FaultScore

2015 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems

167 of the 1,660 complaints about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata are about the electrical system — 10% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 57,320 miles.

C

167

Complaints

3

Crashes

16

Fires

6

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 161 96.4%
Solenoid 1 0.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 1 0.6%
Speedometer/Odometer 1 0.6%
Spark Plugs 1 0.6%
Coil 1 0.6%
Key/Sender 1 0.6%

Electrical System across every Hyundai Sonata year

1993 10 0.5%
1999 15 0.8%
2000 39 2.0%
2001 10 0.5%
2002 23 1.2%
2003 19 1.0%
2004 17 0.9%
2005 19 1.0%
2006 86 4.4%
2007 51 2.6%
2008 32 1.6%
2009 62 3.2%
2010 16 0.8%
2011 444 22.6%
2012 234 11.9%
2013 260 13.2%
2014 136 6.9%
2015 167 8.5%
2016 90 4.6%
2017 65 3.3%
2018 60 3.1%
2019 12 0.6%
2020 37 1.9%
2021 17 0.9%
2022 15 0.8%
2023 12 0.6%
2024 18 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Greenfield, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1.) Following Hyundai's 9C2 Campaign update for the ECU that was completed back on May 27th, 2026, my 2015 Sonata went into limp mode [solid check engine light present] while I was accelerating up an on-ramp on the 2nd drive cycle since the update was performed. I was already far away from the dealership so I was forced to limp it to my local shop that I regularly use to have it checked out. It was confirmed that the code on the vehicle was P200A for intake manifold runners. Since the update was for smog regulation, the code was cleared in order to see if it would come back. Since then, it has not, however the vehicle continues to have one persistent problem. The RPMs will dramatically dip and then surge back upwards while the car is coasting (no gas and no brake applied). 70% of the time, you can feel the car violently jerk as it appears to try and correct itself. 2.) I've brought this car to multiple dealerships, have a case open with corporate and have also found that this is a systemic issue with this specific update in these cars. All and all, nothing has been done. I'm repeatedly turned away over and over again because their techs are only permitted to look into it once they have hard evidence of a fault. In this case, that would be a dashboard light. I'm told that I may only return if the check engine light comes back, which as I mentioned previously, posed a HUGE safety risk to myself the first time it appeared. If I can only go 55mph down the highway, I am at risk of being rear-ended or struck in some way. 3.) The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer as they will not test drive it to see the dip and spike. However, the code was still pending for awhile in the vehicle before it cleared it on its own, so that was acknowledged by at least one place. 4.) Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but a dealership and local mechanic. 5.) No other signs prior to the vehicle limping out on me other than some acceleration concerns on May 27th, 2026.

NHTSA complaint #11755317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dania Beach, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This vehicle had a recall, 201, for the smart junction box. This was due to the blinkers not working properly. The software update was performed, however, the problem still exists. This was due to the smart junction box. Now, aside from the blinker issue, the ac stays on when the engine is turned off, lights come on by themselves, the media screen goes randomly into night mode, daylight running lights are constantly in night mode, smart junction box failure. I have not taken this to a mechanic as of yet, the dealership is aware, and I opened a case with Hyundai case #42940056, however, I have not received a call from my service advisor or Hyundai. They offered to do diagnostics, but, if these problems are not about the safety recall, I would have to pay $350 for diagnostics, unless I get the problem fixed by them. This car has 66k miles with a new engine installed at 59400 miles! At this point, I have the car parked, battery disconnected, and looking for the most efficient way to fix the problem, which must be performed by specialized equipment.

NHTSA complaint #11750940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 223,718 miles Benton Harbor, MI

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.

NHTSA complaint #11723405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Branford, CT Fire

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.

NHTSA complaint #11721923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Guntown, MS 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2015 Sonata will stall out dropping speeds to 12-24 when i slightly merge, when I turn ect. Then it won’t accelerate for what seems like 10 minutes realistically 2 minutes maybe 3 Then will slowly regain speed. I’ve almost wrecked twice Share care with daughter and she’s been victim to it way way more. This is scary and Hyundai won’t stay behind their product Local dealership won’t fix recalls so we have to go over 120 miles for repairs. The recall isn’t even for transmission engine

NHTSA complaint #11711848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hephzibah, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i've had my 2015 hyundai sonata now for A year. i took it to the hyundai place to have recalls on the security fixed. and told them about the valve cover gasket leaking. they said they fixed it. however every since i took it to the dealership i have had nothing but problems. my car makes a rattling noise when i accelerate, i smell a strong gas smell occasionally at random times but always while driving. my driver brake light has never worked, my driver headlight keeps blowing, my airbag light is now coming on randomly, my car has a bag vibration while going down the road, when i let off the gas it stops and i have replaced tires and still it won't go away no matter what i have done to fix it , and there has been many times after i return home the smell of something burning as off something is on fire is coming from my car. i have even been in panick thinking something today home was on fire but the smell was coming from my car. and others have even stated they smelled it as well. i've already taken out two loans to fix the valve cover gasket and the fuel pump filter, i can not keep taking out loans to fix problems that appears to be problems from the manufacturer and same problems others have had due to malfunctioning issues. i have children that ride in my car, i would hate for someone to get hurt or worse bc of manufacturing problems. then hyundai would have a bigger problem on their hands.

