Exterior Lighting Problems of Hyundai Tucson - part 1

Both headlights suddenly became very dim while I was driving. On normal lights there is almost no light beam coming out at all, and on bright lights there is slightly more lighting, but there is also what looks to be a large shadow across the light beams. I’ve had it checked and there are no bulbs burnt out.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

On 08/31/2025, I was involved in an accident while driving my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. While attempting to change lanes at highway speed, the driver behind me failed to see my turn signal and collided with my vehicle. I believe the cause was the unusually low placement of the rear bumper-mounted turn signals, which creates a direct visibility flaw. The Tucson’s turn signals are mounted low on the rear bumper instead of at eye level within the taillight assembly. This design makes them especially difficult to see in two critical conditions: bright sunlight: the low-mounted signals are easily washed out in daytime conditions, reducing visibility to following drivers. Low light/traffic conditions: at night or in heavy traffic, larger vehicles and brake light glare further obscure the signals. In my case, the driver behind me could not see my intent to switch lanes, and despite my efforts to avoid a collision, the lack of visible signaling directly led to a frontal driver’s side impact. This design presents an ongoing highway safety hazard: poor visibility: low placement reduces signal recognition in both bright and low light. Accident risk: my collision demonstrates the real-world consequences of this flaw. Durability concerns: bumper-level placement exposes wiring to water, debris, and road wear, raising the risk of malfunction. Although the accident resulted in minor damage, the potential for severe outcomes at highway speeds is significant. I respectfully request NHTSA to investigate this design flaw and evaluate whether corrective action (recall, retrofit, or advisory) is warranted. Unknown if Hyundai is currently addressing this issue, but concerns about rear blinker visibility have been widely reported among Tucson owners and auto safety forums.

While driving to work this morning, at approximately 04:25, on a mountain road both my low beams failed out of nowhere. I pullover in to a turn out as my high beams still worked. I go look and my passenger low beam comes back on. I make the decision to get back on the road and drive slower to try and get down the mountain. A moment later the passenger low beam turns off as do my high beams. I do not get any warning lamps for my high beams, just my low beams. I had to drive in pitch black with my hazards on trying to find a turn out or a safe place to pull over. I was not far too from home and drove back with my hazards on. I take my low beam bulb out of the housing and see that the coil blew. I purchase two new halogen bulbs when I went to go and replace them,I found that both low beam sockets had burned. It has not been reported to the dealer as my headlights are out of warrenty by a few years nor was it reported to the police or insurance because I thought maybe all the lights died at once. I have yet to replace my high beams and I'm the only owner of it.

Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Tucson sel approximate date of incident: [xxx] description of problem: while driving at normal speed, the dashboard display and exterior lights suddenly turned off, then reset. The speedometer and warning lights disappeared, then reappeared after a few seconds. This has happened once and I am concerned for my safety, especially if driving at night or in traffic. This issue has been reported by several other owners online, and it appears to be a widespread electrical or software fault. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and Hyundai issue a recall or fix. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On Friday, [xxx], around [xxx] pm while traveling home my dashboard lights on the instruments panel and windshield pop up display were out, then back on, then out again, and then back on. On Saturday, [xxx], I traveled to another area about an hour away and all was fine, but on the way home it went out at least 12 times. Sometimes the dashboard light would come back up but not the pop-up display. When these go out I can not see my speed or any alerts that may possibly come up. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Was driving at night and my lights went off and the radio turned off and right back on a second later. It’s like the system rebooted. Drove fine.

This has been an ongoing problem since I last reported this on February 16, 2025. There’s a clicking noise under my tires and then I can’t stop, my brakes grind and my pedal grinds… all my abs lights then come on… this has been going on too long!! since April 20, 2025…. My brakes are grinding seriously and prohibiting me to fully stop at times. I’ve had several near misses… I want them fixed now!! my car is no longer safe!!! still doing it today @ 12:18pm with mileage of 130,605… please help!.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

Car uses quart 1/2 for 300miles gives no warning of lo oil level . This will lead to engine failure while driving. Dealer acknowledges consumption issues offers combustion maintenance at customer expense but service technician says save money as service doesn’t work.

