2003 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata, 2% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 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.
“My backup lights, cornering lights, and brake lights all went out on both sides of the rear of my car at the same time. The fuses are fine and the bulbs are fine. Now I do not have any working lights on the back of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10456942, filed 2012-04, 83,000 miles“My neighbors informed me that my brake lights were stuck on. One of them researched and read that it may be the m48 stop lamp switch. We found the plastic backing portion from the contact plate that pushes the switch in. It was broken in pieces and laying on the floor mat below the brake pedal. He replaced it with something that is temporarily doing the job. I will be taking my car into the Hyundai dealer next week to have this fixed. They will also be replacing my gas tank that got punctured while they were replacing the valve-canister cl, canister assy., and valve-purge contr. Back in feb. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629321, filed 2014-08, 142,000 miles“Recently took delivery on a 2003 hyundia sonota. Wonder when hyundia is going to get with the safety feature of driving lights? Am now driving around with parking lights on all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10000022, filed 2002-12Related service bulletins
- 11025476Nov 6, 2025This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp…
- 10178175Jul 14, 2020This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 18 | 11% |
| 2018 | 22 | 6% |
| 2017 | 20 | 3% |
| 2016 | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 | 38 | 3% |
| 2014 | 120 | 16% |
| 2013 | 197 | 10% |
| 2012 | 141 | 9% |
| 2011 | 249 | 7% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
| 2009 | 14 | 3% |
| 2008 | 20 | 5% |
| 2007 | 35 | 5% |
| 2006 | 45 | 4% |
| 2005 | 17 | 10% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Hyundai Sonata
43 complaintsBody and structure
38 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Hyundai Sonata
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