2012 Hyundai Santa Fe lights problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Brakes, Lights · FL

This car is made to have water go into the rear tail lights,then keeps shorting out my brake lights. I have to drive with 0 brake lights, except for the top bar one. When I replaced them, it shorted them out again and has been this way the entire time I have had this car. The car should not be made to have water go directly into the tail light when the trunk door is lifted, you can see it and goes into the right rear taillight but then shorted both of them out. I cannot keep replacing my tail lights nor should I have to! It is dangerous for me to have to drive with 0 brake/tail lights. This car was made incorrectly and therefore should be recalled before I get rearended and hurt! Drilling holes in bottom of tail lights did not work or solve issue either.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Lights · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear taillights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving at night, law enforcement performed a traffic stop because the rear taillights were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was a result of the manufacturer's vehicle design, which allowed water to enter the taillight housing. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 3, 2024 · Engine, Lights · TX

I have complained about this previously to recall, and it's doing it again. My engine shut off while driving its happened on the Fred harrman bridge twice now. All the dashboard lights come on and the engine shuts off I had to put it in neutral and restart it. It very dangerous and scarey experience. Also one of my passerger head light doesn't come on sometimes and the back driver side tail light. I can get out and hit it then it will come on. I have been pulled over by the police for it once before I told them it works just hit it. He did told me to get that fixed and gave me a warning. I can't afford to eletbeledtrical done little alone an engine please help. Call should have the first report as well.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · AK

Per the mandated law in September of 2001 all vehicles sold in the United States are required to have a trunk release on the inside. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe does not. The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe small SUV are very known for the lights to go out due to condensation in the tail lights. So needless to say it was built poorly as an owner like myself has to constantly change the tail lights or be rear-ended because I have NO brake lights. To me this is a serious issue. One that Hyundai has failed to correct. However, I recently took my vehicle in to be serviced and to have the tails lights changed. The dealership Lithia Hyundai of Alaska informed me they could not do them because I had to much water in the tail light cover and that they couldn't get into the trunk due to my junction box having failure. Well I suggested they fix the light cover and change the bulbs so I wouldn't get hit from the back. Service advise there was NO way to open the trunk from the inside. That I had to pay 5000.00 to fix one part to be able to open the trunk. I advised that was illegal per the federal safety agency and they stated they never heard of that. I would like to make this complaint because even though I cannot get one thing fix I should still be able to get my trunk open from the inside, to fix my brake light bulbs.

Filed Jul 1, 2023 · Lights · CO

Brake lights keep failing. Have replaced wiring harness, bulbs and brake switch twice now. Super unsafe to not have brake lights on your vehical

Filed Jun 22, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 60,000 miles · AK

Right rear brake light assembly leaks water shorting out the right rear brake light, this should be a product recall

Filed Apr 14, 2019 · Lights · 50,000 miles · GA

Add my rear tail light assemblies filling with water and condensation to the list of complaints. Back up and brake light bulbs must be replaced after any heavy rain event.

Filed Jan 7, 2018 · Lights · 45,000 miles · IN

Driver tail light assembly is collecting condensation in it, causing tail light bulbs to crack and blow out. Several youtube videos show fixes, so this is obviously an issue.

Filed Nov 15, 2017 · Lights · 100,000 miles · CA

Driver tail light assembly is collecting condensation in it.

Filed Jul 28, 2017 · Lights · 28,699 miles · TX

A safety accident has not happen with my vehicle but I do not feel safe driving somewhere at night since my front dome lights have quit working when I open my door. I don't have any warranty because y'all took away the good warranty since the car was originally my mother's.please recall