the engine caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No fire department or police report was filed. No injuries were sustained however the contact mentioned his arm hair did burn off and no medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #490

Jul 102023

Sonata

  • miles
Engine cylinder malfunction. Loss of power and choking, hesitation in moving forward. Could cause accident or traffic flow. Not confirm by dealer. But automobile is repair shop to determine problem.no warning signs are displayed.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #489

May 142024

Sonata

  • 70,832 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when the vehicle started, there was a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod-knocking sound was coming from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,832.

- Lucedale, MS, USA

problem #488

Apr 302024

Sonata

  • miles
I have had my car serviced twice by the Hyundai dealership for the same exact issue. I believe I was told it was a knock sensor. A refurbished engine ended up being put in. The car is still having the same issues as when I first got it serviced in 2021/2022. My car is sputtering, loses power when accelerating and stalling. My car has always had an oil consumption issue and is causing additional issues with spark plugs.

- Mcfarland, WI, USA

problem #487

Apr 292024

Sonata

  • miles
Intake Camshaft, Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit and Brake Booster are the system that failed all in the same week. My safety is being put at risk because of the bad brake booster I almost rear end someone else. My car doesn-??t accelerate has it should initially which could cause a wreck. Problems has been confirmed by independent service center. My car has been inspected by mechanics. My engine light is on and when diagnosed the codes P0011-00 & P0010-00 pop up.

- Owasso , OK, USA

problem #486

Apr 222024

Sonata

  • 202,866 miles
The engine failure, rod bearings failure causing the engine to lose power while driving, car not able tpo accelarate, check engine light and other lights popped on. Loud noise coming from engine sounded like worn belts, knocking noise and oil pressure loss. My daughter's safety and mine was put major risk. This happened as I was driving the car lost power seized up. Could have caused a major accidient. The dealer and mechanics have inspected and confirmed the problem. The check engine light came on and other lights. Very stressful and caused major anxiety due to this.

- Chicopee, MA, USA

problem #485

Jun 122023

Sonata

  • miles
I brought this car brand new at ABC HUNDUIA IN Las Vegas NV I now like in NY And my engine making a loud winning noise as I steer and the seat drivers side does not retract back into place.I just spent over 3 grand to fix other issues A/C cost over 3 grand but they never fixed what I requested. Please help me Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Kings Park, NY, USA

problem #484

May 032024

Sonata

  • miles
My daughter-??s Car stalled in middle of freeway twice. The second time it ruined the engine it was confirmed by my auto repair shop. Transporting it to Hyundai dealership. It-??s a 2015 Hyundai sonata engine huge issue. Almost catastrophic stalling on the freeway. Please help- thanks.

- Celina, TX, USA

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