The Sonata is a solid daily driver, but the 2015 model year’s reputation is marred by some serious recalls and complaints. It’s difficult for any vehicle to overcome nine recalls, two investigations, and nearly 600 complaints–half of them about the engine.
Key Points
- To date, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata has nine recalls, two investigations, and 590 complaints lodged with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The most common issue in the 2015 Sonata lies with its faulty throttle control system, which can cause stalling, hesitation, and even unintended acceleration. Currently, there is no fix from Hyundai.
- The two NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Sonata cover a potentially deadly airbag malfunction and throttle control issues, increasing the chances of harm being caused in an accident, and leaving drivers unable to control their engines.
- Ultimately, the 2015 Sonata is a bit of a problem child that is best to steer clear of, especially if you have the option of a 2016 or newer model, which have most of the kinks of the ’15 worked out.
2015 Sonata’s Nine Recalls Concern Issues Like Turn Signals that may Activate in the Wrong Direction, and Possible Loss of Power Steering
The NHTSA has issued nine recalls on the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, an excessive number for its age. To make matters worse, these aren’t harmless issues either. Only two of the recalls affect less than 250 vehicles, with many affecting tens or even hundreds of thousands of units.
Arguably the worst recalls deal with turn signals that may activate in the wrong direction, a front passenger seatbelt that may not latch, brake calipers that may fracture, and the possible loss of power steering. The two recalls with the lowest number of impacted units are a left axle that may separate and faulty second-stage airbag inflation. What’s more, some 2015 Sonatas have issues with their parking brake indicator, a sunroof panel that may detach, or an ABS warning lamp that fails to illuminate.
In addition to Cracking Calipers, 2015 Sonatas have Issues with Malfunctioning Parking Brake Indicators
To date, the NHTSA has 59 complaints about the 2015 Sonata’s braking system. A majority describe issues with the recalled electronic parking brake. Generally speaking, owners fail to receive a dash light indicating the brake is engaged. In such a situation, owners may operate the vehicle, unsure whether the parking brake is engaged.
A corroded parking brake switch was found to be the culprit, and like all recalls, the manufacturer will handle the repair free of charge.
Sudden Reduction of Power Steering Assist in Some 2015 Sonatas may Require Increased Steering Effort
Electronic power steering failure is another problem to watch out for with the 2015 model, an issue prompting a recall of 2,138 2015 Sonata units. A poor connection within the vehicle’s wiring harness may result in a reduction of steering assist from the Sonata’s motor-driven power steering system or the inability to move the car’s shifter from the Park position, increasing the chances of an accident occurring.
2015 Hyundai Sonata’s Throttle Control Problems has Led to Lots of Complaints of Stalling, Hesitation, and High Revving
By far, the most pervasive problem in the 2015 Sonata is its powertrain. While the engines and transmissions themselves are fine, the throttle control system is wreaking havoc. Over 300 complaints detail issues with engine hesitation, unintended acceleration, stalling, and wildly fluctuating rpms.
Many reports detail excessive oil consumption and check engine lights as well. One owner mentioned having their ECU reprogrammed to fix the issue only to have the problem return shortly after. Unfortunately, there’s still no factory fix for the throttle system.
Two Open NHTSA Investigations Loom Over 2015 Sonata for its Faulty Throttle Control System and Problematic Airbags
Recalls and complaints are one thing. NHTSA investigations are another. An open investigation is never a good sign. The 2015 Sonata currently has two still being looked into, one of which was launched as recently as November of 2021. The investigations will ultimately determine whether or not Hyundai/Kia is penalized for negligence in regard to the alleged defects.
Perhaps the most serious item under investigation is 2015 Sonata’s throttle control system. This issue has resulted in most of the engine’s complaints and created a major headache for drivers. Owners petitioned the NHTSA to investigate the matter, and their efforts succeeded.
The NHTSA states that the petitioners allege problems such as unintended acceleration, surging, stalling, and loss of motor power, all stemming from the vehicle’s electronic throttle control system. The investigation is still open, but the sheer number of complaints makes the outlook grim for Hyundai.
The first investigation opened into the 2015 Hyundai Sonata covers the airbag system. Certain Sonatas contain airbag control units that are prone to failure, possibly over electrical overstress. The end results are undeployed airbags and faulty seat belt pretensioners posing a safety threat.
Nine Recalls, Two Investigations, and Nearly 600 Complaints Give 2015 Sonata a Shaky Reliability Rating
Sadly, the one thing holding back the 2015 Sonata from being a great car is its unreliable nature. After nine recalls and nearly 600 complaints, it’s hard to recommend the 2015 Sonata. If you had your heart set on a Sonata, fret not. We recommend you grab a 2016 model or newer, which didn’t change much apart from eliminating some of those first-year problems you always find in a new generation.
Photos: Hyundai
