The owner alleged persistent electrical and electronics problems in a 2015 Hyundai Sonata, including no-start/battery-drain concerns and an instrument cluster display issue, with repeated dealership visits in 2019. Protections apply statewide in California.
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Repair History (from service records)
The visits below summarize what the records show (dates, mileage, complaint, diagnosis/repair, result).
| Date | Mileage | Dealership/Shop | Complaint | Diagnosis | Repair Performed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-04-05 | 31,077 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | Routine service + update requests | — | Oil/filter service; Apple CarPlay update; Campaign 953 performed | Visit completed |
| 2019-04-17 | 31,374 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | Center digital info not visible after ECU/cluster update | No DTCs noted | Installed cluster assembly; calibrated/variant coding | Operating as designed |
| 2019-05-13 | 32,047 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | Battery dead after sitting; parasitic draw confirmed; other electronics concerns | Techline involvement noted | Replaced smart junction box; replaced audio unit | No draw noted after repair |
| 2019-05-28 | 32,256 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | Battery dead again after sitting ~24 hours | Aftermarket alarm system identified | Removed aftermarket alarm; monitored | No draw detected; starting restored |
| 2019-06-03 | 32,383 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | No-start after sitting | Battery failing to hold charge | Replaced battery; noted infotainment items missing after audio unit install | Battery replaced; follow-up documented |
| 2019-06-04 | 32,383 | Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA) | Passenger seat belt warning / belt recognition concern | — | Replaced passenger buckle | Operating as designed |
Pattern Summary
- Repeated no-start/battery-drain complaints over multiple visits in ~2 months.
- Escalation to cluster replacement and electrical/infotainment component replacements.
- Parasitic draw troubleshooting included removal of an aftermarket alarm system.
- Seat-belt warning/buckle recognition symptom was documented and repaired.
Recalls & Common Complaints (2015 Hyundai Sonata — context)
Recall campaigns are often VIN-specific. If you’re seeing similar symptoms, a quick VIN recall check can confirm whether your Hyundai Sonata is included.
- Some 2015 Sonata vehicles had a front passenger seat belt buckle recall involving a condition that could prevent proper buckling.
- Some 2015 Sonata vehicles were included in a parking brake switch recall where corrosion could cause the warning light to intermittently not illuminate.
- Hyundai issued Service Campaign 953 (“Sonata ECM & Cluster Update – Engine Monitoring Logic Product Improvement”) for certain Sonata vehicles.
Settlement Outcome (high-level)
The case resolved through a $17,000 monetary settlement under California law, with allocations described in the settlement record. The settlement states the payment and negotiations are not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.
California Lemon Law Rights
When a vehicle has repeated warranty repair visits for the same or closely related problems—especially issues that affect use, value, or safety—California’s Lemon Law can provide leverage to seek relief such as a repurchase, replacement, or cash compensation in qualifying cases.
Helpful records include repair orders, dates/mileage, and notes showing what was (and wasn’t) fixed. See: California Lemon Law help and Hyundai warranty cases.
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California Lemon Law – Common Questions
Can battery drain and no-start problems qualify under California Lemon Law?
They can, particularly when the issue substantially affects reliability/use and the records show repeated warranty visits without a durable fix.
How many repair attempts are “enough”?
There is no single number for every case. A recurring issue with multiple documented attempts (or a safety-related issue that persists) can support a claim, depending on severity and repair history.
What documents matter most for an electrical/infotainment dispute?
Repair orders (with complaints and outcomes), battery tests/replacements, parasitic draw testing notes, module replacements, and any manufacturer/techline involvement.
Does Mountain View matter if the dealership is in another city?
California Lemon Law is statewide. Your city helps with local focus and convenience, but the legal protections apply across California when the warranty issues and repair history are in-state.
Get Help
If you’re seeing repeated no-start events, battery drain, or electronics failures that keep coming back, don’t wait—deadlines can apply under California law.
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