2011 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 249about this part
- Share
- 7%of 3,380 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 249 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of the 3,380 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I parked my car after coming from work, went back out to change my brake light that was out, after I couldn't change my bulb because its toasted to the harness, I tried starting up my car which it did, but my shift lock was locked on on park and my traction control came on and I have no brake lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11291960, filed 2019-12, 122,000 miles“Rear passenger side tail light wasn't working and when I tried to replace it, the plastic housing where the light bulb goes had melted. Now the light bulb doesn't fit in the hole. A google search of this problem indicates there are many others that have the same problem. Sounds like a defect to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11002863, filed 2017-07, 63,870 miles“My engine failed while driving.....I had it towed to Hyundai dealer because I was informef about vehicle recall. The dealership will not provide me with loaner car without full coverage insurance. I have been without my vehicle almost 30 days.”
NHTSA complaint #11383106, filed 2020-12, 136,133 miles“My brake lights remained illuminated when I was not pressing the brake. I discovered this after they stayed on even while the car was off and parked, and drained the battery so the car would not start. The mechanic replaced the brake light switch and rubber stopper pad.”
NHTSA complaint #11128663, filed 2018-09, 80,000 miles“While driving on the street and highway. The headlights flicker, and the radio/clock lights flicker on and off when the turn signals are used.it seems like mostly on right turns.I noticed a similar compiant when reading the complaints for the same exact car. I had my car in for an unrelated issued and I mentioned it to the service center. I found out about another recall that I did not know about. Why are there so many recall..”
NHTSA complaint #11140505, filed 2018-10, 80,000 milesRelated recalls
- 15V759000Nov 16, 2015Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011–2012
- 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…
- 11007584Sep 9, 2024Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may exhibit inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Hyundai is extending…
- 11007583Sep 4, 2024Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may experience inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Hyundai is extending…
- 10247588Dec 5, 2023Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may experience inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Hyundai is extending…
- 10247587Dec 5, 2023Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may exhibit inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Hyundai is extending…
- 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…
- 10074821Feb 8, 2016Summary to be provided on a future date.
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 2011 Hyundai Sonata
1,171 complaintsEngine
968 complaintsElectrical system
444 complaintsAir bags
419 complaintsOther or unknown
217 complaintsBrakes
175 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
173 complaintsSuspension
149 complaintsFuel system
133 complaintsSeat belts
107 complaintsVehicle speed control
95 complaintsBody and structure
73 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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