10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 23
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,124 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 5 of 24)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #382

Sep 262022

Sonata

  • miles

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

While I was driving, my check engine light came on. It wasn-€™t flashing so I was going to continue driving to a parts house (because the dealerships around me were closed) and have them check the codes that were present. Immediately after I had that thought, I noticed the car was smoking and the battery light and the traction control light had come on, so I proceeded to pull over and shut the vehicle off. I got out and noticed the hood had soot on the edges. I called 911 and watched the car go up I-€™m flames. This all happened in less than a mile. I noticed a fluid of some sort had sprayed out of my vehicle onto the road and the underneath the vehicle was coated in the fluid. This is still being investigated but I know of a lot of Hyundai/Kia vehicles have caught on fire while driving. I-€™m not 100% sure of the cause yet, but I want to document that this did happen to my vehicle. I would love to update as soon as we figure out what has caused the car to catch fire while I was driving.

- Eldorado, AR, USA

problem #381

Jun 152022

Sonata

  • miles
The vehicle is used as a commuter car, and driven primarily on NJ Turnpike at high speed. Over a two month period, on four occasions, the engine has shut off. All dash lights came on, and all power assist controls failed. Managed to get to shoulder of road, and after a few minutes, car would restart and run properly. The fourth time it happened, as I coasted onto shoulder, the car restarted by itself. Took car to dealer for diagnosis and repair and was told there were no codes and it "could be" any number of parts not working properly, but no actual diagnosis. Was charged $160 dollars, and I took vehicle home. But when I looked over the invoice, I found the description of problem was not what I had told service rep, so went back to talk to service manager. He told me to bring it back in and he would have it rechecked. Was told they drove car 35 miles a day but it never stalled. However, invoice shows same mileage went brought in and sent out. Again, they said they could find no codes, so they could not diagnose any problem. I went and picked vehicle up, but I drove through the dealer's parking lot to leave, I saw the engine service light was now illuminated, and returned the car to the service department. Was told they would check it out, and I went home. After three weeks, I called to find out status of car. Was informed they had yet to look at it, but would do so shortly. A week later I was told problem was a bad VCM Motor Assembly, and I was charged $788.70 dollars, to replace a part that apparently fine, when I dropped the vehicle off. Read numerous posts online by owners reporting this same engine shutting-off problem, since 2016. But no one has stated a definitive cause, or repair, by dealers. As to whether that was the cause of the engine shutting off, I will have to see.

- Spotswood, NJ, USA

problem #380

Sep 242022

Sonata

  • miles
My power steering light came on last night when I arrived from work on Saturday night. Was hoping to take it in to be looked at but the dealership I bought it from is closed till Monday at 10. Woke up Sunday for work decided to see if the light was still on but it was off but about 7 minutes into the the light came back on along with the abs light, engine light, and oil light. I believe a couple more lights came on but not sure which ones but the car stopped working and starting completely

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #379

Jul 272022

Sonata

  • miles

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

The issue is with the hybrid system, which malfunctioned and apparently ruined the rest of the car. The damaged components are adding up to over 75% of the car's value. The vehicle slowed and stopped suddenly on a busy road when the issue started. Currently, it has been inspected by two different shops and they have both given me the same diagnosis.

- Mount Holly, NJ, USA

problem #378

Jul 182022

Sonata

  • miles
We had taken out 2015 Hyundai Sonata to the repair shop because the check engine light came on. The repair shop said it gave the error for low oil, but the oil in the system was not low and we were barely past the oil change mileage. We had the oil changed and picked the car up. The next day, the car lost all power and locked up completely while going about 45 mph down the highway. We had to push the car off the highway. Car was towed to same repair shop and we were informed the motor was blown. We called Hyundai but they offered no assistance since we were past 100,000 miles. The engine blew at 114,000 miles.

- Milton, FL, USA

problem #377

Aug 142022

Sonata

  • miles
My daughter was driving on the interstate when the car went into limp mode and the engine light was flashing. We had it towed to hyundia dealership where they did an engine update. Had it for 3 months when it did the same thing to her again. Had it towed again to same dealership where they are telling me it needs a new engine.

- Holdenville , OK, USA

problem #376

Apr 012022

Sonata

  • 80,000 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 after having her vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) the exterior and interior lights would turn off while driving at various speeds, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that upon using the turn signals, the headlights would intermittently turn off; however, the headlights would turn on upon toggling the light switch. The contact had initially taken the vehicle back to the dealer where she was given a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the E-CVVT actuator was defective. In addition, the contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal or lunge forward upon depression of the brake pedal. The independent mechanic linked the failure to the E-CVVT actuator. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Palatine, IL, USA

problem #375

Sep 022022

Sonata

  • miles
My wife is concerned for her safety and our three children. On start up and driving engine feels like it's shutting off and turning back on. I was told by a local mechanic that there are several issues that Hyundai knows about and basically aren't fixing. Engine light keeps coming on and off with a different code everytime. Issue has been going on for about a year replaced spark plugs and had decarbonization process done to no avail.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

problem #374

Jul 212022

Sonata

  • 127,785 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a cranking noise coming from the engine. There was an engine overheated message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,785.