NHTSA complaint #11705239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coral Spring, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a defective engine. The motor failed unexpectedly even though the car has low usage and has always been maintained properly. I was informed that many Hyundai engines from these years came with manufacturing issues, and mine appears to be one of them.

NHTSA complaint #11702481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cisco, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While I was driving at approximately 55mph, a loud clank happened and the car stalled, and smoke started pouring out of the hood and through the vents into the cabin, and I was leaving burning pieces behind on the road. I pulled over, ran to the back to get my dogs out of their crash tested kennels in the backseat, and both rear doors & passenger front door were locked. I ran up front to unlock them, and the unlock button did not work. I tried the unlock on the keys and it did not work. Due to having a recommended crash safe kennel set up it was not possible to crawl into the back to open it from the inside. My dogs were trapped in a car that was filled with smoke and on fire for over 2 minutes while I debated breaking the windows. I managed to fish a wire into the back to unlock and pull the door open from the inside of the back doors. The car stopped burning but was still smoking for several minutes after & I was able to clear the smoke to make it safe for my dogs to wait for a tow. When the mechanic looked at it he said the engine blew up due to the rod shattering into the block, destroying the entire engine and spilling oil which lit on fire. Mechanic recommended I contact Hyundai for engine replacement as this was a known issue with other 2015 Hyundai sonatas which were recalled due to risk of a defect rod knock causing the rod to shatter causing high speed stalling. Hyundai says my engine was not included in that specific recall. I included photo of the shattered rod which fell out when the mechanic lifted the vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11701800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hephzibah, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The engine light started to come on and go off and when I got the codes ran, it said something along the line of misfire. I had the spark plugs changed and I kept regular maintenance done on oil changes and tune ups. Now my engine is knocking and the vehicle is in limp mode.

NHTSA complaint #11688793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Inglis, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rubber stopper for the brake light switch on the brake pedal deteriorated and fell apart. This resulted in the brake lights remaining on constantly, cruise control being disabled, and low battery voltage.

NHTSA complaint #11688660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saraland, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have contacted the guy that sold me the car he Refused to fix the recall which is my motor I need Something done , Hyundai won’t Honor their Recall .

NHTSA complaint #11679743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bradenton, FL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX], my 2015 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Sarasota, FL. There were no warning lights, error messages, or abnormal performance indicators prior to the failure. Within minutes of losing power, smoke began to enter the cabin, followed by visible flames from the engine compartment. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and called 911. The fire fully engulfed the vehicle and destroyed personal property inside, including my late father’s ashes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The incident caused significant emotional distress and has resulted in a PTSD diagnosis. The sudden nature of the failure and rapid spread of the fire suggest a critical defect in the vehicle’s engine or related components. I believe this represents a serious safety hazard to other Hyundai owners and the public. Documentation, photographs, and insurance/fire reports are available.

NHTSA complaint #11679864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Bernardino, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car has had an electrical issue ever since taking to to get a recall around may of 2023. It will randomly brake and shift the transmission badly while downshifting. I feel as if my make and model falls under the theta II campaign they had to replace certain engines for having a knocking rod be fault and release shaving into the engine causing it to misfire. Not only that but the electrical issue is completely random it happens atleast once or twice a week. It had began ever since I took it for a recall, and when I took it back they found no issue and left food in the back of my car and the chairs leaned back. This was the Fontana Hyundai dealership

NHTSA complaint #11668087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Maxwell, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that an unknown recall repair for the ECM software update was performed; however, the software update failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle remained at the dealer for four months without being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11667169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Hialeah, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her son was driving the vehicle at approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the driver pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated after the driver turned off and restarted the vehicle several times, the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the loss of power steering assist was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000(Steering, Electrical System). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist motor and unknown related parts needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V325000(Steering, Electrical System); however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11666593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My steering rack had to be replaced at less than 55,000 miles. I asked the dealer if this was covered under warranty and they said no. I was charged $4,800 for this repair. I contacted Hyundai USA and they refused to cover the repair. I then realized that I had received a letter from Hyundai stating my car had the extended warranty of 15 years/150m miles for this exact repair. I am on the phone with Hyundai now and they are still refusing to cover this repair, even though they sent me the letter stating my car has this extended warranty. My car is available for inspection upon request. Yes, my safety and the safety of others was put at risk, my power steering would intermittently go out while turning. Yes, my car was inspected twice, once in 2023 and again in May of 2025. Repairs were done in May. I was told this was not covered under warranty but I have an extended warranty from Hyundai for this exact problem. That extended warranty is for 15 years/150m miles. Yes, the occurrence in 2025 threw a code of C168708 - CAN time out VSM (MDPS) and C1814 - CAN message failure SAS.