Automatic headlight system causes the vehicle headlights to turn on and off during daylight conditions. The lcd display in the dashboard also dims to the point that the information presented cannot be read. This typically happens on bright, sunny days with a clear sky. Vehicle has been to the dealership in excess of seven times where they've made multiple attempts to repair it. The light sensor behind the windshield has been replaced. The body control module has been replaced. The technician also tried to make modifications to the light sensor, but the problem persists. There are a number of other instances of this exact issue involving Hyundai Tucsons, santa fe. And santa cruz vehicles shown on the NHTSA site, and also when searching other sites online. Dealer technician has repeatedly documented that the problem exists. Dealer tech reported that the tech at the Hyundai helpline suggested that the auto headlight feature not be used as a resolution. While not a solution under any conditions, even with auto headlight feature turned to off, the dashboard displays continue to dim during the day. The flashing headlights represent a serious safety issue as when following another vehicle, that driver may misinterpret the flashing headlight problem as an aggressive gesture and trigger a road rage type response. The call taker I spoke with at Hyundai when I opened a customer service case said that he personally had that very issue with another driver due to flashing headlights.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the airbag system, brake system, and hvac system (air conditioning and heating) appear to have malfunctioned. A dealer confirmed that the hvac system is defective, identifying a broken evaporator assembly and a faulty temperature door actuator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the airbag safety light raises concerns about whether the airbags will deploy during an accident. The brake light error creates uncertainty about the reliability of the brake system. Additionally, the defective hvac system is a significant safety hazard. The heater’s failure prevents the windshield from defogging, impairing visibility, particularly in cold or wet weather. This poses a serious risk while driving, especially in freezing temperatures. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, the hvac system defect has been confirmed by a dealer, who provided images and recommended replacing the evaporator assembly and temperature door actuator. Independent mechanics have also observed the airbag and brake light errors but were unable to identify the underlying causes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? the vehicle has been inspected by independent mechanics and one dealership but has not been evaluated by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the airbag safety light and brake light errors have been present since I acquired the vehicle. The hvac system began failing intermittently shortly thereafter, with the issue worsening over time. These unresolved issues continue to jeopardize the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

In the beginning of December 2024, the low headlight warning light started coming on for the right light, intermittently. I took the car to the dealership to get the light fixed, I was told there were some loose wires and they fixed it. 2 weeks later it started happening again, I returned with the car and got another appointment, before the appointment date, the left low headlight warning light came on. I returned with the car and was told that the harnesses and wiring are damaged and need replacing. I have had the drivers side light replaced on 2/26/21 and was back on 4/16/2021. The passenger side light has been replaced on 11/10/2022 and 9/21/23 all been preformed at the towne Hyundai in denville NJ.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

Headlights get covered with slush and snow while driving causing you to lose vision of the roadway at night. You are not able to see creating a safety risk to you and others on the road, potentially causing an accident that would cause serious injuries or death. Yes, it can be inspected upon request. Notified our dealer and was advised that this has never been brought to their attention as a problem from any other buyer. During our last vehicle service at our dealership when notifying them of the concern no issues with the vehicle were found. Warning lamp (obstruction) appears while driving. When the warning lamp illuminates, we need to pull over (sometimes not in a safe environment), wipe the slush/snow off of the headlights and proceed traveling. After wiping the headlights off, warning lamp on dashboard returns to normal operations.

After dark, the headlights will randomly switch from auto to parking lights to headlights on or completely off. When using the selector sometimes takes a few seconds to switch from auto to off and sometimes won’t switch off. This just started three days ago. It happens while it’s parked and while driving the lights will shut off. You can use the switch to turn them on but both auto and off take a while to be selected.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

Drives side headlight has a dark spot on low beam that is in the drivers field of vision. This causes the driver not to be able to see clearly. A certain portion of the drivers field of view is blocked out. Please see the picture below. Took it to the dealer for repair, he acknowledged the black spots were in the drivers field of view but, he compared it to another 2025 Tucson with the same trim on his lot and the headlights were the same. Therefore, their was nothing wrong with the lights. However, he did agree that their were black spots in the drivers field of view that would inhibit the divers ability to see clearly at night. Attached is the dealership repair order.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake light needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the brake light housing case had melted. The dealer was contacted to purchase a new housing case. The contact purchased the part, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

The rear turn signals on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson are on the rear bumper. They are never seen by any car or truck sitting behind you or next to you in your blindspot. I believe the 2022 & the 2024 also have this issue, and there are numerous complaints about it online, especially on reddit and auto forums. They are dangerous. Cars too close behind you or next to you in your blindspot, will never see your signal, especially the larger cars & trucks or tall autos such as buses, garbage trucks, etc. Here is one of many articles & videos about this issue: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

Back in March 2024 I had a tow beam stock replaced to the car. Couple of months after this check engine light started coming on until it stayed on. Took SUV to mechanic shop in July 2024, and they informed of a r&r knock senor needing to be replace. A couple days after this had to go back as check engine light was back on. They informed of needing to replace a wire harness. It wasn't a week after this that when starting the car you hear a very loud knocking sound. Like something is rattling around inside. After this no longer able to drive car as not sure what will happen next.

When driving all the warning light is on. Also when you reduce speed or stop at the light the steering wheel turn hard to turn or move. The battery seem to be low voltage, because when you lock the car the sound of the horn sound weak. And wouldn't start.

The rear directionals on my 2024 Hyundai Tucson are only 2 feet off the ground and only about 2 inches wide. At this location and size I believe they can be difficult to see (unsafe) especially if a large truck is following to close to the tuscon. This is a very uncommon location. Most other vehicles have the rear directionals located with the brake lights which are about 4 feet off the ground.

When both driving and idling, the car will either stall or feel like it is about to stall, when all of a sudden the vehicle “pauses” for a second and then all of the dashboard lights come on. This has now happened at least 4 times in the past month. It will reset after turning the car off, but on more than one occasion after turning the car off, the engine doesn’t restart right away. Thankfully, the car has restarted and it resets the dashboard lights. My safety is a concern if my car stalls while driving at any speed! I have yet to take it to the dealer, as there’s a very long wait for an appointment - another recurring issue. No one has inspected this for me, and it is very concerning. There is plenty of evidence that this is happening to others in both online forums and Hyundai owners sites online.

The passenger side headlight compartment has condensation in it. Enough condensation so the headlights don't work. When I took it in for recall work I mentioned this as I thought that it might have possibly been a short or a loose wire, and they shared that no it's not wired it's just water in that enclosure and I need to pay for it myself to get it replaced to the tune of $1900 for the new part. . I've seen other complaints about the same problem. Why will Hyundai not fix this? I found something from Hyundai that states, do not replace!.

Indicator/turn light is very low under bumper. It is not visible to the vehicle behind and around. Other driver think that I am not turning indicator light and they are upset and honking at me. Poor design and it could cause an accident.

Brake lights keep failing after three months, have gone through multiple bulbs and harnesses. Right side will blow and then it switches to the left side.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Tucson 🔎.

Head lights, I cannot see pedestrians walking on cross walk when driving they head lights seem kind of dim.

The rear turn signals sit really low. Several times I've had cars that clearly did not expect me to turn, yet my turn signals were on. I asked my husband to check my lights and we realized if a car was too close behind (which I can't control) or a larger vehicle it would be impossible for them to see the turn signals in the rear. I checked for other complaints and sure enough this is a big concern for many - so much so that a number of folks are trying to fix it by installing led lights in the hopes of bringing attention to their turn signals! research is that there is nothing illegal with this, several car manufacturers are doing it and input from the manufacturers is its for aesthetics. I'd rather have an ugly car than an unsafe one. Called the dealer - they were unaware, but asked if they would change the bulbs to led. They have to find after market bulbs but will call us back. My car is two months old and I don't want it any more - I now fear being rear ended. Many in the forums felt the same way. There should be guidelines, laws, something to prevent manufacturers from sacrificing vehicle safety.

The car was purchased in June 2023. The left turn signal malfunctioned a minimum two times while operating the car. The last occurrence was in Nov 2023. There was no symptom of the problem prior to its first appearance. The instrument panel confirmed a message that it should be checked. The car was taken in and inspected, December 2023. The service center did not find the problem.

Excessive oil consumption! vehicle has less than 60k and I have to check and put oil in about every 1,000 miles. Engine light comes on and this is how I know to check the oil. This is ridiculous and should not be happening. I change my oil as directed at every 5,000 miles and at least 2-3 times before next oil change I am adding more oil. Why am I burning so much oil? no oil is leaking that I can see. . .

The headlights and taillights fail frequently. I have replaced each every 90 days. I find the contacts melted on them when they fail. I have never seen this happen on any other vehicle I have owned.

See attachment for details.

All the lights in the dashboard are on always, also the check engine light as well, and we found a recall issued for these cars campaign 18-01-026, Tucson vacuum pump sealant application/ cap replacement (service campaign t3c) date September 2018.

During the day, even in bright sunlight, the headlights are on because the auto headlight sensor is faulty. This causes the led display for the climate control to be unreadable as it “thinks” it is night and defaults to a very dim display setting. This is a safety concern since you can’t see what temperature, what fan setting or what mode the climate control is on. You end up needing to take your eyes off the road and moving your head around to try and see the very dim display. This only happens to the climate control display. The main driving gauge display and infotainment display are fine. In speaking with the Hyundai dealer, they tested several other Tucson‘s and all have the same problem. So there is an issue with the auto headlight sensor turning on the headlights and dimming the climate control display when it should not. I have a 2022 Hyundai Tucson hybrid sel convenience.

When driving at night and low-beams are on, there is a black void (looks like a black bar horizontally across the headlight projected area on roadway). Black void is eye level with driver’s view of the roadway. With the black void present, driver is unable to see the roadway clearly at night, which inhibits the drivers visibility and ability to see road hazards or animals crossing the road. Low-beam and high-beam bulbs have been replaced and checked for any burn spots or malfunction in the bulb itself; with brand new bulbs installed professionally, the black void is still present. Hyundai repair stated it is a known issue that has yet to be addressed by Hyundai manufacturers. Issue has been present for 2-months now. While driving on interstate, went to pass a vehicle and while accelerating the vehicle would not increase in speed. The rpm needle jumped to 5-6 and a “whiny” noise was coming from engine area. Pressed harder on the accelerator so the car would speed up and with the pedal to the floor, the vehicle speed increased 1 mph in 5-sec intervals. Exited the interstate and was traveling on road with 60mph speed limit. Tried to accelerate again, and the vehicle would make the whiny noise and would not increase speed or shift. Let off of the accelerator and the rpm drops instantly to 2-3. Rpm’s need does not smoothly increase or decrease, but instead jumps or drops instantly. When accelerator is pressed or when trying to increase speed, the whiny noise comes from engine. The vehicle sounds and acts like it is not shifting. Took to dealership and they said there are no recalls on transmission, but will not fix my transmission. 10-year/100000 mile warranty is still active, as it is a 2018 w/ 89500 miles. Safety concern as the vehicle will not accelerate or shift when needed and could cause serious accident if in a situation where evasive action is required.

The headlights on the 2022 Hyundai Tucson hybrid ltd are a road safety hazard. The dealer says they are not aware of the issue, which makes no sense all you have to do is google it and see others with the same issue. Turning on the headlights creates a dark shadow. I have to drive with my brights on when turning, and most of the time at night. The bottom shadow moves with every movement. You can see the triangles on the road, and again when turning you lose light. If I would have driven this vehicle at night, I would not have purchased it. I have contact Hyundai but so far no response. I purchased this in April and I am ready to sell it. I can't put dates in the date section has this has been from April 2022 until today 1/2/23 and will continue.

When driving in dark areas with low outdoor lighting, the instrument panel is reflected in the drivers window. Aside from being distracting, there is obstructed visibility where the reflection occurs. I have made repeated calls, that go ignored, to hyndai customer care, brought it to my service dealer upon request for protocol, who could not react because it was daytime. The instrument panel happens not to be recessed as in other cars I have had. I simply want suggestions on how to alleviate the problem. Thank you.

The left brake lights are on the vehicle remains on even when the brake is not pressed.