Sedan · Hybrid
Hyundai Sonata 2015–2019 (LF)

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- Price
- $21,200–$34,000
- MPG
- 42
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Strength: Strong cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
A comfortable, safe, and cheap-to-run midsize sedan whose excellent scores are shadowed by well-documented Theta II engine troubles.
Recalled somewhat more often than cars of the same model years; 7 of its 18 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -8 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $1,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 83% of cars we track.
16.3 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 80% of other sedans we track.
Roomy midsize sedan with generous rear legroom and 16.3 cu ft trunk. Well-regarded for spacious, accommodating cabin for five adults.
The Sonata LF prioritizes comfort over sport; 185 hp is adequate but the tuning is soft and steering numb. Competent commuter, not engaging to drive versus segment sport sedans.
Offered gas, hybrid, and PHEV variants with available infotainment and safety features typical of mid-2010s. Nothing standout, but hybrid/PHEV options add versatility for the era.
Known for a quiet, smooth, comfortable ride with supportive seats. Hyundai emphasized refinement in this generation, above segment-typical for daily comfort.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls28 recalls
28 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2015–2019
- Engine — 410 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Hybrid propulsion (2018)
- Engine — 391 complaints (2016)
2019
- Complaint clusterEngine65 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The oil is low, went to get looked at by another mechanic besides Dealer cause they want to hit you over the head with prices. Was told car burning oil. Took to dealer for Oil Consumption Test. Had to pay for oil change. Came back a little before 1,000 miles and car failed. They charging me 900.00
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other18 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
consuming oil a quart every 2-3 weeks sonata hyundai in 2000 miles 3 quarts of oil were used. what happens when the motor locks up from be extremely low on oil. Possible accident! I cannot expect my wife to be checking the oil level every time she drives.
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting18 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport. (Original owner). Problem: Transmission. [XXX] (9,912 miles). Lack of power, vehicle did not move when trying to merge onto freeway. Very unsafe. Also, hesitation and jerking. [XXX] (10,619 miles). Lack of power, hesitation, jerking. Hyundai tech performed TSB, TCU updat
- Complaint clusterElectrical12 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehi
2018
- RecallHybrid propulsion18V166000
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.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH21V619000
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 fail to comply with the requirements of F
- Complaint clusterEngine126 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Since I had Service Campaign 9C2 completed, the car hesitates to start, does a mini-lurch upon cold start and runs rough. Two weeks ago, it was put in park, lurched backwards, then died. The starter and battery have been replaced but this has not helped. The car ran fine before this update was done.
- Complaint clusterElectrical53 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We think there’s an issue with the abs module and wheel speed sensor because we started having a problem where the brakes wouldn’t work or would stutter. The car would shake real bad it would make an awful grinding sound but normally only when trying to stop at higher speeds or long braking. The onl
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other45 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was only in the car for about 4 minutes then came to a stop light. Once the light had turned green I pressured down on the gas, my car rolled for a second then died on me, causing it to go into accessory mode. Instantly three lights came on: the check engine light, battery light, and low oil light
- Complaint clusterPowertrain38 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I recently had the 9C2 Emissions recall update performed on my car, and since the update my car drives like total garbage after a cold start. It hesitates to accelerate, it bucks when trying to accelerate, and it’s to the point the engine is about to stall. I took it back to the Hyundai dealership a
- Complaint clusterExterior lighting20 complaintscomplaints:EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAMS ARE DANGEROUS AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ASAP? After his death, I acquired this vehicle from my father who had stopped driving at night thinking he had developed a vision issue. The first time I drove it at night I discovered the low beams are defective, and that was the problem
2017
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module16V956000
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 driver's frontal air bag inflator may not ha
- RecallHybrid propulsion18V166000
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.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH21V619000
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 fail to comply with the requirements of F
- RecallEngine21V727000
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.
