2012 Hyundai Sonata exterior lighting problems
141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side brake light…”
filed Apr 21, 2026
“My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.”
filed Oct 9, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain…Campaign 15V759000 · Nov 16, 2015
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of…
25-BD-012H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 6, 2025
Exterior Lighting problems in other Sonata years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 Sonata | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 Sonata | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Sonata | 18 | 12% |
| 2018 Sonata | 22 | 6% |
| 2017 Sonata | 20 | 3% |
| 2016 Sonata | 38 | 5% |
| 2015 Sonata | 38 | 3% |
| 2014 Sonata | 119 | 16% |
| 2013 Sonata | 197 | 10% |
| 2011 Sonata | 246 | 7% |
| 2010 Sonata | 10 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.