2012 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 141about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,559 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 141 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 9% of the 1,559 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, 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.
“My passenger rear light keeps blowing. I have replaced the bulb once a week since I bought the car two years ago. I have been pulled over multiple times, thankfully I was not ticketed and was given a warning all 3 times. The light went out again so I went to change the bulb and the the whole housing unit is melted. Now I am unable to take the bulb out to change it.”
NHTSA complaint #11406847, filed 2021-04, 138,000 miles“My wiring harness on both the front and back headlights and taillights keeps burning. I have replaced the driver headlight, and all bulbs all around the car. Ive even changed out the connector on the bulb of the headlights and no matter what I do the wire on the wiring harness keeps burning and when I use the turn signal sometimes all the lighting in my car blinks”
NHTSA complaint #11364609, filed 2020-10, 130,000 miles“Having purchased the aforementioned VIN last month, the break lights stay on even tho the car is off, thus draining the battery. With a heightened fear of being rear-ended, or worse, for the now we disconnect the battery cable. Also, the car wants to stall when stepping on the gas pedal, the acceleration is delayed, this at any speed. Fearful of the engine catching afire, we appreciate post haste.”
NHTSA complaint #11337248, filed 2020-07, 135,000 miles“Both headlights on my Hyundai went out at the same time. I was told it would cost $1200 to replace both.it could have been much worse if I was on the road and they went out. This is quite expensive. It seems to me this is a safety issue. Was there a recall on this problem? I noticed it as my wife was pulling out of the garage.I don't know how long they were not working.”
NHTSA complaint #11035575, filed 2017-10, 48,000 miles“For the third time now I was pulled over on the freeway for having a tail light out on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata. No matter how many times I replace the bulbs they just keep blowing. I haven't received a ticket yet from any of these occurrences, thank god, but I'm sure eventually... I am starting to fear I am going to be somewhere at night and someone is going to hit me. This cannot be normal for my year Hyundai.”
NHTSA complaint #11228322, filed 2019-06, 69,000 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
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…
- 10170885Jan 27, 2020This bulletin provides information to assist with ordering the correct part when replacing a tail lamp harness.
- 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 2012 Hyundai Sonata
568 complaintsSteering
301 complaintsElectrical system
235 complaintsAir bags
170 complaintsBrakes
158 complaintsOther or unknown
125 complaintsFuel system
114 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
84 complaintsSeat belts
75 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsSuspension
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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