Exterior Lighting Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 2

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulb socket had failed, and the mechanic determined that the passenger's side headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a goodwill repair. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Instrument cluster lighting is too bright even on lowest setting. Combined with poor side visibility from headlamps it is easy to hit object or pedestrians when turning on unlit areas. Have run over a curb three times and damaged two wheels because they can't be seen from the overly bright instrument lighting at night.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My brake lights are constantly needing replaced. Sometimes they stay on even when I'm not braking, other times they won't come on at all when I brake. I've gotten them replaced many times but it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I've almost gotten rear ended 3 times now bc my lights have failed to come on when hitting the brakes.

I was gifted the car for graduation and immediately my brakes weren’t working right my interior electrical stopped working and my window switches stopped working as well as my lights for my car all went out including the brake lights changing the bulbs didn’t help and my check engine light stays on at all times.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

To whom it may concern, subject: formal complaint – 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS tail light meltdown / fire hazard date: August 3, 2025 I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, specifically concerning the tail light assembly, which has melted and poses a potential fire hazard and traffic safety risk. Approximately a year and a half ago, I noticed melting in the tail light housing and took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to address the issue. At that time, the car had approximately 208,000 miles. Despite the obvious manufacturing defect and safety implications, the dealership refused to repair or inspect the issue without charging a $275 inspection fee, stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I believe this to be an unfair and irresponsible business practice. Tail light assemblies should not melt under normal use, and such a defect could lead electrical fires brake light failure (increasing the risk of rear-end collisions) potential traffic citations for inoperative brake lights damage to other vehicles or individuals I have already notified Hyundai motor corporation about this issue, placing them on notice that should any damages or incidents occur as a result of this defect, they may be held liable. This is not a minor cosmetic issue but a major safety defect, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this is an isolated issue or part of a wider trend affecting Hyundai and kia vehicles. If so, a safety recall may be warranted. I also intend to report this situation to the indiana attorney general's office as a matter of consumer protection and product safety. I have been backwards and forwards with the Hyundai corporation via and emails. . . . . . I look forward to a prompt response. Please!.

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that both headlights would shine dim while driving at night without warning. The dealer was called and the contact was given a diagnostic fee to have the vehicle inspected. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the defect was a manufacturer defect that only the manufacturer could resolve. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

When using the turn signals, either way, the headlights cut off. Sometimes they flicker back on and sometimes they stay off.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v749000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I am having electrical issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata plus the other recalls. It started as issues with the lights on the driver side. I have replaced several bulbs and the entire light even and still have issues with the lights working properly. Now the issue is the battery, alternator or the starter. The starter had to be replaced as I was advised by Hyundai dealership when my engine had to be replaced, per recall. I had to purchase a starter, that was three times the amount at the dealership because the one that is manufactured in the auto stores is not correct, so it should not be the starter as it is only 1 to 2 years old. I have had the alternator replaced as well as 2 batteries and I’m still having issues. It cut off completely while driving on more than 1 occasion. There was no warning, no power steering, gear lock, no lights & no power so I could not move and almost had a major accident. It is definitely a safety hazard even after the repairs, it has happened again! my vehicle is currently not working because the new battery will not hold a charge and they both have been replaced. I’ve been having other electronic type issues with this vehicle. My information center has not worked for the past 8 months or so! I reported this to Hyundai and they agreed that it could be a part of a previous recall, and advised me to go to the dealership to have it repaired. The dealership refuses because they don’t have required information to show it as a current recall and want to charge me half the price of a new car to repair. I am not the only one experience this as my research has led me to several other Hyundai owners experiencing the same issues. It is not fair that they cannot be corrected as these are things that are none of consumer fault & should have been high demands to proper repair or recall being a major safety issue as it can cause a horrific accident! shame on Hyundai for putting their Hyundai customers at risk & through so much chaos!.

Air bag light will not go off and has not been inspected by dealership. I was out here checking for any recall. I am in texas and can not get inspection/registration with this light on. Also I have front light out on driver side front and back, I have had to change bulbs several times have even replaced brake light assembly back in 2022 and light is burned out again as of right not 4/2024 dealership says that extended warranty will not be covered for burnt out brake lights because of aftermarket part. I have also a case with bbb auto and at this date 4/10/2024 no response.

