VehicleVerdict

2015 Hyundai Equus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Hyundai Equus carries two red flags at once: 12 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Equus years to avoid.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Equus years?

Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted54 complaints2011: 33 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 12 complaints
Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Hyundai Equus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System217%
Steering217%
Seats217%
Lighting18%
Speed Control18%
Airbags18%
Suspension18%
Brakes18%
Fuel System18%

Does the 2015 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On August, 2nd around noon, I was driving alone, west on a rural road called 1869 in Liberty Hill, TX. I believe the speed limit on this winding rural road is 55mph, and I was about 1 mile west of 183. While my car was in motion, my active headrest activated (exploded) into the back of my head,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · August 2, 2024

“MAY 4TH 2019 VEHICLE FOUND DEAD AND WOULD NOT START. NO SIGNS OF ANY BATTERY ISSUES IN THE PAST FEW DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED DIRECTLY TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT EMPIRE HYUNDAI LOCATED IN FALL RIVER, MA. VEHICLE CONFIRMED BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TURN OVER, HOWEVER NO LIGHTS OR CLOCK AND NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 4, 2019

“WHENEVER IT GETS HOT IN THIS AREA, MY VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS. FIRST THE DASH BUBBLED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE LEATHER ON THE DRIVER DOOR BUBBLES UP AND HAS BEEN REPLACED.. IT IS BUBBLING AGAIN ON THE DRIVER DOOR BUT IS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. BOTH HEADRESTS HAVE POPPED OPEN. ONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2020

“Within last two years I've been dealing with random and intermittent headlight flickering/turning off when the light stalk switch is in AUTO mode. Also, the cabin lights flicker and turn off at the same time when headlights do. It is very dangerous when it happens during night driving. Luckily…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 20, 2024

“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, AS I APPROACH A VEHICLE FROM THE REAR THAT IS GOING SLOWER, THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES AND DISPLAYS A MESSAGE SIMILAR TO THIS! " SHUT DOWN ENGINE IMMEDIATELY, SERVICE REQUIRED." THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I DID SO, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 4, 2017

2015 Hyundai Equus — common questions

Is the 2015 Hyundai Equus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 12 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 6 Equus years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Equus years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Equus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2015 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Hyundai Equus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Hyundai Equus under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Equus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equus years to avoid are 2014, 2011, 2015. The cleanest record among Equus years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.