NHTSA complaint #11665977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MI AUTO NO ENCIENDE Y NO DETECTA LA LLAVE SIMPLEMEM NTE NO FUNCIONA NADA NO PUEDO ARRANCARLO

NHTSA complaint #11660133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alexandria, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving and when turning into a parking lot, I accelerated and the vehicle stalled. It did not go suddenly when accelerating. A couple days later, I use a code reader and have a code listed as P1326. So I take it for a diagnostic at a local shop and I am told it is the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). I was advised to take it to a Hyundai dealer because often these vehicles have manufacture warranty since there’s recalls. There have been some vehicles under this recall Hyundai put out as Service Campaign 966 or 982. They have had vehicles deal with this sensor issue before. Hence why there is a campaign issued. I review to see if there are any recalls on my vehicle and tare none but there are other models listed for this particular issue for Hyundai vehicles. My vehicle was driving fine and it’s fairly new. Low miles then suddenly this happened without warning. I believe it is a recall issue for this model as well.

NHTSA complaint #11655600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 03/14 I was driving down the road the with the sunroof open the wind flap suddenly went to flying making a loud sound I pulled over and saw that it was loose and hanging I went to press the button to attempt to close it and it semi closed. I went and had it looked at and was told that it was broken and could not be closed and needed to be replaced I was told it was a common issue with Hyundais and to contact the company

NHTSA complaint #11648386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Power steering failed, car diagnosed with code C2412 & Hyundai refuses to take accountability

NHTSA complaint #11645375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warren, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For about a month now the power steering was going in and out and then just the other day, the power steering went completely out, I am now having it towed to the dealership today 02/11/2025. I've also had oil consumption problems to the point where there is only 1 quart of oil left in the engine when getting the oil changed, had the combustion cleaning done and no help. Hyundai said no to a new engine, car only has 102,000 miles on it, only 10 years old and Hyundai hasn't helped a bit, said that I would have to come out of pocket but I ended up having to spend $600 on the cleaning, which is absurd.

NHTSA complaint #11641876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stone Mountain, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Charging system malfunctioned twice. The car is available for inspection upon request. I am not sure if it may put me at risk but it does give the directive to stop the car. I have taken the car to Hyundai the first day it malfunctioned and explained the charging system malfunction. Hyundai only completed any known recalls. My car has never had any warning lights to come on until the charging system began to malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11631280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 57,000 miles Toms River, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle later failed to restart. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the starter solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA complaint #11630616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portales, NM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknown I pulled up to a gas station filled up my car coming back frome work like usual i finish I take off not even 1 mile and it started lacking the batteries got drained and it turned off I try to turn it back on and all it does is give me a message telling me to check charging system

NHTSA complaint #11629061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Combine, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine sputters, no power. Warning light comes on that there’s a malfunction pull over and do not drive. We had the dealer look at it and he couldn’t find anything wrong.

NHTSA complaint #11627178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

They try to use a fob key 3-4 time and it won’t sink in and my door is having problems locking without it

NHTSA complaint #11627345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bennettsville, SC Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving down the street I went to show down by hitting my brakes they wouldn't slow down the vehicle then the car caught fire

NHTSA complaint #11618616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,107 miles Roswell, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 84,107.

NHTSA complaint #11616128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Bernardino, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I took the car for 4 recalls it had 2 of which were physical and the other two were software according to them. Took the car back to drop someone off, turned it off and then on; it began losing and breaking on its own at slow rpm’s slamming on the breaks. a minute later after having turned the corner I turned on my hazards and it had continued to randomly happen to the car. It is not consistent it is completely random and I have had a mechanic only inspect it while it happened once because I’ve only been able to have it happen while being inspected out of luck . I’ve gotten several error codes to the car since from p04 misfires. Evap leaks etc. the car was in pitch perfect condition and after that day it has since stopped working properly . I have photos of the mechanics that day even leaving food in the back of my car as if they just relaxed and didn’t do their job as professional as it could’ve have been . They denied anything is wrong with the car and have offered me discounted inspections after claiming nothing was wrong they gave me one free inspection and I haven’t gone back . My engine or censors are messed up. It puts my health and others at safety because it slams on the breaks unknowingly and randomly at low RPMs. The manufacturer has inspected my car and claimed it was okay although they unprofessionally left food and ate breakfast and left trash in the back. (With photo proof) . Last there was NO issues whatsoever with my car until that day. Never had a misfire . Never had a engine light . Never had a popped tire . It all began they DAY I got my car back not even an hour later. I could not return that day because it was near closing time of the dealership and the day after I went they denied it has been tampered. This happened around the beginning of July 1-8th 2023.

NHTSA complaint #11615825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mcallen, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hybrid system failure leading to complete power loss while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11613315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2015 Hyundai Sonata problems

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