Problems · by component

2014 Hyundai Sonata exterior lighting problems

120 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Sonata cite exterior lighting, 16% of all 751 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
120
16% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the exterior lighting

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, a bystander notified the contact that the brake lights were inoperable. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and determined that the brake light housing needed to be replaced. The brake light housing was replaced; however, the failure persisted.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11766112
“Engine light is blinking and put safety of my family in danger. I called the close Huyndai dealer also I have a case number. However, it takes forever for them to answer. I only have this car. I am driver and this how I make living. I have no choice in driving this recall vehicle and kill my self and my family. No body care!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2025Exterior lighting, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11667606
“The turn signal stem assembly randomly begins failing after several years (approx 5 years). Issues will be noticed while driving in the dark. When turn signal is applied in both directions, occasionally headlights will turn off or flash causing interior lighting to change to brighter daylight settings at the same time. This can be disorienting for the driver as well as others on the road. To remedy the incorrect lighting situation, the driver needs to jiggle the turn signal stem assembly and normal lighting will resume. At subsequent turns, the entire situation repeats itself. Other drivers may believe they are being alerted to something or potentially angered, causing misunderstandings or altercations on the road. My original turn signal stem assembly was replaced after about 5 years due to this series of events. Now, after approximately 5 more years, the exact same symptoms have begun again with the authentic Hyundai OEM replacement parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 9, 2024Exterior lightingODI 11624381
“Electrical system going out only at night because headlights and inside lights are turning off for a few seconds only while driving at night this has happened multiple times since august and is becoming a safety concern while driving at night it's a safety concern because this has happened incoming traffic on roads and highways. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by dealership I tried calling to get an appointment but was told there is a fee and if something electrical a may have a cost per hour to inspect. No warning lights are turning on prior to headlights and inside lights going out. During the day no issues with vehicle. I've read a few online posts from other owners with same issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11621317
“The brake lights fail with no warning. Bulb replacement used to work. Since ownership at +70,000 miles, I have had to replace one or both of the tail light sections as they melted. The lighting harness has been changed multiple times. In January 2024 Hyundai issued a warranty extension to 15years/200,000miles. There is no date on the letter. When I tried to get my car serviced there were charges for testing to ensure that this was the problem and it was difficult to find someone to service the car in a timely manner. The police continue to issue me tickets for no rear brake lights. The Dealer who finally serviced the car indicated that the Warranty was Void as the replacement parts were not Hyundai parts. Servicing the car was well after the original warranty was already over, so why would you worry about warranty claims for original parts. They claim that they cannot diagnosis the problem without original parts. Hyundai Corporate Customer Service was no help in this matter, but they did apologize for the problem. Can't drive a car without tail lights and paying 850 for the repair is one month of my disability check.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11589230
“The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11586575

Showing 6 of 120 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.