Tail Light Switch problems of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra

Left tail/brake light is malfunctioning. When the headlights are on, the tail light is on; however, that same light is also the brake light, and when the brake is applied, the light will not illuminate.

My Hyundai Elantra 2012 GLS sedan was sold as having daytime running lights (drls) according to monroney sticker. Nhtsa and iihs dictate that "daytime running lights (drls) are headlights that are lit whenever a vehicle is running. A low-cost method to reduce crashes, they are especially effective in preventing daytime head-on and front-corner collisions by making it easier to see vehicles, particularly as they approach from far away. " however, drls do not engage automatically when my vehicle is started, against to NHTSA and iihs drls definition. In order to operate drls in my Hyundai Elantra 2012, parking lights have to be engaged. In other words, when drls are operational, amber side parking lights and the rear tail lights are also on, which obviously masks turn and stop signals and in my opinion could represent a very real road safety issue. In addition, when drls are engaged, the interior gauge lights are automatically dimmed to a night driving level, which makes it much harder to read the gauge during daytime and represents a potential safety issue as well. Contacting multiple local Hyundai dealerships and Hyundai eastern region hqs was futile, since the only answer I was getting is that this is "a new design drls" and nothing will be done to address the issue. Ironically, it looks to me the end result of this "new design" represents not an increased safety for my vehicle (according to publications dot hs 809 760 and dot hs 811 029 drls are an important safety feature), but rather an increased risk of a collision due to masking turn and stop signals, and substantial dimming of the cabin. I noticed there are multiple complaints of this nature on the NHTSA website both for 2012 and 2013 Hyundai Elantra. I would like to thank you for taking time to read my complaint, and I would ask NHTSA team to look into the situation promptly and to address this safety issue.

I believe that daytime running light are a great safety feature. The list of standard equipment on the window sticker shows "daytime running lights" (drl). I have found that the only way to have the drl on is to turn on the parking lights. The parking lights, light the parking lights and the tail lights. I had drl on a 2003 chevy s-10 and they only lighted the highbeam at a low voltage, with no other lights. They were on any time the car was running. Hyundai cannot correct the problem. I have contacted the dealer and the Hyundai website. They should not list the lighting system, they have, as "daytime running lights". I know this is a minor item but it sure does bug me. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).