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting: turn signal21V749000
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, which could cause the turn signal to activat
- Complaint clusterEngine317 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure out of nowhere without any warning lights or previous symptoms. An inspection of the engine cylinder revealed a physical hole blown through the top of the Cylinder 2 piston, causing immediate and complete loss of engine c
- Complaint clusterSteering182 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
I was driving and all of a sudden the traction lights turned on and the sterring wheel is hard to turn. Almost go in a car accident. The windows just stopped working and the brakes light constantly keep getting burned out.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other75 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine seemed to be consuming oil way to much I had to do a oil change at 61,000 recommend by tire plus but at 58,000 is when I had to change my oil I also noticed there is a buring smell and its also been leaking oil at times I went to get it checked out by a mechanic at tireplus but they also t
- Complaint clusterElectrical70 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am writing to report a direct violation of the Theta II Class Action Settlement terms by Hyundai Motor America. This morning , I emailed an Executive Case Manager explicitly explaining that my 2017 Sonata has an active P1326 code, has the 2019 KSDS update, and requires a mandatory diagnostic under
- Complaint clusterPowertrain66 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE, equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, is experiencing severe powertrain failures including rhythmic metallic engine knocking, catastrophic oil consumption, and un-commanded surges/jumping in speed while driving. These symptoms manifested following an unauthorized eng
2016
- RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel15V678000
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 there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of
- RecallAirbags: frontal16V232000
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 October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, th
- RecallAirbags16V615000
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 the event of a crash. As such, these ve
- RecallVisibility: sun/moon roof assembly16V726000
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
- RecallParking brake: indicator light17V359000
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.
- RecallHybrid propulsion18V166000
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.
- RecallEngine20V746000
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.
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH21V619000
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 fail to comply with the requirements of F
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting: turn signal21V749000
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, which could cause the turn signal to activat
- Complaint clusterEngine391 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The car died while going 70 on a highway with no warning signs. The car completely shut off and will not turn over or move at all.
- Complaint clusterElectrical109 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car just stated making g noise went into lp.mode now saying k ock sensor
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other77 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both rear doors will not open. The door locks stopped functioning so we are not able to open and close both rear back doors. In addition, the right rear door window stopped rolling up and down.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain75 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
After the emissions 9c2 recall car hesitant when changing an Hyundai has knowledgement of the problem but don’t have a fix
- Complaint clusterBrakes38 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
I began braking and the brakes locked up. Braking to the floor and the car would not stop resulting in a car crash
2015
- RecallElectrical: wiring; steering14V325000
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 driven power steering system or the inabil
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper14V368000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: axle assembly: axle shaft14V784000
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 separating from the transaxle differential.
- RecallSeat belts: front: buckle assembly15V414000
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 fastening the seat belt.
- RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel15V678000
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 there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of
- RecallAirbags: frontal16V232000
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 October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, th
- RecallVisibility: sun/moon roof assembly16V726000
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
- RecallSeat belts: front: anchorage17V152000
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.
- RecallParking brake: indicator light17V359000
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.
- RecallSeat belts: front: anchorage; seat belts: pretensioner17V617000
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.
- RecallElectrical: software; exterior lighting: turn signal21V749000
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, which could cause the turn signal to activat
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V651000
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
- Complaint clusterEngine410 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The engine failed due to the known recall defect, dealer confirmed loss of compression in cylinders 2 & 4. I am a federal employee stationed overseas on official duty orders, and Hyundai Motor America is delaying safety recall remedies and buyback negotiations since June 9th.
- Complaint clusterElectrical163 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1.) Following Hyundai's 9C2 Campaign update for the ECU that was completed back on May 27th, 2026, my 2015 Sonata went into limp mode [solid check engine light present] while I was accelerating up an on-ramp on the 2nd drive cycle since the update was performed. I was already far away from the deale
- Complaint clusterPowertrain132 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
In March 2026 Hyundai did an emissions update Campaign 9C2. Since that update my 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE has run rough and shifted hard. Hyundai stopped doing the update in May 2026. Hyundai has not provided any update to fix the problem they created. I am worried the update is damaging the motor
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other108 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
- Complaint clusterSteering75 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either the left or right direction. The Traction Control, Power Steering, and the high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local
Cost to own$14,500 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$21,200–$34,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$1,600/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
39
Highway MPG
45
Combined MPG
42
Electric range
28 mi
Horsepower
185 hp
Doors
4
Length
191.3 in
Width
73.6 in
Height
58.3 in
Wheelbase
110.6 in
Curb weight
3,252 lb
Cargo volume
16.3 cu ft
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