What's Wrong with the 7th Generation (2015–2019) Sonata?

Sonata owners have made 277 complaints about the 2015–2019 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 45th out of 50 Hyundai generations in overall reliability, with real engine and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Sonata Generations

Common 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata Problems

Some of the worst issues 7th generation Sonata owners have to deal with.

  1. ZF-TRW Crash Sensor Defect

    Millions of vehicles built after 2009 have defective airbag control units manufactured by the company ZF-TRW. An ACU takes information from crash sensors and decides when to deploy the airbags and seat belt pretensioners. But the crash sens…

    Continue reading article "ZF-TRW Crash Sensor Defect"

  2. Rodents Chew Hyundai's Soy Wiring

    The wiring in cars used to be coated in a petroleum-based plastic, but recently automakers, including Hyundai, have switched to a soy-based material. The soy is biodegradable and helps keep plastic out of the landfill (yay!). Unfortunately …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Hyundai's Soy Wiring" A hamster holding a record in front of a green Kia Soul, from an advertising campaign.

  3. Blue Link Standard Feature?

    Messages that self-destruct and dastardly extortion – it all sounds like the plot to Mission Impossible, right? But it’s actually the story of Hyundai’s Blue Link systems. Pay up, or it’ll blow up ... or at least shut off.

    Continue reading article "Blue Link Standard Feature?" Superimposed red radiation sign over a Blue Link infotainment screen.

  4. Panoramic Sunroof Explodes

    Hyundai refuses to acknowledge that their sunroofs have been exploding under normal driving conditions, but they’re offering plenty of coverage to owners if (or when) it happens thanks to a 2019 lawsuit settlement.

    Continue reading article "Panoramic Sunroof Explodes" An illustrated interior view of the panoramic sunroof.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

7th Generation (2015–2019) Sonata Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 277 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 45th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 50 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 7th Generation Sonata Owners

  • Settlement

    Nicholas Wylie et al, v. Hyundai Motor America

    1. Settlement

      A proposed class of roughly 135,000 Hyundai owners suing over alleged transmission defects got the green light on Monday to settle their claims with the carmaker in a deal that could be worth roughly between $11 million and $22 million.

    2. Case Filed

      A Hyundai dual-clutch transmission (DCT) lawsuit alleges the 7-speed automatic transmissions have defects in the transmission control modules that cause vehicles to stop moving.

  • Guy Coss v. Hyundai Motor America.

    1. Case Filed

      A Hyundai Blue Link lawsuit alleges the automaker failed to inform owners the telematics system will be disabled if inactive for more than one year, and to reactivate the system an owner will allegedly be forced to change hardware at a minimum cost of $500.

Recent 7th Generation (2015–2019) Sonata News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Hyundai has proposed a settlement that would offer owners extended coverage in case their sunroofs explode.

    If approved, the settlement would double the existing sunroof warranty, reimburse certain previously-paid expenses, and even offer cash to those that decide to sell their car within the next 90 days.

    Hyundai still won’t admit the sunroof is defective, but they’re sure acting like it is.

    keep reading article "Hyundai Has Offered to Settle an Expoding Sunroof Lawsuit Settlement And It’s Good News for Owners"

  2. Hyundai’s “smart trunk” is supposed to open all the way without using keys or pushing any buttons.

    However, a lawsuit alleges that while the trunk unlatches, it never really works as advertised.

    Hyundai has marketed the Smart Trunk as a feature that automatically opens the trunk fully, or at least enough for a person to put large items into the trunk. But according to the lawsuit, the trunks are defective because they fail to open more than a few inches, or sometimes not more than a small crack.

    I never saw the appeal in this feature, especially given its $950-$1,900 price.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Hyundai’s Smart Trunk is Really Kind of Stupid"

  3. Hyundai is being sued for using soy-based wire insulation that attracts rabbits, mice, squirrels and other creatures.

    The Hyundai lawsuit alleges the automaker denies there is a problem by using the soy-based wiring and since no defect exists, any replacement parts will also consist of soy products.

    The soy-based materials are more biodegradable and generally cost less than their plastic counterparts.…

    keep reading article "Rodents Are Attracted to Hyundai’s Soy-Based Wire Coating"

  5. Hyundai is recalling 161,000 cars for issues with parking brake switch issues.

    According to Hyundai, the warning light used to indicate when the parking brake is applied may not illuminate due to corrosion of the parking brake switch. This could cause a driver to possibly leave the parking brake engaged while trying to drive the car.

    The affected cars are from the 2015 and 2016 model years.

    keep reading article "Over 160,000 Sonata and Genesis Cars Recalled with Corroded Parking Brake Switches"

  6. The government says they can’t find evidence of a safety defect with the electronic parking brake in the 2016 Sonata. They’ve closed their investigation.

    Safety regulators knew that Hyundai had issued a technical service bulletin to dealers in May 2016 about problems with the electronic parking brake systems and NHTSA wanted to know if the proposed repairs did indeed fix the cars.

    The optional electronic parking brake uses an electric motor to push the rear brake pads against the rotors. The brake is supposed to disengage when the transmission is shifted into gear with the ignition on.

    Owners report that the brakes aren’t getting enough clearance after disengaging, causing premature wear and – in at least one case – a fire.

    keep reading article "Feds Don’t Think Sonata’s Electronic Parking Brake Needs a Recall"

  7. Hyundai is being sued for permanently disabling Blue Link systems if a subscription has been inactive for more than one year.

    The plaintiff claims on or about January 7, 2015, Hyundai notified owners of its Blue Link vehicles whose Blue Link subscriptions had been inactive for more than one year. Hyundai told owners, “If you do not reactivate your Blue Link services by January 28, 2015, your current Blue Link system in your vehicle will be permanently disabled.

    Except, permanent didn’t mean forever if you’re willing to pony up the cash. The Blue Link handbook mentioned that disconnected services could be easily restored for a “nominal reconnection fee.” They just didn’t say what it was.…

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Blue Link Decreases the Vehicle’s Value"