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 was inoperative. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
2012 Hyundai Sonata lights problems
141 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 141
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Brake lights10
- Tail lights6
- Headlights2
- Brake lights: bulbs2
- Headlights: bulbs1
- Brake lights: switch1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Sonata lights problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata lights
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
- Risk
- If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑671‑3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Recall number 15V759000 · Recall details
What 2012 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Painting chipping on front top car... Seatbelt don't fasten all the time...Lights are dim.
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.
I’ve been having issues with my Gas Gauge not recognizing how much gas I have in my car. I can fill my tank up, and the gas light constantly stays on. I’ve been looking online and came across other Hyundai owners having the same problem. I also have been having what seems to be an electrical issue where my passenger door, does not open and it’s intermittent which also seems to be connected to why my car ceiling light won’t turn on all the time. Lastly, I have to constantly change the head light bulbs and the break light bulb. I’ve owned my car for 3 1/2 years now, and I shouldn’t have to keep having to put money into it when it seems to be a known issue.
My brake lights are constantly needing replaced. Sometimes they stay on even when I'm not braking, other times they won't come on at all when I brake. I've gotten them replaced many times but it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I've almost gotten rear ended 3 times now bc my lights have failed to come on when hitting the brakes.
The starter has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years. I know this is a hyundai problem because talking to other Hyundai owners have the same issue.
The driver side seat belt wont click and stay in almost half the time i drive my car… after reading other complaints its looking like this is a common thing. Within the past year ive noticed lots of times that when im going to lock my car with my fob, it wont lock and its because the passenger side lock button on the inside of door is in a stuck between lock/unlock position… resulting in me having to lean over to manually unlock the door even when I’ve unlocked my car with both the fob and inside button… all the sudden i noticed too that my speed control will not work at all and be completely unresponsive most times. It will RANDOMLY work when i try checking it on highway. ive had SO many issues with my taillights going/burning out constantly and now my headlights have gotten really dim. Im scared to drive at night now. They are much more dimmer than a cars should look like usually. Within the past week i just noticed a random big crack in the dashboard on the passenger side as well… noticed that seems to be a common thing and concern of safety with lots of others who own and drive this same vehicle… my first thought was “what if this crack will effect the airbag and make it deploy?” The crack is literally right over and above where the airbag is… plan on trying to take my car to place on OKC that did the anti-theft system software update on my car… but my car has gotten so bad when driving ill be lucky if it makes it there in one piece. My car has started to shake SO bad when im driving!!! Almost “jumping” at times it feels like. This car has been a pretty good car but when there are MULTIPLE complaints of the SAME issues that continuously keep costing us money and its not because of our doing and in fact the manufacturers FAULTY equipment and parts that they used to make these cars… they should most definitely be doing recalls and fixing these problems at no cost!
See attached document for complaint.
The rear tail lights repeatedly "burn out" and have to be replaced. This endangers me and other drivers when the tail lights are not working. The police have told me to fix it. I took it to the dealer who said it will cost $900 to replace wiring. Hyundai has issued an extended warranty (no recall) for this problem but will only fix it if the wires have melted. I believe this is manufacturer defect that they should repair.
Taillight not working. I purchased a bulb for taillight and it’s still out. I got a recall letter in the mail about the lights on sonata but I misplaced it.
Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata lights
Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have lights problems?
Owners have filed 141 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 9% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata lights?
Yes, 1 recall: 15V759000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Sonata have the most lights problems?
The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most lights complaints are 2011 (250 complaints), 2013 (198 complaints) and 2012 (141 complaints).
Other 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems
Engine 578Steering 301Electrical 235Airbags 170Brakes 158Fuel system 117Transmission 97Acceleration 84Seat belts 75Driver assistance 49Body 39Suspension 36Wheels 27Visibility 22Tires 12Seats 5Locks 1
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