2012 Hyundai Sonata Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 9% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 100,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear brake” (7% of reports).
- 141exterior lighting complaints
- 100,000median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear brake: mentioned in 10 of 141 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 82 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 141 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 2 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 6 | 13% | — |
| 2023 Sonata | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2020 Sonata | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 Sonata | 18 | 11% | 1,600 |
| 2018 Sonata | 22 | 6% | 293 |
| 2017 Sonata | 20 | 3% | 24,000 |
| 2016 Sonata | 38 | 5% | 55,500 |
| 2015 Sonata | 38 | 3% | 57,850 |
| 2014 Sonata | 120 | 16% | 69,306 |
| 2013 Sonata | 197 | 10% | 81,684 |
| 2012 Sonata | 141 | 9% | 100,000 |
| 2011 Sonata | 248 | 7% | 73,000 |
| 2010 Sonata | 10 | 3% | 1,500 |
| 2009 Sonata | 14 | 3% | 90,962 |
| 2008 Sonata | 20 | 5% | 78,000 |
| 2007 Sonata | 35 | 5% | 48,221 |
| 2006 Sonata | 45 | 4% | 68,000 |
| 2005 Sonata | 17 | 10% | 80,000 |
| 2004 Sonata | 5 | 2% | 74,723 |
| 2003 Sonata | 3 | 2% | 112,500 |
| 2002 Sonata | 2 | 1% | 129,500 |
| 2001 Sonata | 1 | 0% | 28,159 |
| 2000 Sonata | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1999 Sonata | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1998 Sonata | 1 | 2% | 43,000 |
| 1997 Sonata | 2 | 4% | — |
| 1996 Sonata | 1 | 4% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the rear driverâs side brake light…
Painting chipping on front top car... Seatbelt don't fasten all the time...Lights are dim.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Hyundai Sonatas have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 141 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata (9% of the 1,558 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata exterior lighting?
Yes: 1 safety recall list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems start?
The median reported mileage is 100,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
The most frequent phrase is “rear brake”, in 10 of 141 complaints.
Other 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems
- Engine problems (567)
- Steering problems (301)
- Electrical System problems (235)
- Air Bags problems (170)
- Service Brakes problems (151)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (99)
- Power Train problems (97)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (84)
See all 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems or exterior lighting problems across all Sonata years.