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Exterior lightingPart report

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
1%of 155 total for the year
Median mileage
85,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 1% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had to change my break lights 8 times since january. Both my rear left and right brake lamps keep burning out constantly, even though I've replaced the bulbs many times. I have now received 2 warnings about it. I have taken my car into Hyundai and after a lot of frustration they do a temporary fix then it happens again. This is huge safety issue, as brake lights are required by law, and if they aren't working properly, they pose a huge risk to driver and those around. Other sonatas are on recall for this but I am being told my VIN does not qualify. …”

NHTSA complaint #11110316, filed 2018-07, 120,000 miles

“The interior lights will significantly dim for no apparent reason to the point you can not even read the time on the clock. Sometimes if you hit the turn signal they will flicker to regular brightness. Asl if I hit a soeed bump or pot hole the headlights will flicker off/then back on. This happens while in motion on city streets or highways.”

NHTSA complaint #11220172, filed 2019-06, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024111%
2018222%
201734%
201675%
201414%
201322%
201221%
201111%

Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Engine
68 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
31 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Electrical system
23 complaints
Other or unknown
15 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology