Hyundai Sonata 2015–2019 problems by year and mileage
7th generation (LF)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,473 complaints, 1,434 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,153
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine629 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Electrical system167 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise166 reports · median 48,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — software · Parking brake — indicator light · Visibility — sun/moon roof assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 886
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine543 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Electrical system137 reports · median 54,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise115 reports · median 36,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — software · Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 54,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 879
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine448 reports · median 68,000 mi
- Steering182 reports · median 54,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise120 reports · median 48,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — software · Engine · Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 20,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 383
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine217 reports · median 20,000 mi
- Electrical system62 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise59 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 23,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 172
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2019
- Engine91 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise25 reports
- Exterior lighting18 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2018, and the 2016 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 52,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 124,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,434
- Recalls
- 15
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine55.5% of complaints · median 66,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise14.0% of complaints · median 35,000 mi
- Electrical system13.7% of complaints · median 48,000 mi
Owners filed 3,473 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata; the engine leads with 55.5% of them, and half of the 1,434 that record an odometer reading came by 52,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 18,000 to 88,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata last?
On the 2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata, half of the 1,434 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 52,000 miles and 90% by 124,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
54 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 6 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sonata reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Sonata 2015–2019 · 1,434 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 180 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 6 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 3,000
- 25%
- 18,000
- Median
- 52,000
- 75%
- 88,000
- 90%
- 124,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 180 | 12.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 67 | 4.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 64 | 4.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 63 | 4.4% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 59 | 4.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 50 | 3.5% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 63 | 4.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 55 | 3.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 41 | 2.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 43 | 3.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 50 | 3.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 52 | 3.6% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 51 | 3.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 59 | 4.1% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 57 | 4.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 48 | 3.3% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 52 | 3.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 43 | 3.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 38 | 2.6% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 27 | 1.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 41 | 2.9% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 23 | 1.6% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 29 | 2.0% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 15 | 1.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 24 | 1.7% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 25 | 1.7% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 13 | 0.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 20 | 1.4% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 18 | 1.3% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 10 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 11 | 0.8% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 8 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 9 | 0.6% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 7 | 0.5% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 6 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sonata problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Hyundai Sonata 2015–2019
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes164 reportsmedian 23,000middle half 5,000–54,000
- Problems owners could not categorise485 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 12,000–67,000
- Fuel and propulsion system214 reportsmedian 47,000middle half 15,000–80,000
- Electrical system476 reportsmedian 48,000middle half 16,000–85,000
- Transmission and driveline334 reportsmedian 49,000middle half 22,000–74,000
- Steering306 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 22,000–84,000
- Engine1,928 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 27,000–100,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,928 | 55.5% | 66,000 | 27,000–100,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 485 | 14.0% | 35,000 | 12,000–67,000 |
| Electrical system | 476 | 13.7% | 48,000 | 16,000–85,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 334 | 9.6% | 49,000 | 22,000–74,000 |
| Steering | 306 | 8.8% | 55,000 | 22,000–84,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 214 | 6.2% | 47,000 | 15,000–80,000 |
| Brakes | 164 | 4.7% | 23,000 | 5,000–54,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 148 | 4.3% | 20,000 | 1,500–62,000 |
| Body structure | 147 | 4.2% | 37,000 | 20,000–72,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 142 | 4.1% | 35,000 | 10,000–73,000 |
Known problems with the 2015–2019 Sonata
Engine
Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing wear and seizure continues into this generation. Hyundai extended engine warranty coverage and applied the Knock Sensor Detection System software campaign across MY2011-2019 Theta II GDI vehicles.
Transmission 2016–2019
7-speed dual-clutch behind the 1.6L turbo: low-speed shudder, hesitation from a stop, and clutch wear.
Before you buy a 2015–2019 Sonata: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,434 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission on 2016–2019 cars.
- Years differ here: from 172 to 1,153 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sonata problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi55% below | At 90k mi76% below | At 120k mi89% below | At 150k mi96% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 12,000–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 16,000–85,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 22,000–74,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 22,000–84,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 15,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 5,000–54,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Hyundai Sonata 2015–2019 · 1,434 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2015–2019 Hyundai Sonata recalls (15)
NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
2 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the electrical system (3), the airbag system (3), the engine (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2021 · 2015–2017 · Electrical SystemA turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch…
What can happen. A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for…
Sep 2021 · 2017 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs…
Aug 2021 · 2016–2018 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles…
What can happen. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for…
Dec 2020 · 2016 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor…
Mar 2018 · 2016–2018 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemIf the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
What can happen. If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to…
Jun 2017 · 2015–2016 · Parking BrakeIf the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
What can happen. If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059.…
Dec 2016 · 2017 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Oct 2016 · 2015–2016 · VisibilityIf the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.…
Aug 2016 · 2016 · Air BagsA frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in…
What can happen. A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Apr 2016 · 2015–2016 · Air BagsAn air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured…
What can happen. An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Oct 2015 · 2015–2016 · Electrical SystemIf the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if…
What can happen. If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard…
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at…
Jun 2015 · 2015 · Seat BeltsIf the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, to December 4, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from…
What can happen. If the front passenger seat belt cannot be latched, an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the front passenger seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer…
Dec 2014 · 2015 · Power TrainIf the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 1.6 liter model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured August 29, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft…
What can happen. If the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a separated axle shaft may allow the vehicle to roll away as the driver…
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, dealers will inspect and replace the axle shaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this…
Jun 2014 · 2015 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic do not driveIf a brake caliper fractures, brake effectiveness would be reduced, lengthening to distance required to stop…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured April 25, 2014, through June 16, 2014. Due to a manufacturing error, one or both of the front brake calipers may fracture.
What can happen. If a brake caliper fractures, brake effectiveness would be reduced, lengthening to distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai contacted the affected owners on June 19, 2014 and instructed them not to drive their vehicles. Hyundai dealers will replace the affected brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began on…
Jun 2014 · 2015 · Electrical System do not driveThe reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 2, 2014, through May 23, 2014. A poor connection within the vehicle's wiring harness may result in a reduction of steering assist from the vehicle's motor…
What can happen. The reduction of power steering assist can increase the steering effort needed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai notified dealers to suspend sales of affected Sonata vehicles and has published recall bulletin 14-01-024 providing a service procedure to repair the affected vehicles. On June 7, 2014…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,473 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 113 (3.3%)
- Fires
- 113
- Injury reports
- 63
- Fatality reports
- 4
Sonata problems by model year
The 2015 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,153, most of them about the engine, and the 2019 the fewest, 172. A typical year drew about 879.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,153 | 598 | 56,000† | Engine (629) | 9 |
| 2016 | 886 | 358 | 60,000† | Engine (543) | 9 |
| 2017 | 879 | 284 | 54,000† | Engine (448) | 5 |
| 2018 | 383 | 145 | 20,000† | Engine (217) | 2 |
| 2019 | 172 | 49 | 23,000† | Engine (91) | 0 |
What Sonata owners reported
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the driver-side windshield wiper failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the wiper blade was not making proper contact with the windshield due to a bent driver-side…
2015 · 26,000 miles · Visibility/wiper
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and the contact was…
2016 · 88,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was driving 55 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's two minor grandchildren were inside the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was later…
2016 · 60,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 58 MPH. The contact retrieved DTC: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) at O'Reilly Auto…
2019 · 90,000 miles · Engine
Built from 1,434 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sonata generations
- Sonata 1999–2005 1,082 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Sonata 2006–2010 2,431 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Sonata 2011–2014 5,307 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Sonata 2020–2025 120 reports with mileage, most about the engine