- Parksley, VA, USA

problem #373

Mar 242022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine failure while driving on freeway. Lost control unable to accelerate, almost got hit by semi due to inability to move out of way swiftly. All engine oil came out due to rod bearing punching hole in engine block and car started smoking, fire department said I had maybe 2 minutes before my car would-€™ve been engulfed in flames.

- Indianapolis , IN, USA

problem #372

Feb 022022

Sonata

  • miles

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

The engine constantly needs oil added. There is no oil leakage showing on the ground. I have to add oil ever week. The engine also knocks going at slow speeds up hill and has started knocking when started if you turn it off and restart it it will run ok. The dealer says the engine has to fail completely before the recall will be completed. So I have to drive it until it fails somewhere on the highway and could easily cause a serious accident.

- Spartanburg, SC, USA

problem #371

Aug 012022

Sonata

  • miles
2 recalls were found on my car and a service campaign. After taking my car to a couple auto shops, within 2 years my car has had the same repair issue involving P010 & P011 codes. After researching and finding there was a service campaign and 2 recalls, I decided to take my car to the dealership due to address the recalls. I took my car in on 8/1 and had a full inspection done on my car. Outside of the normal wear & tear, I was advised that the ECVVT cap was installed incorrectly, that it was leaking oil. I was told that cleaning the oil & reinstalling the cap would correct the problem, it didn-€™t and I-€™m out of additional money ($562) and the problem is reoccurring. I-€™ve called several times recently, as well as one of my mechanics, hadn-€™t received a return call not until I filed a BBB complaint. It seems they are not honoring or even considering the service campaign (ECVVT Seating issue) and it is my belief, will continue to send me in circles to pay more money. A full inspection was done on my car, wasn-€™t nothing major but my engine light came back on in route home. I called the advisor and he couldn-€™t give me a definitive response as to when I could bring my car back & get it checked again. I wanted another appointment time so that I wouldn-€™t be inconvenienced by sitting at the dealership all day until they decided to check or get to my car again. It took me almost a month to get the 8/1/22 appointment. The staff I spoke with has tried to convince me that the issue with my car has nothing to do with the recalls or the ECVVT service campaign, I disagree especially experiencing the repeated P010 & P011 codes. One of the recalls also was for the ECM.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #370

Jan 152017

Sonata

  • miles
Engine problem. Massive oil consumption. We bought our 2015 Sonata new and have taken it for service and maintenance at the dealership. I have all records from dealership maintenance. Have been told that its just normal for that engine and to keep adding oil. Now I have to check and add oil weekly or it will be empty. Started having issues in 2017. Hyundai knows there is a problem with the engine. I dont know who to talk to or what I can do.

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #369

Jul 242022

Sonata

  • miles
It happened with me twice when I noticed that after about 1800 miles after my car-€™s oil change, the oil light comes up when there-€™s a turn or a speed bump. After checking the dipstick, I noticed that there was no oil in the engine. I got it checked for some possible leaks in the car but there were none. This narrowed it down to the cause that the car is burning oil too quickly and that it could also lead to to engine seizure if on a long drive. I also did some research on the same and found that I wasn-€™t the only one and that there still hasn-€™t been a recall on the same. I believe it is a safety issue if the engine malfunctions while driving, be it long range or a short one.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #368

Feb 232022

Sonata

  • 27,055 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 27,055.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

problem #367

Jul 302022

Sonata

  • miles
The engine stalls out randomly. This is the third time it's done it. The first time was while I was exiting the freeway on March of 2021, which I thought was a fluke. The second time was July 19th and the third time was July 30th. There were NO warning lights or messages. Took it to the dealer and they said that everything came back fine with the engine. They confirmed that the RPMs were too high when it was in a parked position and the engine was on when they first took it in. They suggested I replace the starter. I'm going to a different mechanic for a second opinion. The car was in motion with my foot on the gas pedal when it started to stall. There is no way that it is from a starter.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #366

May 012018

Sonata

  • miles
Engine burns 2 quarts of oil a week. Took it in for oil consumption tests and Hyundai figures out ways to not replace these faulty GDI Engines. Also car has a strong gas smell inside car. Maybe gas leaking. Airbag warning light has been on for years. Took it to the dealer in the past they said it's ok(Hub Hyundai Katy TX) but I don't feel confident.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #365

Apr 042022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine had a leak and shaves of the engine were inside the oil line. Had to get engine replaced.

- Edinburg, TX, USA

problem #364

Jul 282022

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Opelousas, LA, USA

problem #363

Jul 202022

Sonata

  • miles
Multiple times, when the car start up and is put in to reverse, there is no throttle response. Simultaneously, it can not be put into the manual gear select mode and the car lurches into second gear.

- Germantown, MD, USA

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