Recall 15V678 affects 64,744 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata vehicles for an ABS warning-light defect. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 64,744 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles because the ABS warning light does not illuminate when the ABS system malfunctions, even though the Brake System warning light turns on. That can leave the driver unaware that the brakes can lock up during hard braking, increasing crash risk, and Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The ABS warning light on the 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata is supposed to tell the driver when the antilock braking system has a malfunction. ABS helps manage wheel lockup during hard braking, and the instrument cluster gives the driver a dedicated warning light when that system needs attention. The brake system warning light is separate and covers broader brake-system problems.
On affected Sonata vehicles, the ABS warning lamp software was programmed with the wrong control logic. That means the car can detect an ABS malfunction and turn on the Brake System warning light, but the ABS warning light does not illuminate as designed. The defect is in the warning-light control software, not a missing lamp or a normal owner setting.
Owners will see the Brake System warning lamp illuminate. In certain instances, the ESC malfunction telltale will illuminate as well. Those are the warning signs available before the ABS lamp issue is corrected.
Who's affected?
The same instrument panel component is listed for both 2015 and 2016 Sonata sedans.
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2015 Hyundai Sonata | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 64,744 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A brake system malfunction warning can leave the driver unaware that ABS control is affected. During hard braking, the brakes can lock up, which increases crash risk. If the Brake System warning lamp illuminates, or the ESC malfunction telltale illuminates, drive cautiously and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free ABS control unit software update that fixes the missing ABS warning-light alert.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 15V678 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician updates the ABS control unit software so the warning-light logic matches the recall repair. The update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered by Hyundai. If you've already paid for a related ABS warning-light or brake-warning repair before the recall work, Hyundai's submitted reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or ask the service desk how to submit the paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 11, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 11, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V678?
Recall 15V678 covers 64,744 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata vehicles with an ABS warning light problem. If an ABS malfunction happens, the Brake System warning light illuminates, but the ABS warning light does not. Hyundai dealers update the ABS control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonata is included in recall 15V678. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and schedule the ABS control unit software update. Reference Hyundai recall number 134 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy says dealers will update the ABS control unit software free of charge. Any franchised Hyundai dealer can handle the recall work.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the driver sees a brake system malfunction warning without knowing the ABS system is involved. The vehicle's brakes can lock up during hard braking when ABS is not working, increasing crash risk. The dealer software update fixes the warning-light issue.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The key sign is a Brake System warning light without a matching ABS warning light. That mismatch means the vehicle fails to give the intended ABS malfunction warning. If that happens, arrange the free software update with a Hyundai dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V678000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-671-3059 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V678 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V678000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →