55 complaints reported

2012 Hyundai Sonata Exterior Lighting

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
55
Crashes
1
Fires
6
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2024

Taillight not working. I purchased a bulb for taillight and it’s still out. I got a recall letter in the mail about the lights on sonata but I misplaced it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2023
May 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2024
Jul 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
Jul 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Mar 2023

As stated by other owners the brake lights come on and off I have had the bulb replaced several times. I wiggle the blub it comes on and off. This is a danger to cars behind me as the brakes lights are not working properly I believe there should be a recall as many owners are having and have had the same issue with this problem. My sister has a Hyundai not a Sonata had the same issue but her type of Hyundai was recalled for fault wiring. The Sonatas should be recalled also.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2012
Feb 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the brake light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been draining the battery. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, and the starter were replaced with the assistance of a friend. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2022
Jan 2023

We have had issues with the tail lights of the car not working properly. The lights have had issues with the daytime running lights not working or the brake lights not working. When we took it in they said that there was an issue with the wiring harness. I also noticed 4 separate hyundai sonata vehicles with they same body style in the last 2 days that appeared to be having the same issues. I think it is something to be checked out to see if there is an issue there because it is a major safety concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to lose power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2022
Sep 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to return to the normal upright position. The contact stated that the taillights remained illuminated as if the brake pedal was still depressed. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2022
Sep 2022

Tail light sockets overheats causing bulb to become stuck and whole tail light assembly needs replacement

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while replacing the brake light bulb on the passenger’s side, the contact became aware that the brake light housing was melted, causing the bulb to be inoperable. The contact stated that the driver’s side brake light housing was also melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 190,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2022
Jul 2022

The contact's son owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when she arrived at her residence, she noticed that her son's rear brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated her son placed a can on the brake pedal to turn off the brake lights. The contact stated she had to disconnect the battery and reconnect before using the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Apr 2022

Brake lights frequently to go out. When I am driving on the road it is a game to find a Sonata with all 3 taillights functioning correctly. Many of the other Sonatas I pass on the road has a taillight that is out. Bulbs burn out but I have replaced my bulbs at least 7 times in the past 6 years.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2022
Mar 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after the vehicle was parked, the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure caused the battery to be drained; requiring the vehicle to be jump started. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not been taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2022
Mar 2022

The bulbs keep blowing out and now the wiring harness is burnt. I have replaced bulbs multiple times and I have an upcoming appointment at my local dealership on April 4th. My concern is I thought bulbs were supposed to be replaced every few years not 7-8 in one month. Now due to the fact that the lighting housing assembly is melted it will not hold any bulbs. I have a small child that sits and the back and has a medical condition and I am scared to drive (at night especially) if he needs to go to the emergency room/doctors appointments due to the fact someone may hit me from behind because I have no lights back there. Where I stay every time I see a Hyundai Sonata it never fails they are always missing a light in the back due to the light assembly has melted. This is a safety concern for not only my children but for me. I am also concerned that due to it being melted it could potentially catch something on fire.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2022
Jan 2022

My brake lights constantly burns out and I’m having to repair them every month. My brake lights also stay illuminated when I am pressing the brake which does not show that I am stopping or slowing down. This is a MAJOR safety issue that needs to be repaired

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2021
Jan 2022 Crash Injury

The brake peddle stopper gets worn out and the car stops accelerating. Activation of the engine management system's brake pedal override feature causes the car to not accelerate, brake lights stay on, and car turns on without touching the brake.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2021 Fire

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated he would need to replace both rear brake lights every two months. The contact stated recently he noticed a burning smell and saw the plastic cover on the bulb was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2019
Oct 2021

3 of my light lamps where burning and front headlight could have start a fire

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2021
Sep 2021

Exact same symptoms as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (Hyundai recall 136 - described below). The car was previously repaired for this issue. The brake lights come on without any pressure applied to the brake petal, both when the car is off or running. Besides the critical issues stated below, it also causes the brake light bulbs to burn out prematurely, and drains the car battery. Hyundai Motor America "Hyundai" is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2021
Sep 2021

Break lights repeatingly burn out on both sides. Replace it and a few weeks later, need replacing again. It is an ongoing problem and a known defect, but hasn't been recalled yet. This is a safety hazard as you are at risk of being rear ended.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2020
Sep 2021

BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS GO OUT A LOT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED TO OFTEN. THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHT ARE OUT NOW AND WHEN THE BULB BLEW, IT MELTED THE HOUSING ELEMENT AND CAN'T GET A NEW BULB IN IT. SO NOW THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED WITH ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2020
Aug 2021

Exact same issue as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (described below). Video was taken of the incidents. Hyundai Motor America "Hyundai" is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2021
Oct 2020

MY WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS KEEPS BURNING. I HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVER HEADLIGHT, AND ALL BULBS ALL AROUND THE CAR. IVE EVEN CHANGED OUT THE CONNECTOR ON THE BULB OF THE HEADLIGHTS AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO THE WIRE ON THE WIRING HARNESS KEEPS BURNING AND WHEN I USE THE TURN SIGNAL SOMETIMES ALL THE LIGHTING IN MY CAR BLINKS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has 55 Exterior Lighting complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.