NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 54 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owner complaints

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, describing incidents dated May 23, 2015 to October 5, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 24 complaints
Engine 21 complaints
Service Brakes 14 complaints
Power Train 7 complaints
Unknown or Other 6 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints

Of the 54 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 54 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11769300 · Filed October 6, 2026
Recently got the engine rebuilt (2024) and then it broke down on me yesterday with the engine light flashing and a warning sign stating pull over don’t drive
ODI #11765767 · Filed September 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Later, while attempting to accelerate from a yield sign, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and…
ODI #11764359 · Filed September 15, 2026
The contact's sister-in-law owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving 55 MPH, the owner noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The owner parked and exited the vehicle, and while attempting to inspect the vehicle, the owner noticed flames…

Read all 54 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in 4 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ23-002: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Open since November 17, 2023
Engineering Analysis EA19-001: Electrical overstress
Closed September 19, 2024
- Recall 20V-024
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
- Recall 22V-063

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 22, 2023 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 1,649,478 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 251 · Owners notified April 10, 2024

Recall group: Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Seat Belt Linkage Detaches from Pretensioner

NHTSA #17V617000 · Seat Belts — Pretensioner · NHTSA notice

Reported October 4, 2017 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 443,545 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 169 · Owners notified November 6, 2017 · Vehicles built December 2, 2010 – January 9, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Safety consequence

If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Belt Linkages may Detach

NHTSA #17V152000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported March 8, 2017 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 977,778 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.13% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 160 · Owners notified April 13, 2017 · Vehicles built December 2, 2010 – January 9, 2015 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sunroof Panel may Detach

NHTSA #16V726000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 11, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 62,811 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 152 · Owners notified November 29, 2016 · Vehicles built December 8, 2014 – August 18, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.

Safety consequence

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

4 investigations

54 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Engine

ODI #11769300

Incident: October 5, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

Recently got the engine rebuilt (2024) and then it broke down on me yesterday with the engine light flashing and a warning sign stating pull over don’t drive

Engine

ODI #11765767

Incident: September 1, 2026 · Filed: September 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Later, while attempting to accelerate from a yield sign, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine bearings had failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11764359

Fire 1 injury

Incident: September 6, 2026 · Filed: September 15, 2026

The contact's sister-in-law owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving 55 MPH, the owner noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The owner parked and exited the vehicle, and while attempting to inspect the vehicle, the owner noticed flames coming from underneath the hood, and the fire extended to the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department extinguished the fire and informed the owner that the fire had gone through the firewall and entered the interior of the vehicle. The front seats of the vehicle were completely burned. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was under liability insurance. A Police report was filed. The contact sustained back pain from riding in the police officers vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle for ABS failure two weeks prior to the incident. The dealer was notified of the fire incident but informed the contact that an inspection could not reveal the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11754721

Incident: July 28, 2026 · Filed: August 4, 2026

The Hybrid system kept crashing ! Triggering the auto theft and would not connect to fob , told it was immobilzer, and/or shortage in EV battery!!!

Electrical System

ODI #11731825

Incident: March 18, 2026 · Filed: April 17, 2026

Component Involved: Hybrid Propulsion System High Voltage Battery / EV Battery Electrical System Power Train Incident Summary: I am reporting a serious and repeated safety defect involving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This vehicle has experienced three separate incidents where warning messages related to the EV/hybrid battery system appeared, followed by a sudden loss of forward propulsion. During these events, the vehicle would not move properly or lost the ability to accelerate safely. This defect creates a major safety hazard because it can occur while driving, increasing the risk of being rear-ended, stranded in traffic, collision, injury, or property damage. I transport my small children in this vehicle and no longer feel it is safe. Detailed Timeline: Initial Incident: Vehicle displayed warning messages involving the EV/hybrid battery system and lost the ability to move forward properly. Vehicle had to be shut off and restarted. Independent Mechanic Inspection: Vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who advised the hybrid battery system likely needed repair or replacement and recommended service through Hyundai dealership. Dealer Visit #1 – Stew Hansen Hyundai (3/18/2026): Vehicle was taken to authorized Hyundai dealer for diagnosis. Dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue and no repair was made. Second Failure: After release from dealer, same dangerous loss-of-power condition occurred again, resulting in towing and additional inconvenience. Dealer Visit #2 – Stew Hansen Hyundai (4/8/2026): Vehicle returned to dealer for same issue. Dealer performed software update and stated this should correct problem. Dealer advised vehicle had been driven approximately 40 miles and was safe to release. Third Failure (4/12/2026 approx.): Only two days after picking vehicle up on 4/10/2026, same warning messages and propulsion failure occurred again. Safety Concern: This repeated loss of propulsion without warning is extremely dangerous.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11730590

Incident: April 1, 2025 · Filed: April 11, 2026

Idle and warning to not drive, 2025 very subtle cut off now full warning

Electrical System; Air Bags; Service Brakes

ODI #11717654

Crash 3 injuries

Incident: September 14, 2025 · Filed: February 12, 2026

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11653864

Fire

Incident: April 7, 2025 · Filed: April 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that upon pulling into an apartment complex parking lot, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately parked and exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the contact noticed a small fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a water bottle. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a parking space with the assistance of her son. There was no injury sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a fluid leak from an unknown hose had caused the fire, and there was a hole in the engine block. The contact also stated that there was a puddle of fluid on the ground. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,395.

Electrical System; Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11618944

Incident: September 28, 2024 · Filed: October 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and Manufacturer recalls: 964 (Auxiliary Canister Installation), 966 (Engine Monitoring Module, ECU Software Update), and 994 (Hybrid Safety Fuse). The contact stated that after the repairs were completed while attempting to start the vehicle at the dealer, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle remained at the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty for any further repairs. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11605140

Incident: December 15, 2019 · Filed: July 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a message advising to pull over and to park the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing several times. The dealer replaced the HECU and the battery inverter assembly; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's son noticed that there was white smoke coming from the rear middle seat of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact's son pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hybrid battery pack had failed, causing the hybrid battery to melt. The dealer determined that the hybrid battery pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 994. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years

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