2015 HYUNDAI SONATA Complaints

I was turning into a parking spot and the car accelerated unexpectedly. I slammed into a snow bank and my front bumper was damaged.

I JUST GOT THIS CAR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO AND NOW I AM BEING TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE. I JUST LOOKED UP 2015 HYUNDAI SONATAS AND SEE THAT THIS MODEL DOES HAVE REPEAT ISSUES OF ENGINE FAILURE SO I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS VIN NUMBER IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL LIST SINCE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE

I am reporting a re-failure of Safety Recall 152. The panoramic sunroof wind deflector, which was previously 'repaired' in 2017 under this recall, has failed again. The broken parts have jammed the sunroof mechanism, preventing it from closing. According to NHTSA Recall 152, this failure poses a severe safety risk as the sunroof glass can detach from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle has only 55,000 miles. Hyundai has currently refused to honor the recall remedy because the 10-year warranty expired 3 months ago, but a safety recall remedy must be permanent and effective.

Engine has knocking sound. Sudden loss of power and hesitation when accelerating

The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving on a public roadway. Immediately after, the vehicle began producing a large amount of smoke. The smoke quickly filled the cabin, making it difficult to breathe and creating an urgent safety hazard. My passenger and I had to exit the vehicle right away due to the amount of smoke. We were exposed to smoke inhalation and were stranded on the side of the road in unsafe weather conditions for over an hour while waiting for a tow truck. I later learned that the vehicle had an open recall related to engine issues; however, I was never notified of this recall. Regardless of recall status, the sudden loss of power combined with heavy smoke and potential fire risk created a dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious injury or death. I believe this issue represents a serious safety defect and fire hazard that could endanger other drivers.

This complaint concerns a repeat failure of both front CV axles on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The CV axles and boots were replaced by Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County using OEM parts in November 2024. The same components failed again just 7,876 miles later in January 2026; requiring a second full replacement. A CV axle replaced with factory OEM parts by a certified Hyundai tech should not fail within 7,876 miles under normal driving conditions. This pattern of repeat failure indicates either * A defect in the OEM replacement parts supplied by Hyundai * An installation defect at the authorized dealership * An unresolved underlying mechanical condition that causes accelerated CV axle wear The rapid repeat failure represents a potential safety hazard. CV axle failure can result in sudden loss of drive power, difficulty controlling the vehicle, and in severe cases, wheel separation --all of which create dangerous conditions for the driver and others on the road. Chronological Timeline of Events: Nov 5, 2024 55,579 miles; both front CV axles replaced by authorized Hyundai dealership using OEM parts. Labor and parts performed per Hyundai standards. Jan 29, 2026 63,451 miles Same CV axles failed again. Second replacement performed at same authorized Hyundai dealership. Total repair cost $3227.16 paid out of pocket by me. Feb 16, 2026 Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill reimbursement request (Case #XXX), citing the malfunction being out of time in service of the vehicle. Reported to Hyundai Motor, their response did not address the repeated nature of failure, the short mileage interval, or the possibility of a defective OEM part or improper installation. I believe the NHTSA should be aware of this pattern and investigate other 2015 Hyundai Sonata owners have reported similar rapid repeat CV axle failures, which could indicate a systemic defect in either OEM parts or dealership repair procedures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Component/System Failed: Engine – connecting rod bearing failure consistent with Hyundai Theta II engine defect subject to federal recalls and Consent Orders. The vehicle previously received Recall Campaign 953 (KSDS software update), intended to detect premature rod bearing wear. The engine is currently knocking and has been diagnosed as requiring replacement. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Rod bearing failure can cause sudden engine seizure or stall while driving, creating a significant crash risk due to loss of power steering and braking assist. Engine failure DID occurr despite prior recall software update, indicating potential recall remedy ineffectiveness. Sudden stalling in traffic placed myself and others at risk of collision. Dealer Confirmation: Hyundai of North Charleston confirmed through warranty history a prior engine replacement request (PA) was submitted by a previous owner but denied. The recall repair was never performed. Current diagnostic findings indicate engine failure consistent with known recall defect. However, Hyundai has refused to perform further inspection or goodwill repair solely due to the vehicle’s salvage branding. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No engine replacement was completed. Hyundai Customer Care has updated case notes but is declining remedy based on title status rather than mechanical condition. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: The vehicle previously received KSDS software update. Engine knocking developed consistent with rod bearing wear. The software did not provide effective prevention of engine failure. The engine now requires replacement. Hyundai is refusing recall-related remedy due to salvage title (predates my wonder ship by many years), despite federal recall obligations applying to the vehicle VIN. This complaint concerns potential failure of recall remedy effectiveness and denial of defect-related inspection.

While driving on the freeway, my vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The check engine light began flashing, the vehicle lost power, and I almost lost control of the car. I barely had time to pull over to the shoulder to avoid an accident. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. The engine does not start and the engine block is cracked. Hyundai denied coverage stating that a software update (Campaign 953) was not installed. Campaign 953 is only a detection update and does not repair or prevent internal engine failure. This is a serious safety issue.

We pulled up at Hillgreen circle Cockysville MD To drop my boyfriend off at his apartment. I went to pull in the parking spot.I went to put the car into park and it had no brakes. I was slamming them and pumping them. It excellerated and took off. Jumped the curb,went down the hill and into the apartment building. A red light had came on the dash, right before it took off. Seemed like it was changing to gas or the electric mode,or the other way around. The airbag on the passenger side came out deflated,and filled with smoke going into the car. He was the belted front passenger and his elbow went in to the front window. You can tell by looking at it,the hole and spidered around it. He broke his right elbow. It is available anytime at the moment. It's at Hyundaii in Glen burnie. I need to get it to state farms lot,to get the Kelly blue book value. We look forward to hearing from you

Was driving car and it went completely hot. Towed to a dealership and they said was not drivable and that the radiator support and radiator hose needs replacing and eventually the Drive CV left and front will need replacing or I will be stranded on side of road.