2009 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 460 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,962miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 3% of the 460 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,962 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 headlights keep burning out. I have had to change them at least 3-4 times per year. After the most recent change they blew back in within two weeks. I have to drive with my high beams on at all times.”
NHTSA complaint #11013868, filed 2017-08, 200,000 miles“Within the last year and a half I have replaced the low beam headlights approximately 6 times. 3 times on the right headlight and 3 on the left. My mechanic can not tell me what is causing this. He said it looks like a grounding problem. Have you had any reports of this problem or is this an isolated problem? The cost of these bulbs are getting too much to bear. It seems to be getting worse because I replaced the left light last week and the right light today (12-8-14).”
NHTSA complaint #10662953, filed 2014-12, 89,600 miles“My ESC off and check engine lights came on. My mechanic indicated it was due to a bad brake light switch as my rear brake lights and cruise control did not work. He replaced the brake light switch but a couple days later the check engine light came back on. The computer listed a different code, stating the brake light switch is not compatible, but the rear brake lights work off and on. Awaiting follow up with my mechanic as he was going to check with Hyundai.”
NHTSA complaint #10535521, filed 2013-08, 92,323 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that in February 2022 there was an unknown recall campaign for the Stop Lamp Switch replacement and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the failure ha reoccurred, and the warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11528831, filed 2023-06, 146,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake stop lamp failed intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 81,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10511984, filed 2013-05, 81,000 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…
- 10029230Jan 1, 2009Hyundai: left headlamp assembly retainer. This bulletin provides information on inspection or repair of the left headlamp assembly retainer.
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 2009 Hyundai Sonata
98 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsEngine
56 complaintsElectronic stability control
51 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsBody and structure
40 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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