2008 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 425 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the 425 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 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.
“The headlights on my car are angled too low while using low-beams and the visibility at night is bad. This has been an issue for the entire time I have had this car and I am now aware that I can file a complaint against it. High-beams seem to function ok.”
NHTSA complaint #11331347, filed 2020-06, 11,000 miles“I was unaware when I have turned on my parking lights - not my headlights. Dashboard lights are the same for either choice. Too often I am unaware when I have not turned my headlights on.. Dealer response was - no cars give you visual indication of the selected level of outside lighting. This is dangerous and has cause near misses often at dusk.”
NHTSA complaint #10660503, filed 2014-11, 50,000 miles“I cant keep headlights working on the passenger side and the wires are melted so its hard to even change the bulbs. Anyways I have been through 4-6 bulbs since feb. But most of the time I go without lights on that side even though it makes it hard to see at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10629597, filed 2014-08, 184,526 miles“Several times the ESC light has come on and I noticed a lot of drivers have their brake lights going off. I don't know if this is happening but I made an appointment and the light will not stay on so I cancelled. It did stay on once for 3 days along with the check engine light but I got my tires changed and both lights went off. Since then the ESC light keeps coming on but after it sets or you park it and restart, the light resets and goes off.”
NHTSA complaint #10551683, filed 2013-11, 93,000 miles“The brake lights will not go off! A light says ESC off, when I turn the car off , later the light is out but I still do not have functioning brake lights they just stay on while in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #10937210, filed 2016-12, 150,000 milesRelated recalls
- 13V113000Apr 1, 2013Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2007–2011, Tucson 2006–2011, Santa FE 2007–2011 +9 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…
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 2008 Hyundai Sonata
137 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
96 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsEngine
48 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsSuspension
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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