2015 Hyundai Sonata: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine · MD

Since the 9C2 update on June 24, 2026, my vehicle has not driven the same. I'm experiencing clunky or harsh gear changes at low speeds, especially during stop-and-go driving. When I slow down and then accelerate again, the vehicle sputters or hesitates before responding. While driving at lower speeds, I also feel intermittent skips or small surges, almost like bubbles or brief misfires. These symptoms were not present before the 9C2 update, and they have noticeably affected the drivability of the vehicle. It was suggested the transmission needed time to "relearn" driving patterns, but it has been several weeks with no change

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Engine · VA

On January 21, 2026, while driving on I-495 at highway speeds (e.g. 50-60 mph) in heavy traffic, my car made a "clunk" sound and I suddently was unable to accelerate. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, but immediately when it happened several warning indicators, including the check engine light, oil light, and tire pressure indicator, lit up. The electrical systems and brakes appeared to still work, but the best I could to was coast onto the nearest shoulder and call for an emergency tow. I waited on the shoulder of a busy highway, in the dark, for over an hour. My car apparently has a type of engine that is known for catastrophic failure, so I assume that is what happened. I had the car towed to a Hyundai dealership and they confirmed that the engine needs to be fully replaced.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Engine · TX

Engine Failure for a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4L In-Line4 (144CI) VIN(F) Odometer 141477. Engine starts then runs hot starts clunking and sputtering and then shuts off. Burns oil and has caused a complete exhaust failure. Vehicle cannot past emissions text. The vehicle was a safety risk as the engine may catch fire and the vehicle was use for transportation to work and children to school. The Engine Light stays on constantly the engine oil light comes on as oil is burned off. Vehicle was purchased at a third party dealer and as the new owner did not receive recall notice or settlement notice.

Filed Aug 1, 2023 · Steering · VA

The electric power steering suddenly failed while making a turn on a neighborhood road shortly after beginning a drive. The incident also triggered warning lights for the Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Smart High Beam System. I was able to return the car to a safe location and turn it off. When I turned the car back on later, power steering and other systems worked normally. The service center was unable to recreate the issue. They recommended replacing the steering column for a cost of $3,000+ but did not perform the service due to the issue not recurring. Approximately 10 days later, the electric power steering failed again while backing out of a parking space. It worked normally again after turning the car off and back on. It is unclear if this issue is connected to the known problem with the steering coupler in this vehicle. (My specific vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the coupler issue, but has demonstrated the steering catch/clunk that is the hallmark of that problem.)

Filed Nov 29, 2022 · Suspension · FL

Our 2015 Hyundai Sonata has made a clunking sound when accelerating or slowing down. We took our car to Brandon Hyundai and explained the problem. They had our car for 1 day and said a motor mount and a transmission mount were faulty. They said they did the repairs and that it was covered by warranty. Within a few days the car was making the same sound and we returned it to Hyundai. The next day the car repair was "completed". Again they said it was a motor mount and it was repaired at no expense since it was covered by warranty. The noise returned and we will schedule another appointment to hopefully fix the problem. Our Sonata has 97000 miles on it and we think Brandon Hyundai may be stalling until the warranty runs out. Our family has bought 5 new Hyundai's in the last 10 years and have been very pleased with the cars. I don't blame the vehicle, just the dealer's service department. RVE

Filed Jun 14, 2019 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · NC

I've noticed that putting my car in reverse is causing a hard shift into gear. Also, when you come to a stop, five seconds later it feels like someone is rear-ending the vehicle when there is no one there. I went to the hyundai dealership to ask them about the issue and before I could get halfway through explaining what was going on, the service advisor finished my thought and said he had heard of that issue before and knew about it....he told me that is was probably a bad transmission. It sounded like this was a common issue since he already knew how I was going to finish the problems I've been having. After speaking to other 2015 sonata owners from the same, they are having the exact same issues. Hyundai knows that these issues are going on, that is a fact based on the information I received from the service advisor. If this is a known issue then it should be resolved by the manufacturer and made known to the public. These issues should be resolved immediately.

Filed Jun 10, 2019 · Brakes, Suspension · 50,000 miles · IL

My vehicle makes a clunking noise when I make a turn and accelerate simultaneously, napelton hyundai told me it was my axel and my front brakes grind when my car settles after I brake or when I ease off the brake

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Engine · 36,599 miles · VA

Blown engine, bought 2015 sonata with 36,000 miles, certified used, leased car. Driving home about 35 MPH, the engine made a loud clunking sound, thankfully I was in the right lane, I pulled off the street into a parking lot when all of a sudden the car engine blew. Had to tow back to the dealership where they are to replace the engine. Hyundai USA needs send out recall for the gti engine that is causing a lot of issues.