HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID · model year

2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

79 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015HYUNDAISONATA HYBRID carries 79 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 SONATA HYBRID is electrical system with 17 filings, followed by engine (16) and service brakes (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2015 SONATA HYBRID, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

79
Complaints
9
Crashes
3
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

79 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
ENGINE16
SERVICE BRAKES8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
POWER TRAIN5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
STEERING1
SUSPENSION1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SEAT BELTS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1

Recalls (4)

23V65100022/09/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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 B

16V72600011/10/2016

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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 s

17V15200008/03/2017

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

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.

17V61700004/10/2017

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

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.

Recent Complaints

20260212CrashAIR BAGS

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

20260212CrashSERVICE BRAKES

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

20260212CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250410FireSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 awar

Mileage: 115,395

20250410FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 awar

Mileage: 115,395

20241009ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 170,000

20241009ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

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.

Mileage: 170,000

20240729ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 n

Mileage: 37,000

20240422SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started overheating, and smelled an abnormal electrical burning odor inside the cabin. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and inspected under the hood. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which he related to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240416SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Turn off the Engine Immediately" was displayed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who then diagnosed failures with the ABS and transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240416POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Turn off the Engine Immediately" was displayed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who then diagnosed failures with the ABS and transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240110SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. A person stated the wrong email address is listed, never filed a complaint.

20231127POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the warning light to turn off the vehicle was illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the dealer refused to service the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to another Hyundai dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission and battery. The contact was informed that the transmission and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated while driving away from the dealer, she heard an unusual knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The service technician accompanied the contact for a test d

Mileage: 74,680

20231127SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20231120SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the vehicle independently jolted with a message indicating a Hybrid System safety failure. Additionally, there was a message to stop driving the vehicle with an alarm sounding. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) the following day; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the earliest availability was on December 23, 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona

Mileage: 97,500

20231120HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the vehicle independently jolted with a message indicating a Hybrid System safety failure. Additionally, there was a message to stop driving the vehicle with an alarm sounding. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) the following day; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the earliest availability was on December 23, 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona

Mileage: 97,500

20230104ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 - 65 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The charging system failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the system needed to be reprogramed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20230104ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 - 65 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The charging system failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the system needed to be reprogramed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20221122ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a message that the vehicle was not safe to drive displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle began to stall; however, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing both batteries to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a second local dealer: Interstate Hyundai (609 Constitution Dr, West Monroe, LA 71292, (318) 387-2667) where it was diagnosed with needing both Manufacturer Communications 964 & 966 to be completed. The dealer completed manufacturer repairs, but the vehicle continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9

Mileage: 95,000

20220606ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel cap and performed other tests on the engine. The check engine warning light disappeared however, two weeks later the warning light returned. The dealer was contacted and a message was left. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,298.

Mileage: 134,298

Compare 2015HYUNDAISONATA HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID have?
The 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has 79 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
The 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
Yes, the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 17 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.