The plastic housing of the brake lights have turned black. I'm on my second set that I got at wrecking yard. The plastic doesn't hold up to the heat of the tail/brake light. I saw other cars like mine with same problem at the wrecking yard. And my ground wire to my radiator fan burned out as well during covid. I think Hyundai used cheap plastic that can't hold up to the heat. My dash cracked really bad as well. All over. I saw the same cracked dashes of other car in wrecking yards. They know they had a plastic defect and they changed body styles the next year. My door handles brake off in my hands and the a/c vent broke twice. They have hazzard car because all of this happened early when I purchased the car. And my car has Hyundai and kia parts old body style 2010 bought end of 2009. Theta 2 engine. All of the recalls but they leave my car out. And that stop brake switch light has broken so many times. Replaced free only 1 time by dealership. Other times I had to pay for. Cheap plastic. If I need repair by dealership , I have to leave car on their lot for 6weeks for them to look at. Not appointment. Leave my car on lot until it's my cars turn. And my car just quit running once while driving in my apartment complex. It also quit running driving down the highway. . Everything shutting off and lights turned on dash. The battery light was on first, then the check engine , abs, and all lights coming on. I tried to turn on my hazards but everything was failing. I was lucky I wasn't hit by other highway traffic. My headlights went off or really dim. I was allowed to drive really slow to a roach hotel just there on interstate. I was told it was my alternator. But I think it was something else that caused failure. I did have my car professionally washed, that day. (hardly do that). And the week before it was at Hyundai shop for retinting of windows which my battery was dead in their dusty lot when pickup. That brake light switch lamp stopper was broken and laying in floor l.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The brake lights stay on all the time, thus preventing vehicles behind mine from knowing if I'm actually stopping. Hence, they may stop without reason, and endanger drivers behind them. The manufacturer has likely known of this being an issue in Sonatas from, at least, 2007 through 2013 models. The manufacturer is putting the task of solving the problem (if that's even possible), upon a dealer. And, my trip to that (nearest) dealership (75 miles away) creates its own danger. The danger is added to by a pre-existing unsolved issue of the horn not functioning. As per the brake light issue, I've been to the dealership about it twice, and they weren't even aware that the brake light switch they think attaches to my car doesn't. So, I wonder if the manufacturer tried to address the issue in the middle of the 2011 model year, installed a different model switch and wiring on more newly built cars in that model year, and decided to ignore the owners of vehicles sold earlier in that model year. As for an additional related issue, unless I disconnect my battery when not in the car. The lights stay on and run down the battery. That can contribute to its own safety issue.

Lights flicker especially at night they turn off and on. You can't see and others can't see you because no lights on and off there was no warning lamps or anything letting me know about the problem. Can't drive my car at night because of this problem don't want to cause an accident. No the vehicle has not been inspected yet.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

When I have my headlights turned on, and am driving my headlights flicker on and off. It mostly happens when I use the turn signal, but not always. Sometimes it happens when I hit bumps. The headlights and the dash lights all go out when this happens, it usually lasts from 1 to 20 seconds at a time. I have taken it to my local garage(straight and clear) and they tested all electrical components and replaced the alternator and I still have the issue. They looked it up and determined that this is a known issue with the Hyundai Sonata, and one of the modules needs replaced in the steering column. This is a major safety issue because my headlights go out when driving and could cause and accident, and depending on the exact issue of the module it could cause a fire. There are no warning lights, just the lights go on and off. I will be getting the car repaired around November 9th 2023, because I need my car to be safe, and can submit my invoice at that time if this becomes a recall.

I bought this car brand new and I’m the only driver. I have my oil changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Boiling springs tire is the place I get it changed but I have had it changed a few times at Hyundai in spartanburg. About a year or so ago my oil light came on and I was shocked because it hadn’t been long since I had oil changed. I checked it and it was almost out. I put oil in it and thought maybe boiling springs tire did not put enough in it. Next time I took to Hyundai but kept eye on it. To make a long story short I am having to keep an eye on my oil and adding more about every 200 miles. I know it’s 10 years old but I’ve had cars older than this and did not have to add oil. Other cars older than mine are being recalled and I’m not understanding why 2013 are left out. Please advise as I’m sure I’m not the only 2013 owner having issues with our Hyundai Sonata . I park the car in my carport and there is never any oil on the floor so I’m not sure where the oil is going. I did ask them at the Hyundai place about that and I was informed there were no recalls on mine and it would cost me around $1000 just for them to pull the engine down to check. So I’m just having to keep checking on the oil.

The headlight setting changes on its own, it will change when using the blinker or it'll just change on its own. By change I mean the headlights turn off. Even if it's set to auto, they still go completely off. My bulbs don't need to be replaced. It's been happening for a few months now. I can't recall a specific date.

Tail lights constantly burn out. I have now replaced the same taillight harness 3 times and each time it is burned. This is a serious fire hazard.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an appointment could be scheduled in August. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 15v759000 (exterior lighting). The contact stated that the brake light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

When I lift the switch to turn on the right turn signal, the high beam headlights flash on and off. It switches from auto to on then back to auto. I'm not moving the switch front to back, only up and down.

