2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 64 and ranks 6th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has 53 complaints, 4 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with electrical system issues the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 64/100
- #6 of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 53
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 37
- 35 city / 38 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System24 (45%)
- Engine23 (43%)
- Brakes15 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (13%)
- Other6 (11%)
- Fuel System4 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)
- Airbags1 (2%)
- Seat Belts1 (2%)
- Steering1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report smoke or flames appearing from under the hood or the front passenger floor panel while driving at highway speed.
- Brake pedal issues include unusual metal-on-metal sounds during pedal travel and a hydraulic booster short that left the car unable to move at an intersection.
- Owners describe a hybrid system warning telling them to safely stop and not drive, followed by the vehicle stalling in traffic.
- Accelerator response has been described as delayed, ranging from a brief lag to nearly three seconds, especially when pulling into traffic.
- One owner reported the vehicle revving unexpectedly while attempting to park, and another reported the brakes failing to engage while parking, leading to a crash.
- Seat belts have been reported to retract too tightly during a collision, contributing to shoulder, neck, and back injuries.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
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 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 17V617000Oct 4, 2017Seat Belts443,545 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
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.
- NHTSA 17V152000Mar 8, 2017Seat Belts977,778 vehicles
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35 MPG
- Highway
- 38 MPG
- Combined
- 37 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,750
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2015 Sonata Hybrid carries a complaint index of 64 and ranks 6th worst of 15 model years, giving it a Caution verdict. Electrical system problems are the top reported issue, found in 45% of complaints.
- What recalls affect the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Sonata Hybrid, covering brakes (with a park-outside advisory), seat belt linkage detachment (two campaigns), and a wind deflector anchor plate issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the most common problem area for the 2015 Sonata Hybrid?
- Electrical system complaints are most common, making up 45% of all reported issues, followed closely by engine problems at 43% and brakes at 28%.
- How does the 2015 Sonata Hybrid compare to other model years?
- Its complaint index of 64 is lower than 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016, which are all rated Avoid, but higher than 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, which rank better.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 37 mpg combined, 35 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $1,750.