2005 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Hyundai Sonata, 10% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have replaced passenger side headlights twice in the past six months. Now both brake lights not working. The fuse is fine and the bulbs are fine. I found recall on other models of sonatas for this specific problem of brake lights but Hyundai says that my car is not part of the recall. They say that my VIN number was not negotiated in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10344289, filed 2010-07, 80,000 miles“I had come to a complete stop attempting to merge into traffic, as I pressed on accelerator, I felt it go down under my foot, thus hiting the right rear bumper of the car in front of me.this was the first time. The second time happened in january. 2012. I was turning into my parking spot, and I had softly braked. And as I pressed on the acceleator, and like the first time, I felt the accelerator go down beneath my foot, without pressing too hard. I ran into my apartment, and caused a good deal of damage to it.as well as my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10585475, filed 2014-04, 38,000 miles“1)no changes or events that lead to this concern. 2)headlights continue to go out. It usually starts with the passenger side and then onto the drivers side. I have to replace the headlight bulbs every month if not more. 3)these bulbs are purchased brand new. Dealer states no recall. I replaced the blown passenger bulb on a tuesday, it blew out two days later and then the drivers side blew out; we were in the middle of a road trip late at night! Not the first time this had happened. Safety issue. I have friends who are having the same occurrences.”
NHTSA complaint #10284741, filed 2009-09, 75,000 miles“I have not owned my 2005 Hyundai Sonata for one year yet and is experiencing a confusing time with one set of the exterior lighting not working at all, the fuse were checked so I was told that it may be the switch, also the electrical system on the power doors always lock three out of the four doors. The check engine light goes on and off every other week the code says its a oxygen sensor. The lighting it restraining me form driving at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10533513, filed 2013-08“The 2005 Hyundai Sonata gls has several problems that should be under warranty and recalled, close to the 2006 recalls. We own a company and have purchased over 12 to 14 hyundais. We have found that the Sonata gls 2005 has problems with the airbag deployment, seatbelt restraint, the front tires are closer to the back & not centered on the wheel well (has been this way since purchased, but they do not correct.), have electrical problems & that unibody type frame & so on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10237787, filed 2008-08Related recalls
- 09V280000Jul 21, 2009Hyundai is recalling 3,011 model year 2005-2007 elantra, tucson, sonata, azera and accent vehicles. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2005–2007, Elantra 2005–2007, Tucson 2005–2007 +2 more
Related 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…
- 10031008Jun 1, 2009Hyundai service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Stop lamp switch replacement (campaign 092). This bulletin describes the procedure to remove, replace, and…
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 2005 Hyundai Sonata
55 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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