My right brake light has melted my housing due to the bulb getting too hot and my cruise control suddenly stopped working one day the light comes on but when I go to hit the set button it doesn't set or activate.

Came home saw that the break lights were on in my Sonata. Tapped the brake pedal, they went off. Came home the next day same thing. I found a re call (google) for stuck brake lights. 2011 - 2012 Sonatas. I purchased the car used, and was informed that everything is working and in order. I'm just curios if there were any other reports concerning this matter?.

The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that in February 2022 there was an unknown recall campaign for the stop lamp switch replacement and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the failure ha reoccurred, and the warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Approximately a month ago I notice that my passenger side low beam head light was not working on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata so I purchased a replacement h7 halogen bulb thinking it was simply a burned out bulb. I replace the bulb with the new bulb only to find the low beam was still not working. I tried the new bulb in the drivers side to rule out a bad new bulb. The bulb worked fine in the drivers side. I also inspected the connector found no obvious problem. So far I have not been able to get the passenger side working so I did some on line research and found that this is not an uncommon problem on Hyundai vehicles and particularly with the Sonata. It appears that this is a wiring or computer issue not easily resolved. I believe this is a significant safety issue that Hyundai should repair at no cost.

There was no specific "incidence" to report. This is an on-going issue for a long time. Low beam headlights do not illuminate the road sufficiently for safe driving. Have had it to the dealer to insure the lights are adjusted to spec, but it was no better. Asked that they raise the beams; while a little better isibility, oncoming traffic was blinded and flashing me to lower the beams. Had the lights adjusted back to spec. I am now afraid to drive it at night in unlit areas - you just cannot see the road and easily outrun the reach of these poor lights.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vn. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the timing chain had fractured and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight and taillight bulbs would burn out and required frequent replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Upon entering the roadway, both of my brake taillights went out on my vehicle. The left, driver side bulb had been replaced within the last year, however, both brake lights stopped working at the same time. This happened in front of an officer who then pulled me over.

My brake lights constantly go out new bulbs don't work either. . . It sems to be a malfunction in the wiring for the lights. The seatbelt on driver side will not latch no matter what. All electrical has issues, dash will go in and out as well as radio and heating/ac lights.

When headlights are turned on, rear window brakelight stays illuminated but both the right and left rear brake lights do not illuminate when foot brake pedal is depressed.

Brake light housing has melted and deformed so that the bulb is stuck in the tail light assembly and cannot be changed. Without working brake lights the car is unsafe to be driven on the road. I’m assuming there is an electrical problem that caused the lights to overheat and melt the housing. This is a common complaint with this make and model based on my research. The socket also does not lock into the assembly due to the deformed housing. My daughter is the owner of the vehicle and made me aware of the issue today.

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated they were taking their vehicle in for a routine oil change when the dealer convinced them to have a promotion completed on their vehicle that included the engine flush. The next day while driving at approximately 10 mph, in stop-and-go traffic that had come to an idle, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and stalled at a fast rate. Smoke began to be emitted from underneath the vehicle's hood. The dashboard had been illuminated with various warnings such as battery failure, check engine, low engine, and several others unable to recall. The contact immediately coasted to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle had eventually engulfed in flames causing the police department to begin putting out the fire. The fire department eventually arrived and put out the fire. The vehicle had been towed but not officially deemed totaled due to still undergoing determination. The contact stated they provided a police report however was unsure of the police department and of any police report numbers. The contact learned that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v749000 ( exterior lighting, electrical system) after the incident occurred, but had never had the remedy completed. The dealer that the contact made car payments was informed of the failure but the dealer to repair the vehicle had not seen, diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

All bulbs in vehicle do not work. No matter how many times I have them replaced they continue to blow or not work. Without headlights I cannot drive, without brake lights other drivers cannot see me. This is a huge safty issue. I cannot drive my vehicle because lights are malfunctioning.

I have had replaced my taillight bulbs 8 times in the last year. They keep blowing out and getting so hot they melt the taillight assembly. I replaced the whole assembly a couple months ago and it is already melted so bad the light bulb will not fit properly or stay in place. This is a fire hazard and also a safety hazard as my taillights quit working at anytime.

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v749000 (exterior lighting, electrical system) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the headlights ceased to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the headlight bulbs were replaced three times within a month; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the rear brake lights remained illuminated. The contact had to disconnect the battery to turn off the lights. The contact stated that eventually the brake lights became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v759000 (exterior lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 111,000.