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2015 Hyundai Sonata Battery Drain & Electrical Issues - Mountain View, CA

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Case Description

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).

2015 Hyundai Sonata — Documented Service Visits
DateMileageDealership/ShopComplaintDiagnosisRepair PerformedResult
2019-04-0531,077Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)Routine service + update requestsOil/filter service; Apple CarPlay update; Campaign 953 performedVisit completed
2019-04-1731,374Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)Center digital info not visible after ECU/cluster updateNo DTCs notedInstalled cluster assembly; calibrated/variant codingOperating as designed
2019-05-1332,047Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)Battery dead after sitting; parasitic draw confirmed; other electronics concernsTechline involvement notedReplaced smart junction box; replaced audio unitNo draw noted after repair
2019-05-2832,256Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)Battery dead again after sitting ~24 hoursAftermarket alarm system identifiedRemoved aftermarket alarm; monitoredNo draw detected; starting restored
2019-06-0332,383Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)No-start after sittingBattery failing to hold chargeReplaced battery; noted infotainment items missing after audio unit installBattery replaced; follow-up documented
2019-06-0432,383Stevens Creek Hyundai (Santa Clara, CA)Passenger seat belt warning / belt recognition concernReplaced passenger buckleOperating 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.

Free Case Review – See If Your Vehicle Qualifies

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.

Free Case Review – See If Your Vehicle Qualifies

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